A meta‐analysis of school‐wide positive behavior support: An exploratory study using single‐case synthesis

TLDR

Positive Behavior Support was incorporated into the 1997 IDEA reauthorization, prompting widespread adoption and growing empirical support for its school‑wide implementation across diverse settings and outcome measures. The authors performed a meta‑analysis of SWPBS studies spanning 16 years and 20 articles. They evaluated single‑case studies using a regression‑based synthesis procedure. The analysis revealed encouraging early trends across outcome variables, though further research is needed in specific domains. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Abstract

Abstract Positive Behavior Support (PBS) for behavioral problems was included in the 1997 Individuals With Disabilities Education Act reauthorization, reflecting the increased implementation and strengthening empirical evidence for PBS in schools. Whereas PBS can be used reactively, its flexibility has led to a popular comprehensive school‐wide model used for prevention. School‐Wide Positive Behavioral Support (SWPBS) has been used across a variety of school environments and various demographics and has been evaluated using a variety of different outcome measures. The authors conducted a meta‐analysis of SWPBS research spanning 16 years and 20 articles. Specifically, single‐case studies were evaluated using a regression‐based procedure. Results show promising early trends in the data across dependent variables with a need for further research in specific areas. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.