Why Modern Schools Need Intervention Supports
- Customizable Framework
- Data-Driven Decisions
- Benefits for All Students
- Scaled Support Tiers
- Alternative to Punishment
Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) is a relatively new term for a concept that has been around about as long as education itself, which is the ability to encourage student behavior that facilitates learning. Schools have taken many different approaches to addressing behavioral problems among students with varying degrees of success. While no single method has achieved perfect results, a system of intervention supports is among the most comprehensive and universal options available to schools.
Data-Driven Decisions
One of the defining features of a PBIS system is the application of the scientific method throughout the process. This means that administrators and educators need to collect as much data as they can regarding program process and results. This applies to general issues regarding the entire system as well as information about the progress of individual students. Data-driven decisions are necessary for establishing consistent improvement and reliable methodology that can be replicated in the future.
Customizable Framework
Since the general structure of an intervention system is fluid, program designers have a lot of freedom in stretching it to fit the specific needs of their institution. Intervention supports also need to be integrated into various aspect of students’ lives, which means their parents are as much participants as the students, teachers or school administrators. Some experts and researchers believe that integrating these supports naturally is essential to achieve strong results, according to Forbes.
Benefits for All Students
Many specialized and behavioral support programs have the disadvantage of only serving a small part of the student body. Segmented support may offer the opportunity for specialized attention, but it can also create tension among students and parents. A global intervention and support system creates a system of behavioral education for everyone in the school, which means they should be designed to build unity rather than divide the student population.
Scaled Support Tiers
Conventional PBIS programs offer a tiered support system that scales to individual student need. Tier 1, also called the primary level, is the general program that includes all students as participants. However, most programs also have Tier 2 and Tier 3 levels that offer more exclusive and tailored support for students who display patterns of poor behavior. Targeted intervention strategies, including practical therapy and counseling, are a common feature in these individual programs.
Alternative to Punishment
Punishment is one of the oldest behavior-modification devices known to man and is still used in many settings to this day. While many forms of negative reinforcement can produce effective results, they are not usually a reliable or safe solution. Using a positive system as an alternative to punishment is appealing to school districts as it limits the risk of student complaints or lawsuits regarding poor treatment from faculty members. It also allows educators to focus on developing positive relationships with students as opposed to establishing disciplinary authority.
Related Resource: 50 Most Affordable Small Colleges for a Master’s in Education
Developing a full-scale support network within a school is not a simple or easy task, but it’s an undertaking that modern educational institutions must face eventually. There are plenty of good reasons why schools should incorporate intervention supports, including benefits to students, teachers and the school administration itself.
