Frequently Asked Questions

What does PBIS look like in a school?

Through--

• Teamwork — The school team creates behavioral expectations that will define what it looks like, sounds like, and feels like throughout the school;
• Recognition — Students are regularly recognized in a variety of ways for following the school expectations; 
• Consistency - Students are met with consistent expectations from class to class and adult to adult, which is critical for successful student learning; 
• Positive School Culture —Most students will succeed when a positive school culture is promoted, feedback is provided, academic success is maximized, and use of prosocial skills is acknowledged.

How does PBIS work?

The school will focus on three to five behavioral expectations that are positively stated and easy to remember. In other words, rather than telling students what not to do, the school will focus on the preferred behaviors. One example from a school of behavioral expectations is to Respect Yourself, Respect Others, Respect Property and Respect Learning. AACPS's Code of Conduct outlines these expectations.

Is every school a PBIS school?

Every school that wants to participate can receive training in PBIS strategies, developed by Maryland Department of Education, in partnership with Johns Hopkins University and Sheppard Pratt Health System.

How does a school become a PBIS school?

Principals request training by completion of a letter of intent, which includes selecting a team that is representative of their staff.

How many schools are implementing PBIS in AACPS?

There are currently 78 schools and 2 special centers that are implementing PBIS.

How do we know PBIS works?

Research tells us that schools that choose to be trained demonstrate better outcomes for students than schools that are forced to participate in the program. School teams create expectations based on each school’s individual data.