Skip to main content

The Integration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and Social and Emotional Learning

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Handbook of School Mental Health

Part of the book series: Issues in Clinical Child Psychology ((ICCP))

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of two commonly-used frameworks for prevention, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), which share the common aim of promoting a safe, supportive, and challenging school environment. We summarize the two frameworks and the evidence-base supporting them. We also describe a process and a rationale for integrating PBIS and SEL, in an effort to increase efficiency and high quality implementation. We conclude with an overview of additional research needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of an integrated approach.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 299.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    1Durlak et al. (2011) made the case that SEL programs are as or more effective than other established interventions on several outcomes. This is in contrast to the review by Wilson et al. (2001), which indicated modest intervention effects.

References

  • Adelman, H. S., & Taylor, L. (2003). On sustainability of project innovations as systemic change. Journal of Educational and Psychological Consultation, 14, 1–25.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barrett, S., Bradshaw, C. P., & Lewis-Palmer, T. (2008). Maryland state-wide PBIS initiative: Systems, evaluation, and next steps. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 10, 105–114.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bear, G. G. (2010). School discipline and self-discipline: A practical guide to promoting prosocial student behavior. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Debnam, K. J., Koth, C., & Leaf, P. J. (2009). Preliminary validation of the implementation phases inventory for assessing fidelity of school-wide positive behavior supports. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 11, 145–160.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Koth, C. W., Bevans, K. B., Ialongo, N., & Leaf, P. J. (2008). The impact of school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) on the organizational health of elementary schools. School Psychology Quarterly, 23(4), 462–473.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Koth, C. W., Thornton, L. A., & Leaf, P. J. (2009). Altering school climate through school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Findings from a group-randomized effectiveness trial. Prevention Science, 10(2), 100–115.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Mitchell, M. M., & Leaf, P. J. (2010). Examining the effects of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on student outcomes: Results from a randomized controlled effectiveness trial in elementary schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 12, 133–148.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., & Pas, E. T. (2011). A state-wide scale-up of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS): A description of the development of systems of support and analysis of adoption and implementation. School Psychology Review, 40, 530–548.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Pas, E., Bloom, J., Barrett, S., Hershfeldt, P., Alexander, A., et al. (2012). A state-wide collaboration to promote safe and supportive schools: The PBIS Maryland Initiative. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 39(4), 225–237.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Pas, E. T., Goldweber, A., Rosenberg, M., & Leaf, P. (2012). Integrating school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports with tier 2 coaching to student support teams: The PBISplus Model. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion: Training and Practice, Research and Policy, 5(3), 177–193.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Reinke, W. M., Brown, L. D., Bevans, K. B., & Leaf, P. J. (2008). Implementation of school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in elementary schools: Observations from a randomized trial. Education and Treatment of Children, 31, 1–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bradshaw, C. P., Waasdorp, T. E. & Leaf, P. J. (2012). Effects of School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on child behavior problems. Pediatrics, 130(5), e1136–e1145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (2003). Safe and sound: An educational leader’s guide to evidence-based social and emotional learning programs. Chicago: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). (2008). Social and emotional learning and student benefits: Implications for the Safe School/Healthy Students core elements. Newton, MA: National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, Education Development Center.

    Google Scholar 

  • Debnam, K. J., Pas, E., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2012). Secondary and tertiary support systems in schools implementing School-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: A preliminary descriptive analysis. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 14, 142–152.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Debnam, K. J., Pas, E., & Bradshaw, C. P. (2013). Factors influencing staff perceptions of administrator support for tier 2 and 3 interventions: A multilevel perspective. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders , 21(2) 116–126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Denham, S., & Weissberg, R. (2003). In M. Bloom & T. Gullotta (Eds.), A blueprint for the promotion of prosocial behavior in early childhood. New York: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Devaney, E., O’Brien, M. U., Resnik, H., Keister, S., & Weissberg, R. P. (2006). Sustainable schoolwide social and emotional learning: Implementation guide and toolkit. Chicago: Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning.

