How can teachers utilize strategies from Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)?

Utilizing strategies from Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) emphasizes a proactive rather than reactive approach to behavior management. By implementing proactive strategies to promote positive behavior, teachers create an environment that encourages students to engage in acceptable behaviors and minimizes the likelihood of negative behavior occurring. This proactive stance involves teaching behavioral expectations, providing positive reinforcement, and creating supportive school environments that cater to the needs of all students.

Strategies within PBIS focus on prevention and the cultivation of a positive school culture. This can include teaching social-emotional skills, fostering strong relationships, and recognizing positive behaviors consistently. When teachers adopt these approaches, they empower students to take responsibility for their own behavior and contribute positively to the learning environment, leading to improved academic and social outcomes for students, particularly those with disabilities.

In contrast to this proactive approach, a reactive stance that relies solely on responding to negative behavior or strict discipline policies may fail to address the underlying causes of behavior and can foster a negative atmosphere, reducing student engagement and motivation. Offering rewards, while it can be part of a comprehensive strategy, is not the foundation of PBIS and should be employed in conjunction with teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors rather than being the main focus.