To fully execute multitiered systems of support (MTSS), schools must have access to screening and progress monitoring measures that are defensible and appropriate for intended use yet also must be usable within the intended context. Usability is the extent to which a measure, process, or system is acceptable and can be feasibly used by…

Identification and validation of effective Tier 2 interventions that address a wide range of student-level factors is critical to the sustainability of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS). Within the context of Check-in Check-out (CICO), function of behavior affects outcomes for many students, especially for those who engage in…

The effects of imposing accountability pressures on public school teachers are empirically indeterminate. In this paper, we study the effects of accountability in the context of teacher responses to student behavioral infractions in the aftermath of teacher evaluation reforms. We leverage cross-state variation in the timing of state policy…

Behavior-specific praise is an evidenced-based and effective classroom and behavior management strategy. Despite the effectiveness of behavior-specific praise, low rates of classroom implementation and expressed needs for additional professional learning on classroom and behavior management strategies persist. School leaders can use existing staff…

Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a framework that incorporates assessments and interventions to reduce behavior issues and increase student achievement. Schools utilize Response-to-Intervention (RTI), a multi-tiered approach, to support students with academic and behavioral needs. School and district leaders in rural contexts face…

Middle school is a cornerstone for success in high school. However, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement of adolescents often decline as they transition from elementary to middle school, resulting in lower school grades and more challenging behaviors, especially for adolescents with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders…

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of function-based decisions made in consideration of scores from the Intervention Selection Profile (ISP)-Function, a tool founded upon direct behavior rating methodology. The ISP-Function is designed to be a brief measure, given the need for efficient and low resource assessments in schools.…

The purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of function-based decisions made in consideration of scores from the Intervention Selection Profile--Function (ISP-Function), a tool founded upon direct behavior rating (DBR) methodology. The ISP-Function is designed to be a brief measure, given the need for efficient and low-resource…

Schools face an unprecedent demand for mental health services. Student mental health problems can be addressed via a continuum of mental health evidence-based practices (EBPs) integrated within school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). However, integrating mental health interventions with PBIS can be challenging. The…

Post-pandemic, there has been a rise in verbal and physical fights and bullying as well as a greater number of students who are failing to engage in the classroom. While the pandemic contributed to the struggles that children are experiencing, inconsistency in schools has added to the challenge. The collective trauma of the COVID-19 pandemic…

Despite the long-term negative outcomes associated with restraining and secluding students, these practices are frequently used in schools, with disproportionate use on students with disabilities. Based on recent guidance from the U.S. Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, misusing these practices violates student rights under the Americans…

This research study investigated the impact of implementing a Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) bus framework on student behavior. Pre and post-implementation data were collected from an elementary school (K-4) in a large suburban school district on Long Island. The school has been implementing PBIS school-wide but not a…

There is a rich literature about the benefits of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) for schools. However, evidence on teacher-related outcomes is relatively limited. The current study examines the effect of the PBIS Tier 1 implementation on collective teacher efficacy (CTE). Participants were 530 teachers from 60 primary…

Background: Few studies have considered policies which underpin the promotion of positive behaviour support (PBS). The present study examined policy beliefs about PBS and their relationship to restrictive practices. Methods: Discourse network analysis (a combination of critical discourse analysis and social network analysis) was used. Results: A…

A restrictive practice (RP) is defined as a practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person, and includes physical, mechanical, and chemical restraint, and seclusion. If misused or overused, RPs may present serious human rights infringements. In Australia, behaviour support practitioners…