Discipline is of increasing concern to school stakeholders in districts around the world. It is especially concerning in a district of a southern U.S. state, where a zero tolerance policy calls for the removal of disruptive students from the classroom. Students, teachers, administrators, and other district officials may benefit from effective implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a positive discipline program that includes educators using data for instructional and discipline decision making. In the local district, little is known about the teachers' opinions regarding the PBIS implementation. The purpose of this project study was to gain insight on the teachers' assessment of the implementation of PBIS at Middle School A (MSA) and Middle School B (MSB) to benefit the PBIS program at MSA. The research questions addressed teachers' assessments of the PBIS implementation. Based on the theory of operant conditioning, a quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data using the PBIS Self-Assessment Survey. Survey data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using an 1-way ANOVA. Applying the appropriate subscales of the survey instrument, MSA teachers scored the Classroom Setting System as in place and each of the other three systems (i.e. School-wide, Non-Classroom, and Individual Student Systems) as partially in place. MSA teachers (n = 22) also scored their PBIS systems higher than the teachers did at MSB (n = 22). Through the application of the resulting policy recommendation that indicates positive changes for MSA's PBIS program, student academic achievement and behavior may improve. In addition, through policy implementation, stakeholders in other districts may improve the implementation fidelity of their PBIS program with the objective of positively influencing students.

This study illuminated the perspectives of school psychologists who have developed behavior intervention plans (BIPs) that support successful change in student outcomes. A total of 15 school psychologists from two different school districts were interviewed using the critical incident method; participants shared their perceptions of effectively implemented behavior intervention plans. The participants emphasized the need for consistent communication among the team members, collaboration with key stakeholders, making modifications as needed during the implementation period, and adequate time to for school psychologists to provide training to teachers. The findings of this study emphasized the importance for school teams and other school stakeholders to understand the factors that are needed when they are addressing student behavior.

The literature shows that school attendance matters. Time engaged with instruction is highly correlated to student achievement (Brophy, 1988; Fisher et al., 2015; Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 2001). However, students who are suspended and expelled from school lose instructional time in the classroom (Belway, Hodson, Losen, Keith II, and Morrison, 2015; Scott and Barrett, 2004). Suspensions result in decreased student attendance by removing the student from the learning environment (Noltemeyer, Ward, and Mcloughlin, 2015). The use of in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension (OSS), and expulsion are referred to as exclusionary discipline (Belway et al., 2015). Educational leaders are unintentionally contributing to the achievement gaps that the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation intended to close by not addressing student suspensions and expulsions (Belway et al., 2015). This study used quantitative data with an ex post facto design to determine if the implementation of school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) resulted in a change in student absences, office discipline referrals, and suspensions in one middle school and to determine what difference, if any, was there in student absences, office discipline referrals, and suspensions between a school implementing PBIS and a school not implementing PBIS. Two suburban middle schools in one Virginia school division were included in this study. Following the conceptual framework for this study, it was anticipated that implementation of PBIS would decrease student absences, office discipline referrals, and suspensions. The results of the study revealed that there was a reduction in office discipline referrals following the first year of implementation in the PBIS Middle School. When comparing a school that implemented PBIS to one that did not, this study found that student suspensions decreased by the second year of implementation in the school that implemented PBIS. This study also yielded other findings that were inconsistent with existing research. The results of this study are of significance for education leaders who want to decrease student office discipline referrals and suspensions / Ed. D. / The literature shows that school attendance matters where time engaged with instruction is highly correlated to student achievement (Brophy, 1988; Fisher et al., 2015; Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, 2001). However, a common means of dealing with student misbehavior in school is the issuance of a referral to the office that may result in a student suspension (Belway, Hodson, Losen, Keith II, & Morrison, 2015; Scott & Barrett, 2004). Office discipline referrals and suspensions result in decreased student attendance by removing the student from the learning environment (Noltemeyer, Ward, & Mcloughlin, 2015). Educational leaders are unintentionally contributing to gaps in student achievement by removing students from the learning environment. This study investigated whether the implementation of a behavioral framework, school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), resulted in a change in student absences, office discipline referrals, and suspensions in one middle school and explored what difference, if any, was there in student absences, office discipline referrals, and suspensions between a school implementing PBIS and a school not implementing PBIS. Two suburban middle schools in one Virginia school division were included in this study. It was anticipated that implementation of PBIS would decrease student absences, office discipline referrals, and suspensions. The results of the study revealed that there was a reduction in office discipline referrals following the first year of implementation in the school implementing PBIS. When comparing a school that implemented PBIS to one that did not, this study found that student suspensions decreased in the PBIS school by the second year of implementation. This study also yielded other findings that were inconsistent with existing research. The results of this study are of significance for education leaders who want to decrease student office discipline referrals and suspensions.

