PBIS

Education & Academia abbreviation · K-12 Education

PBIS
Stands forPositive behavioral interventions and supports
CategoriesEducation & Academia

PBIS stands for Positive behavioral interventions and supports, a K-12 education abbreviation.

Framework for teaching and reinforcing expected behavior schoolwide, with clear rules, acknowledgment systems, data on office referrals and tiered interventions for students who need more support. A federally funded national center has promoted PBIS since 1998, and tens of thousands of schools use it.

Example: Under PBIS, students earn "Panther Paws" for being safe, respectful and responsible.

Usage notes

PBIS grew out of research in applied behavior analysis and was referenced in the 1997 IDEA amendments. Critics say reward systems can feel superficial if not paired with relationships and good instruction. Also written PBS (positive behavior support) in some states.

More K-12 education abbreviations

  • NBCT – National Board Certified Teacher
  • NGSS – Next Generation Science Standards
  • NHS – National Honor Society
  • NJHS – National Junior Honor Society
  • NSLP – National School Lunch Program
  • OHI – Other health impairment
  • PBL – Project-based learning
  • PD – Professional development
  • PE – Physical education
  • PLAAFP – Present levels of academic achievement and functional performance
  • PLC – Professional learning community
  • Pre-K – Prekindergarten

See all 96 K-12 education abbreviations →