The Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) approach emphasizes understanding why problem behaviors occur - the behavior's function. It is the application of evidence-based strategies and systems to assist schools in increasing academic performance, increasing safety, decreasing problem behavior, and establishing a positive school culture. 

On a school-wide level, PBIS relies on accurate and reliable discipline referral data to understand the behaviors occurring across campus. An analysis of the data allows a school team to identify the problem areas, brainstorm interventions such as where and what to teach, reward the students exhibiting the expected behavior, and communicate findings to staff, students, and families.