PBIS in the Classroom
Research consistently shows that strong PBIS systems at the classroom level are crucial for the success and long-term sustainability of school-wide PBIS efforts. PBIS in the classroom mirrors the whole-school approach—it's proactive, evidence-based and focused on creating a positive and structured learning environment.
However, the unfortunate reality for many teachers is that their pre-service teacher training course did not prepare them to be effective classroom managers and that professional learning on classroom management is often limited to one-shot ‘sit and get’ sessions without opportunities for practice and feedback. It’s therefore not surprising that there is always a strong demand for reliable information about evidence-informed classroom management practices.
Although practices are essential, the PBIS implementation model highlights that equitable outcomes can only be achieved with supportive systems and use of data for decision-making and supporting implementation. Let’s take a brief look at how systems and data support effective use of classroom management practices.
Systems
For PBIS to work in classrooms, we need more than just strategies—we need the right systems in place. That starts with school leaders clearly communicating why proactive classroom practices matter and showing how it connects to broader school improvement goals.
Leaders also create a supportive, non-judgemental school culture. They foster an environment where it’s completely normal for teachers to seek and receive feedback on their classroom practices. Rather than working in isolation, educators are empowered to come together, share ideas and problem-solve classroom management challenges collaboratively.
Equally important is providing teachers with ongoing professional development and access to coaching. This shouldn’t be a ‘train and hope’ approach. Professional learning should be embedded, delivered using the principles of explicit instruction and include multiple options for rehearsal and practice.
Just like we support students through universal, targeted and individual tiers, teacher professional learning should follow the same approach. By tailoring support to meet needs, we can ensure teachers feel confident and equipped to implement positive classroom practices effectively.
Data
Simple tools like self-assessment or observation checklists can be used to collect data on how classroom practices are used. This information helps teachers set goals, track progress and improve implementation over time. When de-identified, the data can also help schools monitor overall progress and evaluate how well classroom systems are working.
Practices
The good news is that there is a host of excellent resources on PBIS-aligned classroom management practices freely available:
Supporting and Responding to Students’ Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Needs – A comprehensive practice guide from the U.S. PBIS National Centre.
Missouri SW-PBS – Offers a wide range of Tier 1 Effective Teaching and Learning Practices.
Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) – A great starting point, with explainers, practice guides, videos and a user guide to navigate all the resources.
Victorian Department of Education – Provides a downloadable suite of Positive Classroom Management Strategies.
Queensland Department of Education’s Classroom Management Hub – Accessible through Scootle, this hub includes tip sheets, videos, animations and more. Just search “Classroom Management Hub” after logging in.
Final Thoughts
When teachers consistently implement PBIS practices in the classroom, the benefits are clear: better student engagement, fewer behavioural issues, stronger relationships and improved wellbeing—for students and teachers.
These benefits underscore the importance of building systems to support implementation and using data for continuous improvement. Every teacher deserves the tools and support to manage their classroom with confidence—and PBIS offers a structured, evidence-based pathway to make that happen.
Resource
For more detailed information on developing systems to support staff implementation of PBIS classroom practices and using data to guide the development of implementation supports, download the PBIS National Centre guide Supporting and Responding to Educators’ Classroom PBIS Implementation Needs: Guide to Classroom Systems and Data.