The framework of PBS is a continuum of support from universal to individualized support. With universal school-wide management strategies in place, most students, 80-90%, function within the daily structure of school without major behavior concerns. Although some students require additional support, all students benefit from universal procedures and expectations that are clear and consistent and are efficiently used across all school settings, staff, and students.

Some students, 5-15%, are at risk for behavior concerns. In order to meet the behavioral needs of these students, targeted or specialized group-based interventions are integrated within the school environment in addition to the universal procedures.

There are also a few students, 1-7%, who exhibit chronic or severe behavior concerns that are unresponsive to universal and group based supports. These students need intense individualized support beyond the universal and specialized support levels.

When effective behavioral support is provided at all levels across school-wide, non-classroom, classroom, and individual student systems, comprehensive support is established while providing proactive procedures for preventing serious problem behaviors.

Click each level of the diagram above for an expanded description, or click: Universal Systems, Intervention Support, or Individualized Support.