Tiers of Support

Tiers of Support

Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is one of the core components of a positive high-expectations school. PBIS (or PBL) is an evidence-based organisational framework that uses a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) to address students’ behavioural, academic, social, and emotional health.  

The MTSS consists of three tiers of supports to meet the needs of all students. (Note: These three tiers represent levels of intervention, not students.)

Tier 1 supports are provided to all students. They include the subject area and behavioural curricula paired with effective teaching to create a supportive learning environment. Classroom structures and supports for positive behaviour are part of Tier 1, as they are offered to all students. 

Tier 2 supports include targeted instruction, social-emotional and engagement interventions. These are provided to some students who need additional help to meet subject area and behavioural expectations.

Tier 3 supports are intensive individual interventions for the few students who display specific problematic behaviours. 

Classroom teachers and teaching assistants consistently deliver the systems and practices designed in their school’s Tier 1 supports to all of their students. For any student needing Tier 2 or 3 supports, the teaching team is supported by the school coach to understand their role in Tier 2/3 implementation.