Reducing School Suspensions through Prevention, Planning and Student Support

In 2004, Maryland required elementary schools with a suspension rate over 18 percent to implement a school-wide behavioral intervention initiative. The Baltimore School System is implementing Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support (PBIS), a team-based process for systemic problem-solving, planning, and evaluation of school behavior problems.

PBIS is based on evidence that shows most student misbehavior occurs at certain times of the school day and/or in specific locations on the campus. To reduce these “hot spots,” PBIS helps school administrators track data about where, when, and why misbehaviors occur and to develop interventions that address these specific situations. It also helps schools to develop supports to prevent misbehavior, and policies to teach and reward students for following school rules.

In schools throughout the U.S., PBIS has resulted in fewer disciplinary referrals and less administrative and classroom time spent on managing disruptive behavior.

The Open Society Institute–Baltimore's Criminal Justice and Education & Youth Development programs presented a forum on PBIS, as part of its series "School Discipline Policies and their Criminal Justice Consequences." 

Panelists included:

• Susan Barrett, Sheppard Pratt Health Systems;
• Phil Leaf, Johns Hopkins University;
• Milt McKenna, Maryland State Department of Education;
• Joan Parr - Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support Model Coach Facilitator.

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This event is part of Forging Open Society: Generating Ideas, Partnerships and Solutions forums convened by OSI-Baltimore to encourage community leaders with diverse perspectives to craft solutions to challenges facing the Baltimore region.