Why Implement Tier 1 PBIS for Students with Disabilities? What Does Research Say?

This brief summarizes research on the effects of Tier 1 PBIS for students with disabilities. In general, when schools implement PBIS with fidelity, students with disabilities experience: (a) improved social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes and (b) fewer exclusionary discipline actions (i.e., office discipline referrals, suspensions, restraint, seclusion). Given the promising, research-supported effects of Tier 1 PBIS, it is recommended that schools continue to prioritize Tier 1 supports that are inclusive and supportive of all students, including students with disabilities.