Why Your School Might Need a PBIS Refresh
- Dianne McKinley
- Jan 27, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 26
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) has been a game-changer for many schools, improving student behavior, fostering a positive school culture, and reducing disciplinary incidents. But like any system, PBIS requires regular maintenance to remain effective. If your school has implemented PBIS but isn’t seeing the results you hoped for, it might be time for a “refresh.” Here are some common reasons schools find themselves in need of a PBIS reboot—and how INcompassing Education can support you in the process.
1. Staff Turnover
New staff members who haven’t received formal PBIS training can unintentionally create inconsistencies in implementation. Providing a refresher ensures everyone is on the same page.
2. Inconsistent Practices
Over time, variability in how PBIS strategies are applied across classrooms or grade levels can erode its effectiveness. A refresh helps align practices schoolwide.
3. Decrease in Student Outcomes
If your school is experiencing an increase in behavioral incidents, office referrals, or suspensions, it’s a signal that PBIS may need recalibration.
4. Loss of Fidelity
Drift happens. Even the best systems can lose effectiveness if staff gradually move away from core PBIS practices. Regular training can bring everyone back to basics.
5. New Challenges
Changing student demographics, behavior trends, or shifts in school culture often require adjustments to your PBIS framework.
6. Ineffective Data Use
PBIS relies on behavior data to guide decisions. If staff aren’t analyzing or using data effectively, it’s time to revisit this critical component.
7. Policy Changes
Updates to state or district discipline policies might require your school to adjust its PBIS strategies to remain compliant and effective.
8. Lack of Student Buy-In
If students seem disengaged or unaware of PBIS expectations and rewards, a refresh can help re-engage them and rebuild enthusiasm.
9. Leadership Changes
New administrators or PBIS coaches may bring fresh perspectives and require training to ensure alignment with existing behavior goals.
10. Staff Fatigue or Resistance
A decline in enthusiasm for PBIS among staff may indicate a need for renewed training, motivation, and support.
11. Limited Tier 2/3 Support
If students requiring more intensive interventions aren’t improving, a PBIS refresh can strengthen Tier 2 and Tier 3 strategies.
12. Ineffective Reinforcement Systems
Rewards systems that no longer motivate students can undermine PBIS efforts. Revising these systems during a refresh can reinvigorate student engagement.
13. Stakeholder Feedback
If parents, students, or community members voice concerns about discipline practices, a PBIS review can address these issues and rebuild trust.
14. Integration with MTSS
For schools working to align PBIS within a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework, additional training ensures a seamless integration.
15. Building Equity
PBIS can help address disparities in discipline outcomes across different student groups. A refresh can focus on equity-centered strategies to ensure fairness and inclusion.
16. Support During Transition Periods
Periods of change, such as the start of a new school year or returning from extended breaks, are ideal times to revisit and reestablish PBIS expectations.
How INcompassing Education Can Help:
If you recognize any of these signs in your school, INcompassing Education is here to help. Our team of seasoned Specialists offers tailored professional development and coaching to:
Revisit and refine your PBIS framework.
Train new and existing staff to ensure consistency.
Align PBIS with other initiatives, including MTSS.
Strengthen Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions.
Create equity-focused PBIS strategies that work for all students.
With our support, your school can reignite the power of PBIS, creating a positive and inclusive environment where every student and staff member thrives.
Ready to Refresh Your PBIS Program?
Contact INcompassing Education today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll design a plan that meets your school’s unique needs and ensures your PBIS program is as effective as possible.
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