Student perceptions of behavior and discipline: a PBIS survey for student voice

Abstract

Student voice is essential for PBIS, but a tool for gathering students’ perspectives of PBIS is not available in the literature. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a universal–level PBIS survey for students, the Student Perceptions of Behavior and Discipline (StPBD). This survey was designed to mobilize student engagement and guide implementation with cultural and contextual fit. Survey development was informed by literature review, feedback from users and researchers, pilot tests, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Analyses of items designed to measure aspects of school climate, student–staff relationships, and family connections confirmed these three distinct factors. Linear mixed–effect analyses revealed significant relationships between the survey, student perceptions of PBIS practices in the school, school level, discipline, and gender identity.

Keywords:

• Positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS)
• student voice
• student discipline

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by University of Washington Royalty Research Fund.

Notes on contributors

Laura L. Feuerborn

Laura Feuerborn is a Professor and Director of School Psychology at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her research interests are in the fields of social and emotional learning and systemic change processes.

Ashli D. Tyre

Ashli Tyre is a Professor at Seattle University. Her research interests are stakeholder support for the implementation of schoolwide positive behavior interventions and supports.

Kathleen Beaudoin

Kathleen Beaudoin is an Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Washington Tacoma. Her research interests include positive behavior interventions and supports and stakeholder voice.

Mladen Zečević is a research scientist at the University of Washington’s Department of Radiology. His primary focus lies in the development of generalizable Quantitative Imaging Biomarker frameworks and innovative image analysis methods. His research interests lie in the application of advanced imaging techniques and radiomics to optimize diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.