Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

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Recording for Safe Learning Environments Virtual Series Now Available. Learn more here.

About PBIS

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a prevention-based framework for organizing evidence-based behavioral supports into an integrated continuum that enhances academic and social outcomes for all students.

The mission of Colorado PBIS (CO-PBIS) is to establish and maintain effective school environments that maximize academic achievement and behavioral competence of all learners in Colorado.

For More Information Contact:

Lynne DeSousa, COMTSS Specialist/RTI and PBIS Integration Coordinator desousa_l@cde.state.co.us

elementary students looking at a globe

Colorado PBIS Fast Facts

Colorado PBIS has been providing training to schools and districts since its inception during the 2002-03 school year
In 2002-03, PBIS was funding with IDEA set-aside funds and started with 2 districts and 16 schools
In 2003-04, a federally funded State Improvement Grant (SIG) was awarded with the goal of expanding PBIS implementation
In 2008-09, a "no-cost extension" of SIG funds was awarded to CO PBIS to continue implementation efforts
In July 2009, Commissioner Dwight Jones created the Response to Intervention/Positive Behavior Support Unit at CDE
In August 2009, Colorado was awarded a State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG) for comprehensive systems change efforts of RtI/PBIS
From 2009 to 2014, 1000 Colorado schools, ranging from preschool to high school and facilities, were trained to implement PBIS
In 2016, another round of the SPDG was awarded to the Office of Learning Supports (OLS).

Colorado's 8 Practices of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

Establish Administrative Leadership: state, district and school leaders' active support
Develop Team-Based Implementation: special and general education staff plan and implement
Define Behavioral Expectations: concrete, positive behaviors that every student can remember
Teach Behavioral Expectations: explain, model, practice and process
Acknowledge and Reward Appropriate Behavior: for students and adults
Monitor and Correct Behavioral Errors: consistent consequences for a continuum of behaviors
Use Information for Decision Making: who, what, when, where and how often
Build Parent Collaboration: with schools and community