Defining and Describing Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to describe those characteristics of schoolwide positive behavior support (SW-PBS) practices and systems that establish and maintain an effective, efficient, and relevant social culture in which teaching and learning are maximized. This chapter leads this sec- tion of the handbook because SW-PBS serves as the foundation or basis for successful implementation of a full continuum of academic and social behavior supports occurring school- and classroomwide, for example, individual behavior supports (e.g., function-based supports, wraparound), academic programming, data-based decision making and evaluation, discipline, family and community participation, and early intervention. The SW-PBS content of this chapter is organized into three main sec- tions: (a) historical influences and theoretical foundations, (b) defining practices, and (c) implementation processes and guidelines.