Behavioral and Mental Health

Tier II (Secondary)

Based on the public health model, a key component of the PBIS Framework is offering a continuum of support and services to help students succeed behaviorally and academically. Some students will respond to the Tier 1 level of support but will still exhibit some specific difficulties. These students may be demonstrating academic and/or behavioral deficits that will require more intensive supports. It is estimated about 10-15 percent of students will need additional supports beyond, yet in combination with, Tier I-level (Universal) interventions.

Tier II interventions are direct interventions implemented in a standardized approach, meaning key features of the intervention look similar across all children receiving the intervention. Since Tier II interventions are standardized, there should be continuous availability, which allows for quick access to the intervention. These interventions are geared toward skill development and/or increasing protective factors for students and their families. Examples of Tier II interventions include, but are not limited to, Check-In and Check-Out programs and skill development groups.

Tier II interventions typically occur after an identified concern generates a referral from the parent(s), teacher(s) or counselor(s) or when a universal screening measure identifies a student or group of students at potential risk. Risk factors do not necessarily indicate poor outcomes, but rather refer to statistical predictors that suggest barriers to learning. Examples of risk factors may include loss of a parent or loved one, frequent moves resulting in multiple school placements or exposure to violence and trauma.

Tier III (Tertiary)

Tier III interventions are intensive, individualized interventions for students exhibiting severe or persistent behavioral challenges who have not responded to prior supports at the Tier I or Tier II levels. Typical Tier III interventions involve in-depth, individual behavior analysis and behavior intervention planning. Examples of Tier III interventions include, but are not limited to, creation of the Functional Behavioral Assessment and Behavioral Intervention Plan and linkage with community mental health agencies and/or wraparound support.

Tier II and Tier III Resources

Motivation and Engagement PBIS

Motivation and Engagement PBIS is an expanded PBIS framework that integrates PBIS systems and practices with developmentally appropriate strategies to support student motivation and engagement. Motivation and Engagement PBIS involves many elements, and all of the elements are tied to the instructional practices and positive expectations that characterize PBIS. Some of the main elements of include:

  • Adoption of motivation or engagement focused expectations for the school.
  • Brief but regular (at least weekly) activities that challenge students to make mindful choices in support of responsible self-improvement.
  • Teaching students the tools and processes they need to take more ownership of their own motivation.
  • Promotion of strategies for adults to maintain their personal motivation and thereby be better instructors of such for others.
  • Adoption of a multi-tiered system to support students with these efforts, where ever they may be beginning.
  • Promotion of a motivated and positive school culture.

Why is Motivation and Engagement PBIS Important?

Promoting student motivation and engagement facilitates all basic forms of student learning, whether academic, behavioral, or social. Improving the efficiency of how students learn is highly valuable to both the educators and those who are learning. Although educators regularly use strategies in an effort to engage students, these strategies may not always instill a sense of personal responsibility for self-improvement. Current efforts to motivate and engage students rely heavily upon stimulating lesson plans and external rewards. These efforts are very important but not sufficient to foster a lifelong value of achievement and resilience.

Students come to Ohio schools from a wide range of settings and backgrounds. While respectful of all personal and cultural backgrounds, ME-PBIS strategies help students focus upon choices that promote academic success and social competence.

Interconnected Systems Framework: PBIS and Mental Health

The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF) builds upon Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports to include School Mental Health programs and services to promote prevention and intervention within multi-tiered systems of support. The Interconnected Systems Framework is an emerging approach for building a single system to address mental health and social-emotional well-being in schools. The Interconnected Systems Framework uses MTSS core features to ensure mental health is embedded in all aspects of the learning environment.

PBIS and mental Health Resources

Additional Links

Last Modified: 9/20/2023 1:38:21 PM