Social Stories™ are one of the most commonly-used interventions for children with autism (Green et al., 2006; Hess, Morrier, Heflin, & Ivey, 2008; Stahmer, Collings, & Palinkas, 2005). While there is a rapidly-growing literature base of Social Stories research, much of the work has focused on student behavior in special education resource settings; the current study examines the use of Social Stories with students in inclusive general education settings. Six students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders participated and behaviors that occurred in the general education classroom were selected as targets. Pre-service teachers, autism resource teachers, and a paraprofessional were trained to implement the intervention. Social Stories were presented on a personal computer for 5 of 6 participants; the 6th participant’s Social Story was presented in a bound book. Participants were observed in their general education classrooms during 30 min data collection sessions. A multiple baseline across participants design was used. For 3 participants, an alternating treatments design was also used, which examined 2 viii conditions: an Immediate condition in which classroom probes were conducted immediately following Social Stories intervention sessions, and a Delay condition in which a time delay of at least 3.5 hrs was presented between intervention and observation sessions. Results of the Immediate vs. Delay conditions show no conclusive effects of one condition over the other. Overall, results indicate improvements in target behaviors for 5 of 6 participants. Peer comparison data indicate that participants who showed improvement in their behavior performed the target skills at levels comparable to classmates without disabilities. Treatment fidelity data indicate that pre-service teachers were able to accurately implement the intervention over the course of the study. Social validity questionnaires were distributed to in-service and pre-service teachers, who rated the intervention as acceptable and feasible within the classroom setting. Implications for practice and future research directions are discussed. / text

Thesis advisor: Elizabeth Twomey / This phenomenological study investigated the effects of a Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) Program on non-native speaking Hispanic students in a public middle school. The purpose of the study is to discover whether the PBIS program alleviates, intensifies or does not change the degree of bias towards minority students currently in existence through traditional discipline models. It also intends to discover whether the experience of the Hispanic students is similar to the intent of the program as determined by the implementing staff. Finally, this study will investigate whether a program that explicitly teaches values reflects the white, middle class backgrounds of the staff and whether this is detrimental to the primarily minority student population at the school. An outside researcher who had previously spent time at the school site as a principal intern conducted this qualitative, phenomenological study. The researcher used the following data collection tools: individual semi-formal interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document analysis. The research occurred over approximately six weeks. The study concluded that the values taught through PBIS were designed to bring the students into the teachers' world, a world considered superior to the students as well as universal. This indicated that the teachers held a deficit model of culture towards the students' culture. Another finding indicated a need on the part of the staff to be aware of the students' relationship with their family as they implement any discipline program, especially one that explicitly teaches values. Finally, the study found a need for teachers to build positive relationships with all students, especially those with disciplinary issues. It was through positive relationships with the students deemed "problems" by the school and their parents that the teachers were able to reduce problem behaviors. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2010. / Submitted to: Boston College. Lynch School of Education. / Discipline: Educational Leadership and Higher Education.

