A Systems Approach

SW-PBS is a systems change framework to address school climate and culture. When you embark upon implementing SW-PBS at the district and school levels, you are undertaking a change in your system of addressing culture, climate, discipline, and behavior. It becomes a change in the way your district or school does business.

Implementation is a process, not an event. Implementation will not happen all at once nor always proceed smoothly. SW-PBS provides the opportunity to take time to plan and prepare before implementation. While clear progress is essential to sustain interest in the initiative, schools that work steadily and thoroughly through preparation activities prior to implementation experience the greatest success.

This professional learning module focuses on the four interconnected elements of School-wide Positive Behavior Supports: systems, practices, data, and outcomes and helps participants understand how prevention and function-based thinking work together to produce a change in how school systems think about and address student behavior.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the four elements that guide the systematic implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports (SW-PBS).
  • Understand the impact of behavior problems on students and educators.
  • Understand how prevention logic and function-based thinking work together to produce change in how school systems think about and address student behavior.
  • Identify the key features within a Multi-Tiered System of Support.
  • Understand the similarities and differences between academic Response to Intervention (RTI) and Schoolwide Positive Behavior and Supports (SW-PBS).
  • Understand the tiered supports for professional learning for staff.
  • Become familiar with the Four Interconnected Elements of SW-PBS.
  • Understand how outcomes serve to build a durable discipline system and promote social competence and academic achievement.
  • Understand the component of effective professional learning and differentiated supports for staff.
  • Understand how data (and data-based decision making) serve to build a durable discipline system and promote social competence and academic achievement.
  • Understand how the 8 Effective Teaching and Learning Practices serve to build a durable discipline system and promote social competence and academic achievement.

Recommended Prerequisites

Participant Handouts

Pre-Post Knowledge Check

Pre and post knowledge checks are a component of high-quality professional development. It is recommended that all consultants and other trainers/facilitators use them as they tailor their professional development for their audience. The pre-post knowledge check and the answer key are posted below for downloading and administering.

Presenter Materials

Powerpoint with Presenter Notes

Implementation Supports

Additional Resources