    Google Scholar 

  • Domitrovich, C. E., Bradshaw, C. P., Greenberg, M. T., Embry, D., Poduska, J., & Ialongo, N. S. (2010). Integrated models of school-based prevention: Theory and logic. Psychology in the Schools, 47(1), 71–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Domitrovich, C. E., Bradshaw, C. P., Poduska, J., Hoagwood, K., Buckley, J., Olin, S., et al. (2008). Maximizing the implementation quality of evidence-based preventive interventions in schools: A conceptual framework. Advances in School Mental Health Promotion: Training and Practice, Research and Policy, 1(3), 6–28.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405–432.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., & Pachan, M. (2010). A meta-analysis of after-school programs that seek to promote personal and social skills in children and adolescents. American Journal of Community Psychology, 45(3–4), 294–309.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Elias, M. J., Zins, J. E., Weissberg, R. P., Frey, K. S., Greenberg, M. T., Haynes, N. M., et al. (1997). Promoting social and emotional learning: Guidelines for educators. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fixsen, D. L., Naoom, S. F., Blase, K. A., Friedman, R. M., & Wallace, F. (2005). Implementation research: A synthesis of the literature. Tampa, FL: University of South Florida, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, The National Implementation Research Network.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gottfredson, D. C., & Gottfredson, G. D. (2002). Quality of school-based prevention programs: Results from a national survey. Journal of Research on Crime and Delinquency, 39, 3–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, M. T., Domitrovich, C. E., Graczyk, P. A., & Zins, J. E. (2001). The study of implementation in school-based prevention research: Implications for theory, research, and practice. Rockville, MD: Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, M. T., & Kusché, C. A. (2006). Building social and emotional competence: The PATHS Curriculum. In S. R. Jimerson & M. J. Furlong (Eds.), Handbook of school violence and school safety: From research to practice (pp. 395–412). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, M. T., Kusché, C. A., Cook, E. T., & Quamma, J. P. (1995). Promoting emotional competence in school-aged children: The effects of the PATHS Curriculum. Development and Psychopathology, 7, 117–136.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Greenberg, M. T., Weissberg, R. P., O’Brien, M. U., Zins, J. E., Fredericks, L., Resnik, H., et al. (2003). Enhancing school-based prevention and youth development through coordinated social, emotional, and academic learning. The American Psychologist, 58, 466–474.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Guerra, N.G., & Bradshaw, C.P. (2008). Linking the prevention of problem behaviors and positive youth development: Core competencies for positive youth development. In N. G. Guerra, & C. P. Bradshaw (Guest Editors), Core competencies to prevent problem behaviors and promote positive youth development. New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, 122, 1–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Han, S. S., & Weiss, B. (2005). Sustainability of teacher implementation of school-based mental health programs. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology: An official publication of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 33(6), 665–679. doi:10.1007/s10802-005-7646-2.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawken, L. S., Vincent, C. G., & Schumann, J. (2008). Response to Intervention for social behavior: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 16, 213–225.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins, J. D., Smith, B. H., & Catalano, R. F. (2004). Social development and social and emotional learning. In J. E. Zins, R. P. Weissberg, M. C. Wang, & H. J. Walberg (Eds.), Building academic success on social and emotional learning: What does the research say? (pp. 135–150). New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. H., Sugai, G., & Anderson, C. M. (2010). Examining the evidence base for school-wide positive behavior support. Focus on Exceptionality, 42(8), 1–14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. H., Sugai, G., Smolkowski, K., Eber, L., Nakasato, J., Todd, A. W., et al. (2009). A randomized, wait-list controlled effectiveness trial assessing school-wide positive behavior support in elementary schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 11, 133–144.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R., Todd, A., Lewis-Palmer, T., Irvin, L., Sugai, G., & Boland, J. (2004). The school-wide evaluation tool (SET): A research instrument for assessing school-wide positive behavior support. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 6(1), 3–12.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Irvin, L. K., Horner, R. H., Ingram, K., Todd, A. W., Sugai, G., Sampson, N. K., et al. (2006). Using office discipline referral data for decision making about student behavior in elementary and middle schools: An empirical evaluation of validity. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 8(1), 10–23.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Irvin, L., Tobin, T., Sprague, J., Sugai, G., & Vincent, C. (2004). Validity of office discipline referral measures as indices of school-wide behavioral status and effects of school-wide behavioral interventions. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 6(3), 131–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kam, C., Greenberg, M. T., & Kusché, C. A. (2004). Sustained effects of the PATHS Curriculum on the social and psychological adjustment of children in special education. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 12, 66–78.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., & Rebok, G. W. (1992). Building developmental and etiological theory through epidemiologically based preventive intervention trials. In J. McCord, R. E. Tremblay, J. McCord, & R. E. Tremblay (Eds.), Preventing antisocial behavior: Interventions from birth through adolescence (pp. 162–195). New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelm, J. L., & McIntosh, K. (2012). Effects of School-wide Positive Behavior Support on teacher self-efficacy. Psychology in the Schools, 49(2), 137–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kendziora, K., Weissberg, R. P., Ji, P., & Dusenbury, L. A. (2011). Strategies for social and emotional learning: Preschool and elementary-grade student learning standards and assessment. Newton, MA: National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, Education Development Center, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knoff, H. M. (2004). Inside Project ACHIEVE: A comprehensive, research-proven whole school improvement process focused on student academic and behavioral outcomes. In K. Robinson (Ed.), Advances in school-based mental health: Best practices and program models (pp. 19–28). Kingston, NJ: Civic Research Institute, Inc.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis, T., & Sugai, G. (1999). Effective behavior support: A systems approach to proactive schoolwide management. Focus on Exceptional Children, 31(6), 1–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lochman, J. E., & Wells, K. C. (2004). The Coping Power program for preadolescent aggressive boys and their parents: Outcome effects at the one-year follow-up. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 72, 571–578.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • McIntosh, K., Bennett, J. L., & Price, K. (2011). Evaluation of social and academic effects of school-wide positive behaviour support in a Canadian school district. Exceptionality Education International, 21(1), 46–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Metzler, C. W., Biglan, A., Rusby, J. C., & Sprague, J. R. (2001). Evaluation of a comprehensive behavior management program to improve school-wide positive behavior support. Education and Treatment of Children, 24(4), 448–479. Retrieved from http://psycnet.apa.org.proxy.library.carleton.ca/psycinfo/2002-10327-003.

