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School-wide positive behavior interventions and supports (SW-PBIS) is a framework for creating safe and effective learning environments and cultivating a positive educational climate. Researchers show that SW-PBIS can improve behavioral outcomes, while demonstrations of a causal relationship between improvements in students' academic achievement and implementation of SW-PBIS remain equivocal. We provide evidence of reductions in behavioral incident reports, improvements in school attendance, and increases in career and technical industry certifications following SW-PBIS implementation in one Texas secure male juvenile correction facility. We argue that these improvements could only be due to SW-PBIS implementation and not alternative explanations (e.g., agency policy/procedure changes, changes in facility or agency leadership, other treatment/rehabilitation programs, validity of measures). We also offer an explanation for these improved gains based on the academic characteristics of incarcerated youth. (Contains 2 tables.)

This article provides a rationale and guidelines for the adoption and implementation of positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) in secure juvenile justice settings, including benefits for youth and staff members. The rationale for extending PBIS to juvenile justice settings based on the authors' collective work in numerous states and types of juvenile settings is provided. The iterative development and field-testing process for PBIS implementation in these settings as well as features of the adapted materials and protocols are described. Evaluation methods are outlined and the paper closes with recommendations for future research and practice.

Coaching is one component used to facilitate implementation of positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) with fidelity, and to help bridge the gap between training and implementation in real-world settings. This exploratory survey examined elements related to PBIS coaching as support for developing and implementing a statewide PBIS initiative in the educational settings of secure care juvenile correctional facilities. Facility PBIS team members and external PBIS coaches were surveyed to solicit feedback on the need for and value of specific coaching activities and factors that acted as facilitators and barriers to PBIS implementation. Both groups of respondents reported that administrator support, time to carry out PBIS responsibilities, and access to coaching and technical assistance are important for effective implementation of PBIS in secure settings.