Texas Behavior Support Initiative (TBSI)

How to access the program?

Visit https://register.tealearn.com/browse/tea/network/-tier/courses/texas-behavior-support-initiative-tbsi-2023 to enroll in the free self-paced training.

What is the program? 

TBSI training is designed to provide foundational knowledge for the use of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) for all students, including those with disabilities. While the TBSI training meets legislative requirements related to procedures for the use of restraint and time-out, it also provides a framework for sharing a wide range of foundation-level behavior strategies and prevention-based school-wide, classroom, and individual interventions. This training is specifically designed to educate about Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 

Who is the program for? 

This training is for educators, administrators, professional school counselors, and student support staff.  

What outcomes does the program produce? 

• Increase knowledge of legal requirements related to restraint and time-out 
• Increase knowledge on the benefits of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) 
• Improve identification of interventions and supports that can be used school-wide in the classroom, and with individual students  

What is the evidence? 

Freeman, J., Kern, L., Gambino, A. J., Lombardi, A., & Kowitt, J. (2019). Assessing the Relationship between the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Framework and Student Outcomes in High Schools. Journal of At-Risk Issues, 22(2), 1–11. 

In this study 15 high schools were sampled to measure their fidelity of implementing PBIS and student level data related to discipline, attendance, and achievement. After controlling for school and student demographic data the results showed that, schools who implemented PBIS with fidelity saw decreases in suspensions, office referrals for discipline and absences. The schools implementing PBIS with fidelity also saw increases in student level data related to academic achievement and GPA.  

Horner, R., Sugai, G., Smolkowski, K., Eber, L., Todd, A., & Esperanza, J. (2009). A Randomized, Wait-List Controlled Effectiveness Trial Assessing School-Wide Positive Behavior Support in Elementary Schools. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 11, 133–144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098300709332067 

This 3-year randomized controlled trial studied the effectiveness of School Wide Positive Behavior Supports in elementary schools. In the sample, 30 schools were assigned to the treatment group which received SWPBS training, and 23 schools were in the control group which had delayed training. The results showed that in comparison to the control group, the schools in the treatment group had a greater feeling of school safety and school quality. This study also showed that after training and technical assistance schools in the treatment group had significantly lower discipline rates.  

How is the program implemented? 

This training is a self-paced online course.  

Who can implement the program? 

The knowledge and skills gained by completing the TBSI course can be implemented by educators, administrators, professional school counselors, and student support staff.  

What are the costs and commitments associated with becoming trained in this program? 

The course is free. Users must enroll online before gaining access to the course.  

What resources are useful for understanding or implementing the program? 

• Texas Behavioral Support Initiative (TBSI)- https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/learning-library/texas-behavior-support-initiative  
• Texas Interventions Using Evidence Based Research (TIER)- https://spedsupport.tea.texas.gov/topics/mtss 

Rating: Research-Informed 

Secondary Components: Building Relationships, Managing Emotions, and Decision-Making Skills; Positive Youth Development; Positive, Safe, and Supportive School Climates