Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Initiative

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental health. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS creates positive, predictable, equitable, and safe learning environments. It is designed to improve:

• Social-Emotional Competence: Building students' skills to navigate life.
• Academic Success: Creating a climate where everyone can learn.
• School Climate: Improving the overall health and wellbeing of both students and teachers.

PBIS requires an ongoing commitment to supporting students, educators, and families. When implemented effectively, schools experience improved behavioral, social, emotional, and academic outcomes, reduce the use of exclusionary discipline, and improve overall school
climate.

Additional information about PBIS is available online.

HCPSS and PBIS

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) has been engaging with PBIS since the 1999-2000 school year. Schools successfully implementing PBIS build their culture by:

• Utilizing a continuum of evidence-based practices to support diverse student needs.
• Co-creating culturally responsive practices by engaging students, staff, families, and community members.
• Relying on teams to guide implementation and regularly check the effectiveness of their strategies.
• Using data to identify strengths, uncover needs, and monitor student progress.
• Developing content expertise through coaching and ongoing professional development.

Please visit your student’s school website or contact the school for specific information about PBIS in that school.

PBIS and MTSS: HCPSS’ Framework

HCPSS utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to ensure resources and interventions are distributed consistently and equitably. MTSS is a proactive framework that provides academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to all students—including multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and historically underserved communities.

The Three-Tiered Model:

• Tier 1 (Universal): Support provided to all students. PBIS is a core Tier 1 strategy.
• Tier 2 (Secondary): Small-group interventions for students needing additional support.
• Tier 3 (Intensive): Individualized support for students with significant needs.

History & Leadership

PBIS in Maryland

Established in 1999, PBIS Maryland is a partnership between the Maryland State Department of Education, Johns Hopkins University, Sheppard Pratt, and local school systems. Since 2022, local systems have continued to leverage this framework to align social-emotional and mental health wellbeing efforts.

State Leadership Team (SLT)

The State Leadership Team (SLT) is composed of PBIS/MTSS District Coordinators from Maryland’s 24 educational systems, the Archdiocese of Baltimore, Special Schools, and the Juvenile Services Education Program (JSEP). They guide the continuous improvement of initiatives statewide.

More information about PBIS Maryland is available at www.PBISMaryland.org.

PBIS Maryland Recognition

Schools are recognized by PBIS Maryland for their work implementing the PBIS framework. Schools are eligible to apply for recognition in six areas:

• Teamwork
• Teaching and acknowledgment strategies
• Effective classroom practices
• Engaging the community in PBIS practices
• Use of proactive, instructional and/or restorative response approaches
• Use of data to review, monitor and inform PBIS practices and actions