Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Increases Student Learning and Improves School Culture

Pittsburgh Public Schools has always been committed to creating environments where teachers can teach and students can learn. Through the framework of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), we now have a formalized way to provide consistent supports and interventions that ensure all students and staff have clear expectations for a safe and engaging learning environment.

PBIS is built on a foundation of expectations. When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave appropriately. With that thought in mind, principals, teachers, and staff at every school in the District work together to set up behavioral expectations and subsequent rewards that are specific to their school. Expectations are reinforced and acknowledged at places like morning meetings, classrooms, and school-wide events.

Expectations are broad, and age-appropriate. Most revolve around common objectives such as being respectful, responsible, and safe. Consistency is the key to success. Each building has selected their own set of positively stated expectations. All adults and students throughout their school utilize the same expectations in all environments.

In some schools, when students are “caught being good,” they are acknowledged with tickets or points that reinforce the likelihood that the positive behavior will occur again. Opportunities to reinforce student behavior happen at the building, classroom, and individual levels. Each building has their own acknowledgment system that feature items and experiences that are meaningful to all students. Over time, negative behaviors disappear in favor of preferred positive behaviors.