This report, developed by Equity Alliance, discusses ways to make the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) model more culturally responsive. In contrast to punitive disciplinary models, PBIS uses prevention, data-based decisions making, and research-based interventions to nurture positive student and adult behaviors.
Race-based disparities in discipline and behavioral outcomes is a continuous issue in schools and the authors suggest that to improve equity in education, school communities must look closer at their own cultural practices, examining the social and academic activities that may place specific groups of students at the margins. The report outlines how schools can use a Culturally Responsive PBIS (CRPBIS) framework for systemic transformation through a five-step implementation process.
CRPBIS can create a safe, inclusive, and democratic school climate for ALL students and encourage a student-centered environment. School and district leaders implementing or considering PBIS should read this article. Researchers, leaders at intermediary organizations, and other stakeholders committed to equity in education will also find the research and theory presented in this report of great interest.
Source Organization: Equity Alliance