Principal Perceptions: The Impact of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports on Discipline Disproportionality

This study explored the impact of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework on discipline disproportionality in an Eastern Virginia school division. Nationally, African American students are suspended and expelled at a much higher rate than their peers (Skiba et al., 2016). This study explored the impact PBIS had on this rate. The work is valuable to those interested in introducing the PBIS framework in their school division or school. A phenomenological, qualitative study was conducted with the first research question using discipline data from the division to track trends. The second research question was answered by interviewing principals within the division. The results of this study showed that PBIS did not impact the rate of disproportionality in the schools in this study; however, principals perceived that PBIS did have a positive impact on student behavior, school culture, and the overall discipline program of their school. This work adds to the body of research that PBIS does have a positive impact on school culture and school discipline. On the other hand, PBIS will require a more concerted focus on equity in order to make strides against impacting discipline disproportionality.