Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is Tier 1 of VTSS that establishes interventions and supports for all students within the school. This tier serves as the foundation for school-wide expectations as it pertains to behavior and academics. It is a way to support everyone and to create the kinds of schools where all students are successful.
PBIS is NOT a curriculum you purchase or something you learn during a one-day professional development training. It is a commitment to addressing student behavior through systems change. When it’s implemented with fidelity, students have the opportunity to achieve improved social and academic outcomes, schools experience reduced exclusionary discipline practices, and school personnel feels more effective.
The FIVE ELEMENTS PBIS emphasizes includes equity, systems, data, practices, and outcomes. When PBIS is implemented with fidelity, it fits seamlessly within the local context. To do that requires a focus on aspects of culture and equity. The foundational systems establish they schools operate. Systems include teaming structures, training, coaching and other supports for educators. Data is used to select, monitor, and evaluate outcomes, practices, and systems across all three tiers. The school and classroom practices implemented are critical to supporting students and creating a positive school climate. The goal of implementing PBIS data, systems, and practices is to improve outcomes.
To date, HCPS has 51 schools/programs implementing the VTSS model. These schools have installed Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and have Intervention Teams that meet weekly to review academic, behavior, and attendance data, make recommendations for interventions and monitor students’ response to intervention (RtI). As the HCPS Strategic Plan: Destination 2025 states, by 2024 all HCPS schools will implement positive behavior interventions and supports as evidenced by formal implementation of Virginia Tiered System of Supports or a schoolwide behavior plan.
For more information about VTSS, visit the VTSS-RIC website: https://vtss-ric.vcu.edu/. Questions about HCPS VTSS implementation may be directed to Dr. Matthew C. Jones, VTSS Specialist – Student Support & Wellness.
