• What is PBS?
  Positive Behavior Support (PBS) is a philosophical framework and encompasses a set of professional practices shown to help students experience greater success at school. Based on the scientific evidence and validated by research, PBS is an effective method for increasing school safety, enhancing students’ social-behavioral skills, establishing an effective learning environment, and creating a more positive school climate.

  In addition to being a best professional practice, the use of Positive Behvaior Support (PBS) is also supported by federal legislation. PBS is the intervention technology recommended by the 1997 Amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for dealing with students with challenging behaviors.

• What are the key features of Positive Behavior Support?
  • PBS is…
    • first and foremost, a philosophical framework;
    • a process for capacity-building, not a “canned” program;
    • supportive of a continuum of behavioral supports;
    • proactive and prevention focused;
    • instructionally focused;
    • based on empirically sound “best practices”;
    • supportive of using assessment information to make important decisions; and
    • Focused on establishing organizations with a commitment to using effective practices.

• How is PBS different than EBS?
  Positive Behavior Support (PBS) represents the same philosophy and professional practices previously known as Effective Behavior Support (EBS). These two terms are often used synonymously. The University of Oregon was awarded a grant by the “U.S Department of Education’s, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), to develop and operate a technical assistance center, where it is referred to as Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS.org). Some districts have utilized the underlying 3-tiered prevention framework to work for improved outcomes in both academics and behavior, and refer to this unified educational approach as Positive Behavioral & Instructional Supports (also PBIS). Whichever term is used, the same key features are present.

• How long has PBS been in Springfield Public Schools?
  Because of a close working relationship between Springfield’s practitioners and the University of Oregon’s researchers, PBS was adopted in Springfield Public Schools not long after it was developed in the early 1990s.
  
  Because of Springfield’s commitment to safe schools, success for all students, and use of effective educational practices, PBS has found a home in this educational community.
  

To find out more about PBS, please go to the About PBS or FAQs pages.