  • Mrazek, P. J., & Haggerty, R. J. (1994). New directions in definitions. In P. Mrazek & R. Haggerty (Eds.) Reducing risks for mental disorders: Frontiers for preventive intervention research (pp. 19–30). Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Connell, M. E., Boat, T., Warner, K. E., & Committee on the Prevention of Mental Disorders and Substance Abuse Among Children, Youth and Young Adults: Research Advances and Promising Interventions; Institute of Medicine; National Research Council. (2009). Preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders among young people: Progress and possibilities. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osher, D., Bear, G. G., Sprague, J. R., & Doyle, W. (2010). How can we improve school discipline? Educational Researcher, 39(1), 48–58.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osher, D., Dwyer, K., & Jackson, S. (2004). Safe, supportive and successful schools: Step by step. Longmont, CO: Sopris West.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osher, D., Sprague, J., Weissberg, R., Axelrod, J., Keenan, S., Kendziora, K., et al. (2007). A comprehensive approach to promoting social, emotional, and academic growth in contemporary schools. In A. Thomas & J. Grimes (Eds.), Best practices in school psychology (Vol. V, pp. 1263–1278). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ross, S., & Horner, R. H. (2006). Teacher outcomes of school-wide positive behavior support. Teaching Exceptional Children Plus, 3. Retrieved from http://escholarship.bc.edu/education/tecplus/vol3/iss6/art6

