Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports (PBIS)

In 2018, Ohio passed the Supporting Alternatives for Fair Education (SAFE) Act, or House Bill 318 (HB318), into law. The act addresses multi-tiered behavioral supports in the interest of reducing disciplinary referrals, especially for prekindergarten through grade 3 students. It strengthened requirements for schools to implement PBIS, social-emotional learning supports, and trauma-informed practices. Districts and schools must also provide provide professional development or continuing education in PBIS by November 2021.

In June 2021, the Ohio Department of Education and State Board of Education approved revised rules and standards for the implementation of positive behavior intervention supports and the use of restraint and seclusion. This rule adds additional professional development requirements for districts and schools requiring PBIS training for all K through 12 student personnel every three years. 

To assist districts and schools with this work, the ESC, in partnership with State Support Team Region 11, is providing guidance and supports for implementation.