Positive Behavior Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS) is a framework for creating safe and orderly learning environments in schools, while improving the social-emotional outcomes for students. It is a proactive approach that relies on research based practices, including developing clear behavioral expectations, teaching these expectations, acknowledging appropriate behavior, consistently correcting inappropriate behavior, and using behavioral data to systematically solve problems.
Missouri’s PBIS is called Missouri Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (MO SW-PBS), spearheaded by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in collaboration with the University of Missouri-Columbia’s Center for SW‑PBS and national partners (pbismissouri.org).
DESE funds Regional Professional Development Center consultants across all nine RPDCs, who offer ongoing training, coaching, and sustainability support (pbismissouri.org).
A Tiered, Data-Driven Approach
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Just like general PBIS, Missouri implements a three-tiered model:
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Tier 1 (Universal) – Proactive strategies, clear expectations, and positive practices for all students, staff, and settings (Missouri Education Department, pbismissouri.org).
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Tier 2 (Targeted) – Additional small-group supports for students who need more behavior guidance .
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Tier 3 (Intensive) – Individualized interventions based on functional behavior assessments for students with higher needs (pbismissouri.org).
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Comprehensive Tools & Resources
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DESE and the University publish a detailed MO SW‑PBS Handbook and tier-specific guides, freely available on pbismissouri.org (pbismissouri.org).
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Schools leverage data tools and evidence-based practices to monitor progress and ensure fidelity under a structured evaluation system .
Widespread Reach & Recognition
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Over 800 schools in 220 districts participate statewide (cehd.missouri.edu).
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Missouri recognizes high fidelity implementation with annual awards and honors “exemplar” schools across all tiers (pbismissouri.org).
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The 2022–2023 PBIS Annual Report noted positive outcomes, especially for students with IEPs (pbis.org).