  • Scott, T., & Barrett, S. (2004). Using staff and student time engaged in disciplinary procedures to evaluate the impact of school wide PBS. Journal of Positive Behavior Intervention, 6(1), 21–27.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shriver, T. P., & Weissberg, R. P. (1996). No new wars! Education Week, 15(34), 33–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Social and Character Development Research Consortium. (2010). Efficacy of schoolwide programs to promote social and character development and reduce problem behavior in elementary school children (NCER 2011–2001). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Research, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprague, J. R., & Golly, A. (2004). Best behavior: Building positive behavior support in schools. Longmont, CO: Sopris West Educational Services.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprague, J. R., Walker, H., Golly, A., White, K., Myers, D. R., & Shannon, T. (2001). Translating research into effective practice: The effect of a universal staff and student intervention on indicators of discipline and school safety. Education and Treatment of Children, 24(4), 495–511.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strein, W., Hoagwood, K., & Cohn, A. (2003). School psychology: a public health perspective I. Prevention, populations, and systems change. Journal of School Psychology, 41, 23–38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugai, G., & Horner, R. (2006). A promising approach for expanding and sustaining school-wide positive behavior support. School Psychology Review, 35, 245–259.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sugai, G., & Horner, R. H. (2009). Responsiveness-to-intervention and school-wide positive behavior supports: Integration of multi-tiered approaches. Exceptionality, 17, 223–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugai, G., & Horner, R. (2010). Schoolwide positive behavior supports: Establishing a continuum of evidence-based practices. Journal of Evidence-Based Practices for Schools, 11(1), 62–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sugai, G., Horner, R. H., Dunlap, G., Lewis, T. J., Nelson, C. M., Scott, T., et al. (2000). Applying positive behavior support and functional behavioral assessment in schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 2(3), 131–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugai, G., Sprague, J., Horner, R., & Walker, H. (2000). Preventing school violence: The use of office discipline referrals to assess and monitor school-wide discipline interventions. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 8(2), 94–102.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2002). SAMHSA model programs: Model prevention programs supporting academic achievement. Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waasdorp, T. E., Bradshaw, C. P., & Leaf, P. J. (2012). The impact of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) on bullying and peer rejection: A randomized controlled effectiveness trial. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 116(2), 149–156.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, H., Horner, R. H., Sugai, G., Bullis, M., Sprague, J., Bricker, D., et al. (1996). Integrated approaches to preventing antisocial behavior patterns among school-age children and youth. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 4, 194–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wandersman, A., Imm, P., Chinman, M., & Kaftarian, S. (2000). Getting to outcomes: A results-based approach to accountability. Evaluation and Program Planning, 23, 389–395.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weist, M. (2001). Toward a public mental health promotion and intervention system for youth. The Journal of School Health, 71, 101–104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wilson, D. B., Gottfredson, D. C., & Najaka, S. S. (2001). School-based prevention of problem behaviors: A meta-analysis. Journal of Quantitative Criminology, 17(3), 247–272. doi: 10.1023/A:1011050217296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zins, J. E., & Elias, M. J. (2006). Social and emotional learning. In G. Bear & K. Minke (Eds.), Children’s needs III: Development, prevention, and intervention (pp. 1–14). Bethesda, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zins, J., Payton, J. W., Weissberg, R. P., & O’Brien, M. U. (2007). Social and emotional learning and successful school performance. In G. Matthews, M. Zeidner, & R. D. Roberts (Eds.), Emotional intelligence: Knowns and unknowns (pp. 376–395). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zins, J. E., Weissberg, R. P., Wang, M. C., & Walberg, H. J. (2004). Building academic success on social and emotional learning: What does the research say? New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zmuda, J. H. & Bradshaw, C. P. (2012). Social and emotional learning and academic achievement. In J. Hattie & E. M. Anderman (Eds.), International handbook of student achievement (pp.173–175). New York: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments 

The writing of this manuscript was supported in part by the Johns Hopkins Center for Prevention and Early Intervention under a grant funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (P30 MH08643) awarded to Dr. Nicholas Ialongo by grants awarded to Dr. Bradshaw from the Institute of Education Sciences (R324A07118; R305A090307; R324A110107), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1U49CE 000728–011; K01CE001333-01), a grant awarded to the University of Illinois at Chicago by the National Center for Mental Health Promotion and Youth Violence Prevention, Educational Development Center, Inc., and a grant awarded by the US Department of Education to the University of Oregon for the OSEP National Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (H029D40055). Opinions expressed herein are the authors’ and do not reflect necessarily the position of funding agencies or institutions, and such endorsements should not be inferred. The authors would like to thank Dr. Roger Weissberg for his comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catherine P. Bradshaw Ph.D., M.Ed. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2014 Springer Science+Business Media New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Bradshaw, C.P., Bottiani, J.H., Osher, D., Sugai, G. (2014). The Integration of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports and Social and Emotional Learning. In: Weist, M., Lever, N., Bradshaw, C., Owens, J. (eds) Handbook of School Mental Health. Issues in Clinical Child Psychology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-7624-5_8

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics