Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
Information for Families
What is PBS?
PBS is an approach that results in safer, more effective schools.
PBS provides school-wide behavior support systems
so that all students can learn.
What does PBS look like in my child’s school?
► Primary/Universal Practices:
Practices to enhance school climate, teach social and
emotional skills, and maintain clear behavioral guidelines
school-wide.
►Secondary
Secondary Practices:
Targeted interventions to support student not responding
to universal practices. (i.e. Check In/Check Out)
► Tertiary Practices:
Individual interventions that reduce intensity and
complexity of problem behaviors.
Behavior Expectations
Each school has 3-5 school-wide behavior
expectations.
These behavior expectations are defined
specifically in each environment throughout the
school to make sure the expectations are clear to all
students.
Teaching Behavior
If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.
If a child doesn’t know how to swim, we teach.
If a child doesn’t know how to multiply, we teach.
If a child doesn’t know how to drive, we teach.
If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we teach?...punish?
“Cool Tools”
are brief lesson
plans that teach
specific behaviors.
Acknowledgement System
Acknowledgements reinforce school-wide expectations and provide a
framework for students and staff to give and receive positive feedback.
“I noticed you were responsible
by making sure your trash
went in the garbage.”
Types of
Acknowledgements
Verbal
Symbolic
Tokens
Student of the Week
Tangible
Interested in becoming involved with PBS at your school?
Join your school’s PBS Team
Assist with PBS school-wide celebrations
Help spread the word about PBS through newsletters, displays, and videos
Contribute to acknowledgments aligned with your school’s system
Call your school’s PBS Coach to become involved!
Want to learn more about Positive Behavior (Interventions) and Supports?
PBS Wisconsin
www.wisconsinpbisnetwork.org
PBIS Website
www.pbis.org
Family Involvement and PBIS
www.pbis.org/families.htm
Getting Behavior in Shape at Home
www.pbis.org/English/behaviorshape.htm
MMSD PBS Team
545 E. Dayton St.
Madison, WI 53703