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an accepted way of promoting an individual’s resilience, which is the ability to overcome challenging life circumstances to lead a fulfilling life. SEL is traditionally taught in schools as a universal, classroom-wide intervention. However, there is currently a gap in using SEL curricula as secondary, Tier II interventions. Strong Start, a SEL program, was evaluated as a Tier II intervention with 35 2nd grade students using a randomized-control trial design. Data were collected from students on their content knowledge of social-emotional constructs as well as from teachers on ratings of student problem behaviors and prosocial behaviors. Findings suggest improvements in student knowledge, teacher ratings of problem behaviors, and teacher ratings of prosocial behaviors for all students over time, with no significant group by time interaction. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports as Behavioral Interventions in a Pre-K-5 Elementary School: A Phenomenological Study by Meghann E. Roberts-Clawson This qualitative study addresses teacher perceptions of using positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) as positive behavioral interventions. This phenomenological study was conducted within a Pre-K-5 elementary school in northwestern North Carolina. In order to collect qualitative data, personal individualized interviews were conducted from a purposeful sample of teachers in the school who have experience implementing more intensive positive behavioral interventions. By analyzing data derived from the interviews and classroom and individualized documentation, the researcher was able to identify themes such as teachers’ perceptions in regards to using PBIS as a behavioral intervention. Themes elaborating on the ways that teachers implement PBIS in their classroom as well as the most consistently used elements of the PBIS framework also emerged from this study. Findings from this study will be useful in helping to implement the PBIS framework to fidelity as well as helping to sustain these practices. This information will be vital in training new teachers that join the staff as well as veteran teachers who are struggling with individual students’ behavior.

This study represents a quasi-replication of Lane et al. (2009) investigation into the psychometric properties of the Primary Intervention Rating Scale (PIRS). This rating scale was designed to assess the social validity of primary to high school level Positive Behavior Support intervention plans completed by academic staff. Lane's results indicated the PIRS was a one- factor measure with strong reliability and structural validity. To substantiate these findings an adapted version of the PIRS was distributed to teachers from one Utah school district.Quantitative data and additional comments were collected from elementary and middle school teachers. The results were computed using a series of statistical analyses including Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Cronbach's Alpha. Teacher comments were used to provide additional feedback and to examine trends. Results confirmed the Lane et al. findings that the PIRS is a one factor measure with strong internal consistency. Results also indicated that the school district's PBS prevention plan was socially valid from the teachers' perspective.

Disruptive behavior within classrooms is a major concern for teachers and parents. Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) provides a multi-tiered framework for schools to provide supports to students, which are matched to each student's needs. Whereas most students are successful with the school-wide supports provided to all students, approximately 20% of students are likely to require additional supports. Group contingencies have an established basis of support as effective Tier 2 interventions; however, these contingencies vary in a variety of dimensions that may influence their efficacy and acceptability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relative impact of four different group contingency types (independent, interdependent, dependent, and randomized) on class-wide appropriate and disruptive student behaviors as well as how implementation of a teacher's preferred contingency may enhance student behavioral outcomes. Three general education teachers and their students participated in the study. All four group contingency types resulted in reduced disruption and increased appropriate behavior across all three classrooms. No patterns of differentiation were observed in any classroom. Teacher preference was assessed with two teachers selecting independent and two teachers selecting dependent contingencies as their preferred reward system. Implementation of the preferred contingency resulted in further improvements in both class-wide behaviors. Some evidence of generalization and maintenance was noted in all three classrooms.

This study was a replication of a study by Hosp et al. (2003), which looked at items on behavior rating scales to determine if they can be used to plan and monitor positive behavior interventions. For this study, ten forms of commonly used behavior rating scales were selected, and the so what and dead man tests were applied on each scale. Each item on the scale was placed into one of four categories: positive action, negative action, lack of positive action, and lack of negative action. Then, these categories were used to rate each scale to determine which subscales survived, or were deemed useful for measuring increases in positive behavior. Eight of the ten scales were found to contain a majority of negative action items and some lack of action items, neither of which are useful in measuring positive behaviors. Only two scales, the parent and teacher versions of the BERS-2, were found to contain all positive action items, and therefore were the only scales to fully survive the dead man test. The results of this study show that the majority of commonly used behavior rating scales today still do not contain primarily positive action items, and therefore have not majorly improved in the last fifteen years, although all of the behavior rating scales contained subscales that could have potential to plan and monitor positive behavior interventions.