Menu Close

Tier 1: Core Program and Prevention for Behavioral Needs

What is it?

Tier 1 systems, data, and practices establish the foundations for delivering consistent, proactive support and preventing problem behaviors. Tier 1 emphasizes prosocial skills and expectations by teaching and acknowledging appropriate student behavior. Teams, data, consistent policies, professional development, and evaluation are essential components for these practices to work effectively. The core principles guiding Tier 1 instruction include: 

  • Effectively teaching appropriate behavior to all children
  • Intervening early before unwanted behaviors escalate
  • Using research-based, scientifically validated interventions whenever possible
  • Monitoring student progress
  • Using data to make decisions
An infographic of 3 different sized triangles stacked and overlapping vertically to demonstrate the 3 tiers of a Multi-Tiered system of Support. The first triangle on the bottom is labeled 1: Universal and is highlighted. The words Academics and behavior are written on the side edge of the triangle. Above the stacked triangles is a textbox titled Tier 1: Universal. It reads All students are oriented to establish, school-wide behavior expectations, consequences, and pro-social culture. Staff consistently implement the school-wide PBIS and engage in professional learning related to classroom management, behavioral, emotional, and life skills. A leadership team is established to support all implementation.

Foundational Systems

Tier 1 systems serve as the foundation upon which all other tiers are built. With school-wide systems in place, schools can identify which students require additional support more efficiently. These Tier 1 foundational systems are: 

Leadership Team

Data Monitoring, Evaluation, & Dissemination

Regularly Scheduled & Structured Meetings

Selecting, Training, & Coaching Personnel

  • Establish school-wide culture  & commitment to PBIS
  • Develop systems & practices for Tier 1 support
  • Monitor school-wide data
  • Ensure equitable access to supports for all students
  • Evaluate Tier 1 program   overall effectiveness 
  • Review and use discipline & academic outcome data to guide decision-making
  • Measure & analyze fidelity data to monitor school implementation of PBIS Tier 1
  • Annual evaluation of Tier 1 supports, share data &   findings with stakeholders
  • Tier 1 Team meets at least monthly
  • Ensure all members can attend at least 80% of meetings to provide consistency in action-planning and decision-making implementation of PBIS Tier 1
  • Utilize agendas, minutes, defined roles, & a current  action plan in meetings
  • Support consistency in staff knowledge and implementation of PBIS
  • Develop and facilitate training and professional learning for school personnel around four core practices of PBIS:
    • School-wide expectations
    • Acknowledging appropriate behavior
    • Correcting errors
    • Requesting assistance      

The Tier 1 Team

In addition to monitoring Tier 1 systems, the Tier 1 team meets regularly to refine school-wide practices and evaluate their effectiveness. the team reviews discipline data, curriculum-based measures, state tests, and other data sources related to improving school-wide outcomes. Tier 1 Teams shoul dinclude the following personnel and skill sets:

Tier 1 Team Member Skill Sets

Team Coordinator

School Administrator

Family Representation

Classroom Teachers

Student Representation

Skill Sets:

Behavioral expertise                             Coaching expertise                         Knowledge of student academic/behavior patterns

Knowledge of school operations across grade levels/programs

Resources

Classroom Teachers



School Administrators/District Leadership