PBIS Systems and Behavioral Assessments

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering the Multi-Tiered Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), and behavior planning strategies.

Behavior as Communication

The principle that every behavior serves a purpose for a student and communicates an underlying function or need, meaning identical behaviors may occur for completely different reasons.

Mastery Values

A set of $10$ core institutional values reviewed before every professional development session at Mastery Charter Schools to build school-wide community and culture.

Tier 1 Interventions

Universal, school-wide PBIS systems, rules, and codes of conduct designed for all students that typically succeed for about $80\%$ of the student population.

Tier 2 Interventions

Specialized, small-group strategies and supports—such as progress reports, social skills groups, phone calls home, and behavior contracts—implemented when Tier 1 supports are insufficient.

Tier 3 Interventions

The most intensive level of individualized intervention, featuring professional observations, one-on-one checks, and specialized plans before referring a student for special education evaluation.

Check-In Check-Out (CICO)

A Tier 2 behavior strategy where students bring a daily behavior chart or progress report to the teacher at the start of class to track, mark off, and reinforce targeted behaviors throughout the period.

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

A comprehensive assessment conducted by specialists, such as school psychologists or behavior analysts, to identify the specific function and environmental triggers of an individual student's behavior.

Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP)

A highly individualized intervention plan developed from an FBA that operates like an IEP specifically targeted to address, modify, and support a particular behavior of concern.

Antecedent

An event, environmental condition, or demand occurring immediately before a behavior of concern that triggers or sets the occasion for the behavior to occur.

Consequence

The immediate outcome or event following a behavior that serves to maintain, reinforce, or decrease that behavior.

Objective Behavior

A clearly defined and measurable action that any independent observer walking into a room could identify and describe identically, avoiding subjective labels like 'being lazy.'