Positive Behavior Support: A Call for Leadership

Positive behavior support (PBS) is being implemented in more than 5,300 schools in the United States. In this article, the authors review the conceptual components, implementation features, and evidence base of PBS; discuss its implementation at the preschool level; and explore implications for school social work practice. Whether starting PBS efforts in schools or districts or becoming involved in existing efforts, school social workers can achieve their goals through PBS and enhance the visibility and status of school social work within their local education agency. Given the popularity of this recent trend, the similarities between PBS and school social work practice, and the emerging evidence base associated with this approach, school social workers are encouraged to provide leadership to existing PBS efforts in their schools or to begin such efforts in schools that have not initiated this approach.