Positive Behavioral Supports

By: Amanda Johnson

PBS is not.
A top-down approach (staff buy-in
is crucial)
A quick fix for behavior problems
An off-the-shelf, ready-to-use
program

PBS is..
Based on a team approach
An investment of time and energy to
learn new skills and develop systems
A way to build on existing strengths
A process able flex fit a variety of
situations
Practical, effective, validated, and
enduring

Positive Behavioral Support

Positive Behavioral Support is a
comprehensive approach to changing
inappropriate behavior by teaching the
individual new skills to replace impeding
behaviors. PBS does not solely focus on
reducing problem behavior but rather the
interconnectedness
of the environment,
skill deficits and it promotes new skill
attainment.

Essential Components
Data Driven
Clear Expectations Universally
known
Focuses on 5-1 Positive Interaction
Acknowledges Appropriate Behavior
Proactive rather than Reactive

Essential Components Cont.

Building Decision Making
Supports a Positive Learning Environment
Continues Staff Development at School,
Class and Individual Student Levels

Supporting: Attention/Control
Increase the students personal control
and choices
Increase opportunities for positive
attention and friendships
Increase the students status, self-esteem,
image

Supporting: Escape/Avoidance
Increase students personal control/choice
Increase student status/self-esteem/image
Match to student strengths and interests:
Teaching strategies
Instructional strategies
Expected response
Testing method

Supporting Self-Regulation
Increase the students control/choices
Match to student strengths and interests:
Teaching strategies
Instructional strategies
Expected response
Testing method

Team Talk
Talk with your team about ways you can:
1.Increase student control and choice
2.Increase opportunities for positive attention
3.Increase student status/self-esteem/image
4.Match to the students strengths/interests
Teaching strategies
Instructional strategies
Expected response
Testing method

Remember
Be a positive role-model for your students
The bulk of your contact with students
should be rewarding, not demanding
Acts of human kindness are not limited to
verbal praisebe creative
Your body language says a million words
Give rewards immediately for any level of
effort made

Activities
Continuum of Behavior Problems
Worksheet
Behavior Expectations Matrix
Menu for Effectively Responding to
Classroom Misbehavior