Building Layered and Connected Supports for Students With Extensive Support Needs Within the PBIS Framework

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a multi-tiered framework for promoting prosocial student behavior implemented in thousands of K–12 schools across the United States. Within PBIS, a strong foundation of Tier 1 preventive support is provided for all students to promote prosocial behavior and prevent behavioral challenges. For students who require additional support, targeted Tier 2 and individualized Tier 3 interventions are provided in addition to Tier 1 to match students’ needs. The goal of PBIS is to create inclusive school cultures that promote effective and equitable learning environments for all students. Yet, in typical practice, students with extensive support needs (ESN) often have limited access to the full range of PBIS supports. This article will discuss and provide examples of how educators can layer support across Tiers 1, 2, and 3 to ensure students with ESN are fully included in and benefit from all aspects of PBIS.