Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support

Click here to view the PSWBS expectations matrix.

Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support as defined by Horner and Sugai (2004) is:

“comprised of a broad range of systemic and individualised strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behaviour with all students. SWPBS is not a specific model but a compilation of effective practices, interventions, and systems change strategies that have a long history of empirical support and development and individually have been demonstrated to be empirically effective and efficient.”

In practical terms, SWPBS is:

Proactive schoolwide systems of support for defining, teaching, and supporting appropriate student behaviours to create positive school environments.


A behaviourally-based systems approach to improving the link between evidence-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs.


Creating and sustaining schoolwide, classroom and individual systems of support that improve lifestyle results for all learners.


Building effective environments in which positive behaviour is more effective than problem behaviour so that academic and social success is maximised.