School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (SW-PBIS): A Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for Student Wellness

In many districts, local policies have approached safety and mental health in schools with ad hoc and piecemeal approaches. This is borne out by the very narrow federal and state laws related to student suspension and expulsion that produced reactive discipline policies and increased student exclusion from school. Such practices have resulted in disproportionality in discipline practices, as reflected in the high number of suspensions and expulsions of African American and Latino students in California. In CASP’s view, in order to ensure that all students flourish academically, districts must establish equitable discipline practices and behavioral interventions that promote positive social-emotional development and that prevent and respond to negative behaviors in order to re-engage disconnected students. School psychologists play a critical role in implementing school-based educationally related counseling services and positive behavior systems and supports that create and reinforce positive school cultures of achievement for all students, including those at risk of academic failure.

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