PBIS Rollout: From Zero to Tier 1 in One Semester

ODR Rate

48/mo 29/mo

-40%

Positive Referral Ratio

0:1 3:1

New

Climate Survey

2.9/5 3.7/5

+28%

Symptom

The high school had no formal PBIS framework. Discipline was entirely reactive — ODRs, detentions, suspensions. The school averaged 48 ODRs per month with no system for positive recognition. Staff survey data showed that 60% of teachers felt the discipline system was inconsistent and ineffective. The biggest challenge was buy-in at the high school level. Staff were skeptical that a system designed for elementary schools could work with teenagers.

People

Mr. James Mitchell, the assistant principal, assembled a PBIS leadership team of 8 staff members representing every department. Team: - Mr. James Mitchell — AP, PBIS champion - 6 teacher representatives — One per department - School counselor — Student voice and survey coordination

Data

The team tracked ODRs by type, location, and time of day using the behavior event system. A data wall displayed monthly ODR trends alongside positive referral counts. Staff could see the ratio improving in real time. A climate survey was administered at baseline (August) and midpoint (January).

Plan

The rollout followed a phased approach designed for high school skepticism: Month 1 (August): Leadership team established 3-5 school-wide expectations (not rules). Student focus groups helped draft the language. Expectations were framed as professional norms, not childish rules. Month 2 (September): Positive referral system launched. Any staff member could submit a referral for a student demonstrating expectations. Referrals earned entries in a weekly drawing. Months 3-4 (Oct-Nov): Department-level data review. Each department saw their ODR data and set a reduction target. Friendly competition between departments drove engagement. Month 5 (December): Mid-year celebration. Top-referring staff and students recognized. Climate survey re-administered. Results shared school-wide.

Resources

High School PBIS Launch Guide

Month-by-month implementation plan for secondary schools

Positive Referral Form Template

Digital and paper versions