North Thurston Public Schools

All Students Empowered & Future-Ready

What is Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS)?

Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) is a pro-active approach to increasing positive student behavior through direct instruction. In every school, staff teach behavior expectations to students that are consistent with pro-social traits such as responsibility and respect. The behavior expectations are taught to students throughout the school year in different areas of the school. Students receive positive recognition for following behavior expectations. Students who have difficulty with learning behavior expectations are provided additional instruction in small groups or on an individual basis. Parents play a key role in supporting PBIS by positively acknowledging their students when they follow the behavior expectations at their school.

Schools that implement PBIS well, typically see a decrease in inappropriate behaviors as measured by a decrease in office referrals, suspensions, and other disciplinary infractions. Because less time is spent by teachers and principals in dealing with student behavior, increased academic time and learning opportunities result. Improved student performance follows. Through PBIS, school staff are able to prevent problem behavior and recapture instructional time that would otherwise be lost.

Why are NTPS schools developing PBIS systems?

PBIS is a key part of our new district-wide approach called Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). MTSS is a problem solving approach that ensures all students access academic and behavior supports when they are needed. PBIS is the behavior part of this system. As a part of the MTSS process, all students are screened in math, reading and behavior three times a year. The information gained from the screening is used to identify students who need additional support. When needed, students receive research based academic and behavior supports matched to their individual needs. Instruction for students with behavior needs includes social skills training in areas such as managing feelings, problem solving, and conflict resolution. The effectiveness of the instruction is continuously monitored to support student progress. MTSS is designed to provide early intervention to students to prevent academic failure and to encourage timely progression to graduation.

Who oversees the implementation of PBIS?

Each school has a PBIS Leadership Team made up of the school counselor, school psychologist and certified and classified teaching staff. One member of the school team serves as the PBIS Coordinator. In addition, the Director of Student Support and the PBIS/SEL Specialists support the PBIS effort across all schools in the district.

Have questions?

North Thurston Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Civil Rights Coordinator and Title IX Officer: executivedirectorHR@nthurston.k12.wa.us, 360-412-4453; Section 504 Coordinator: 504@nthurston.k12.wa.us, 360-412-4465. Address for both: 305 College Street NE, Lacey, WA 98516.