Why Tier 1 Behavior Systems Are a Game Changer (And What to Do If You Don’t Have One)

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Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook. In today’s episode, we’re talking about why Tier 1 PBIS systems are a game changer—and what to do if you don’t have one.

Introduction

Welcome to The Principal’s Handbook, your go-to resource for principals looking to revamp their leadership approach and prioritize self-care. I’m Barb Flowers, a certified life coach with eight years of experience as an elementary principal.

Each week, we’ll explore strategies for boosting mental resilience, managing time effectively, and nurturing overall wellness. From tackling daily challenges to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, we’ll navigate the complexities of school leadership together.

This is a podcast where your wellbeing is the top priority.

Today’s Topic: Tier 1 PBIS Systems

Welcome back! Today we’re diving into Tier 1 PBIS systems—why they’re a game changer and what to do if you don’t have one in place.

Think about the behavior in your building. If more than 20% of students are struggling with behavior, it’s not just a “student problem”—it’s a Tier 1 system problem.

Even if you’ve been doing PBIS for a while, Tier 1 systems can get stale. So we’ll talk about what to do if:

1. You don’t have a Tier 1 system at all.

2. You do have one, but it feels outdated or ineffective.

And even if your district doesn’t require PBIS, this still applies. You can adapt the principles to whatever behavior framework your school uses.

What Is Tier 1 PBIS?

Tier 1 PBIS is the universal support for all students. Think of the triangle model—80% of students should be on track when Tier 1 is strong.

Key components include:

• Clear schoolwide expectations

• Consistent teaching and reteaching

• Appropriate consequences

• Positive reinforcement

When Tier 1 is implemented effectively, schools see:

• Fewer referrals each year

• More consistent classrooms

• Less teacher burnout

I saw this firsthand. In one building I led, we reduced behavior incidents by 40% in just one year by implementing PBIS with fidelity.

Clearing Up Misconceptions About PBIS

Two common complaints I hear:

1. “Kids won’t be motivated if we’re always rewarding them.”
   – The truth: Positive reinforcement jumpstarts behavior, but reinforcement tapers as expectations become habits.

2. “PBIS means we can’t give consequences.”
   – Not true. Consequences are essential. PBIS simply balances them with a positive approach.

Building a Tier 1 System (If You Don’t Have One)

If you don’t have a system in place, here’s where to start:

1. Create 3–5 simple schoolwide expectations.
   Example: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible.

2. Develop a behavior matrix.
   Break down what each expectation looks like in specific settings—cafeteria, bus, recess, classrooms.

3. Teach expectations explicitly.
   Model, practice, and reteach them throughout the year.

4. Reinforce with positive systems.
   For example, we used a ticket system: students earned tickets for meeting expectations, then entered them in drawings for prizes. Over time, tickets were given less frequently as students internalized expectations.

5. Apply consistent, appropriate consequences.
   Warnings, timeouts, or missed privileges—matched to the student’s age and the expectation not met.

What to Do If Your Tier 1 System Feels Stale

Even the best Tier 1 system can get old. Signs it needs a refresh:

• Expectations aren’t posted or referenced anymore

• Staff are inconsistent with follow-through

• Incentives feel meaningless

• Students are disengaged

Strategies to refresh:

• Revisit and revise the behavior matrix with staff and students

• Hold a “reteach week” where expectations are retaught across the school

• Update incentives with student input (surveys work great!)

• Use behavior data to identify problem locations and patterns

• Adjust supervision or supports as needed (e.g., adding a recess monitor)

Don’t Get Overwhelmed

If you’re just starting out—or if your system feels stale—you are not behind. You’re simply ready for the next step.

Remember:

• You don’t have to do this alone. Build a PBIS team with teachers.

• Take it piece by piece—start with expectations, then layer in reinforcement and consequences.

• Tools exist to help. For example, the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) at pbisapps.com provides a roadmap for improving implementation.

I also created a free PBIS Tier 1 Toolkit with templates, lesson plan guides, incentive ideas, and reflection forms to make this easier.

Closing Thoughts

As you start the year, reflect on your school’s Tier 1 behavior system:

• Are expectations clear?

• Are reinforcements and consequences consistent?

• Do students and staff know what’s expected across settings?

You don’t need a perfect system—just one that’s clear and consistent.

If you’d like support, download the free PBIS Tier 1 Toolkit (linked in the show notes). And feel free to email me at barb@barbflowerscoaching.com or connect with me on TikTok at @the824principal.

I hope you found this episode helpful. Remember, Tier 1 behavior systems really are a game changer. I’ll see you in the next episode!