The Effects of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports System (PBIS) on the Behavior of Middle School Female Students

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the impact of the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) system on middle school female behavior. The researcher developed a quasi-experimental study and simulated a modified pre-test post-test study to observe student behavior with and without the influence of PBIS throughout two school years at a Baltimore City charter middle school. Results were measured by a grade-wide merit and demerit system where students were awarded merits for exhibiting positive behaviors, and demerits for exhibiting negative behaviors. The data concluded that there was no a statistically significant difference in the percentage of merit awards in favor of the PBIS group over the non-PBIS students. The major difference was derived from the students who earned all merits and no demerits during the treatment school year; thus proving the impact of the PBIS program on student behavior.