Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports

PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and is a part of a school’s Multi Tiered System of Support for students. Through PBIS, schools set clear behavior expectations that are positively taught and reinforced across the school– classrooms, hallways, the playground and cafeteria. Students who need more support in meeting these expectations might be given more specific directions or more time to practice the skills needed to maintain safe, effective school environments that maximize learning.

When a student or group of students need something more in order to thrive, they may receive an intervention. An intervention is instruction beyond what’s typically part of regular teaching. It is designed to target a specific need and often small group or individual. Sometimes the intervention happens in the classroom with the student’s teacher and sometimes it is with an interventionist in a different classroom. In middle and high school, students might be part of a special course to address their individual needs. These interventions are not special education services.

 An intervention may take a few weeks or a few years, depending on the student’s need. Data is collected regularly to make sure that the intervention is working as planned –or adjusted if needed. 

F​amily, school and community partnering is one of the five components of MTSS.  This means that everyone has a role in the process.  School based teams work together to support student learning at home, at school, and in the community.  Ask your school how to join the work of the MTSS!

As school based teams meet and plan interventions or progress monitoring for students, they include educators and families in the process.  Information may come in the form of informal communication, meetings, conferences or email.  You may be invited to be part of a collaborative Student Support Team meeting for your child, where you will be asked to contribute to a plan for supporting your student. 

Here are a few ways families can support what their student is doing in school:

• Get your student to school on time, ready to learn –every day!

• Make reading an everyday habit at home

• Communicate with your student’s teacher

• Monitor and assist with homework assignments

• Monitor student grades

• Review progress monitoring data

• Share your student’s successes

• Help your student set personal goals

• Help your student understand how to persevere through the tough parts of school

• Learn more about the curricula and interventions being used in your student’s school

• Attend parent/teacher conferences and other school meeting about your student