Data-based individualization (DBI) is a systematic process used to guide teachers in making decisions related to students’ responsiveness to intervention. Whereas this process has been used extensively with academic interventions, far less is known about DBI used within the context of behavioral interventions. In this study, elementary general and special education teachers (a) implemented a technology-based, self-monitoring intervention with students exhibiting challenging behavior; and (b) used DBI to evaluate student progress and make intervention adaptations accordingly. Results of multilevel modeling indicated students improved their positive behavior significantly ( p < .001) from baseline to intervention. For most students, once they began intervention, positive behaviors either maintained or increased gradually when teachers made adaptations to the self-monitoring intervention. In addition to these results, an analysis of the effects of different intervention adaptations (e.g., raising or lowering goals, increasing or decreasing interval length) and visual analysis of individual students’ response are discussed.

Positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) is a three-tiered framework for preventing problem behavior and intervening for students at risk for or with problem behavior (Sugai & Horner, 2006). This research-based framework, which is implemented in more than 23,000 schools across the country, hinges on the core components of systems, data, and practice within and across tiers (Horner, Sugai, & Fixsen, 2017). Tier 1 is a schoolwide, systems-based approach to defining and teaching behavioral expectations, recognizing prosocial behavior, and correcting problem behavior. Tier 1 programs and practices have resulted in higher academic achievement, fewer discipline problems, and improved school climate (Horner et al., 2017). In Tier 2, targeted supports are provided to students at risk for or with low-level problem behavior by matching efficient research-or evidence-based interventions with the corresponding problem behavior. Tier 2 interventions can be delivered in small groups or individually. Research indicates that many students have improved their behavior (e.g., on-task, disruption, inappropriate language) significantly by participating in Tier 2 interventions such as check-in/ check-out (CICO), self-management strategies, and social skills instructional groups (Bruhn, Lane, & Hirsch, 2014). Tier 3 is reserved for students with persistent and resistant challenging behavior and involves intensive, individualized, function-based behavioral interventions. Function-based interventions have demonstrated effectiveness for a range of students across the grade span in both general and special education settings (Gage, Lewis, & Stichter, 2012). In all tiers, data are collected to guide decision making with the goal of improving student outcomes. These data may be reviewed by one school-site team, or there may be a team assigned to monitor data at each tier. These problemsolving teams generally consist of an administrator and a range of teachers from different content areas (e.g., special education, general education, related arts) and grade levels. School counselors, psychologists, behavior specialists, and social workers also may be on the team. In Tier 1, implementation fidelity data (e.g., Schoolwide Evaluation Tool; Sugai, Lewis-Palmer, Todd, & Horner, 2001), schoolwide discipline data (e.g., number of office referrals, location, and time of day of behavior incidents), and behavioral screening data are used to (a) determine areas of effectiveness and those areas needing improved Tier 1 delivery, and (b) identify students who may require additional support at the Tier 2 level. At Tier 2, data from validated assessments (e.g., Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]; Goodman, 1997) are needed to identify specific behavioral deficits which can be matched to appropriate Tier 2 interventions, and also monitor student responsiveness throughout Tier 2 implementation (McDaniel, Bruhn, & Mitchell, 756984B BXXXX10.

An emerging body of research shows Tier 1 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) can be successfully implemented in high schools to improve school climate and graduation rates and reduce problem behaviors. However, high schools are often hesitant to adopt PBIS because of contextual barriers such as school size, organizational culture, and student developmental level. Resistance to high school implementation is also related to teachers perceiving PBIS as less socially valid for high school students. Although previous systematic reviews of Tier 1 have examined implementation and effects, none have exclusively focused on the unique contextual needs related to high school implementation. In this review, we synthesized 16 published research studies conducted at the high school level, described how authors addressed the unique challenges of implementing PBIS in high schools, reported findings related to academic and behavioral outcomes, and made recommendations for future research and practice based on our findings.

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Teaching self-determination skills to students with disabilities can improve both behavior and academic achievement while having a lasting impact on life outcomes. Specifically, goal setting is a highly useful and transferrable life skill that can enhance motivation, increase access to curriculum, and promote independence while improving academics and behavior. Unfortunately, students with disabilities are often not provided with adequate instruction to learn and practice goal-setting skills in school. To that end, this article presents a step-by-step guide for teachers to explicitly teach high school students with disabilities how to self-set goals to improve their behavior and academic achievement.