PaTTAN LEEI Newsletter
PBIS Myth
"PBIS is just about bribing students to behave."
PBIS FACT
PBIS does not rely on rewards alone. The framework emphasizes explicitly teaching behavioral expectations, prompting and practicing those expectations, acknowledging students when they demonstrate the skills, and using data to evaluate whether practices are working. Acknowledgment is intended to provide feedback about behavior and strengthen the skills students are learning—not simply to “buy” compliance.
High School Acknowledgement Systems (Center on PBIS)
This practice brief focuses on effective ways to build an acknowledgement system that works in high school. We start by suggesting why considering a formal acknowledgment system is appropriate in high school, and then review examples of strategies that have been demonstrated (descriptively or empirically) to be effective.
Practical Strategies for Challenging Behavior (Webinar)
- Date: 9/22/26
- Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Challenging behavior impacts student engagement, learning, and success, making it essential for educators to have a range of strategies to support positive outcomes. This session explores five effective classwide and individual approaches that promote positive behavior and improve classroom learning environments.
Quality Indicators of Emotional Support Services and Programs (QIESSP)
- Dates:
- 9/28/26-11/9/26 (Schoology Course)
- 11/17/26 @ 9:00 AM-1:15 PM (District/IU Teams meet virtually)
- Location: Schoology/Virtual
- Registration Information: Coming Soon!
ES Intensive Skills Training for Students with Emotional Behavior Disorders
- Central Dates: 9/30/26, 10/28/26, 11/18/26
- East Dates: 10/5/26, 11/2/26, 12/1/26
- West Dates: 10/26/26, 11/24/26, & 12/15/26
- Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Location: In Person- All regions
- Registration Information:
- Central: Click HERE
- East: Click HERE
- West: Click HERE
FBA to PBSP: Assessing & Designing Effective Tier 3 Supports- Registration Information
- Central Dates: 10/6/26 , 11/3/26, & 12/3/26
- East Dates: 10/15/26, 11/17/26, & 12/10/26
- West Dates: 11/12/26, 12/10/26, & 1/14/27
- Time: 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM (West & Central) 9:00AM - 4:00PM (East)
- Location: In Person- All regions
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: This three-day professional development series is designed to build participants' knowledge and skills in developing, implementing, and sustaining effective Tier 3 behavioral supports within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. Participants will learn to use multiple sources of data, including Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) to design intensive, function-based interventions.
Strategies for Defusing & Preventing Challenging Behavior (Virtual)
- Date: 10/8/26
- Time: 8:30 AM- 12:30 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: This professional learning session is designed to equip educators with practical strategies to support student regulation both in the moment and over the long term. Participants will explore the phases of behavioral escalation, learn to recognize the behaviors associated with each phase, and apply targeted de-escalation strategies within an individualized plan. Additionally, the training will address proactive approaches for promoting positive behaviors and preventing the occurrence of challenging behaviors in the classroom environment.
Strategies for Engaging Students with Learning Content: Management and Instruction (Webinar)
- Date: 10/13/26
- Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Challenging behavior impacts student engagement, learning, and success, making it essential for educators to have a range of strategies to support positive outcomes. This session explores five effective classwide and individual approaches that promote positive behavior and improve classroom learning environments.
Tier 1 for the Masses Series (Virtual)
- Dates: 10/14/26, 12/9/26, 3/10/27
- Time: 12:00 PM- 3:15 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information:
- 10/14/26- "Thriving Together: Creating Nurturing and Positive Learning Environments for All"- Click HERE
- 12/9/26- "Inclusive PBIS for Students with Extensive Support Needs: From Good Intentions to Actions"- Click HERE
- 3/10/27- "Tier 1 Trauma-Informed Classroom Strategies: Brain-Based Positive Behavior Supports"- Click HERE
- Details: Tier 1 for the Masses is a professional learning series focused on strengthening universal practices so that all students—including those with diverse learning, behavioral, mental health, and support needs—can access, participate, and thrive in general education settings.
Across three engaging sessions, participants will explore practical, evidence-informed strategies that can be embedded into everyday Tier 1 systems and classrooms. The series will move beyond the idea that Tier 1 is simply “for most students” and instead examine how universal systems can be intentionally designed to be responsive to a wider range of learners.
Overview of Tier 3 Support, Teaming Structures, Referral Systems, and Systems Fidelity (PaTTAN East)
- Date: 10/15/26
- Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Location: PaTTAN East
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will explore the purpose and essential components of Tier 3 supports within an MTSS framework. The session will focus on developing effective teaming structures, clarifying team member roles and responsibilities, and establishing efficient referral and problem-solving systems. Participants will examine criteria for identifying students who may require intensive intervention and learn strategies for creating coordinated systems that ensure timely and effective support.
Strategies for Engaging Students with Learning Content: Management and Instruction (Webinar)
- Date: 10/20/26
- Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: When students are engaged with learning content, achievement increases and opportunities for misbehavior decrease. This session will focus on instructional and classroom management practices that increase student engagement during instruction. Participants will explore practical strategies for engaging students in both academic and behavioral learning, with examples that can be applied across a variety of classroom settings.
Restorative Practices: Fundamentals & Circles (In Person)
- East Dates: 10/20/26 & 10/21/26 (Option 1) or 3/16/27 & 3/17/27 (Option 2)
- West Dates: 10/21/26 & 10/22/26 (Option 1) or 2/16/27 & 2/17/27 (Option 2)
- Central Dates: 10/27/26 & 10/28/26 (Option 1) or 1/20/27 & 1/21/27 (Option 2)
- Time: 8:30 AM- 3:30 PM
- Location: In Person- All regions
- Details: Building strong relationships and community is essential to a positive school culture. Restorative practices provide a framework for strengthening relationships, building social capital, and addressing conflict and harm. During this two-day introductory experience, participants will learn foundational restorative practices for engaging with students, staff, and families. Topics include setting high expectations with support, providing direct feedback, asking questions that promote accountability, and using restorative approaches to address conflict.
- Registration Information:
- East: Click HERE
- West: Click HERE
- Central: Click HERE
Getting to Know Check & Connect: Orientation and Implementation Insights Series (Webinar)
- Dates: 10/27/26, 1/12/27, 3/16/27, 5/4/27
- Time: 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information:
- 10/27/26 Session- Click HERE- Getting to Know Check & Connect: Orientation and Implementation Insights Series
- 1/12/27 Session- Click HERE- The Check: Using Data to Identify and Respond to Student Needs
3/16/27 Session- Click HERE- The Connect: Mentoring Relationships and Family Engagement
5/4/27 Session- Click HERE- Sustaining Check & Connect: Building Capacity for Lasting Impact
- Details: This series is open to school and district staff who are currently implementing Check & Connect, a student engagement intervention, as well as those considering implementing in their school or district. Each interactive session will provide opportunities to explore the core components of Check & Connect, examine key implementation considerations, engage in discussion with peers, and share experiences from practice. Participants will deepen their understanding of how the intervention can be effectively implemented to support student engagement, persistence, and success within their local setting.
Positive Classroom Behavior & Support (Schoology Course)
- PCBS for Educators Schoology Course Dates:
- Option 1: 11/2/26-11/20/26
- Option 2: 2/8/27-3/5/27
- PCBS for Administrators Schoology Course Dates: 1/4/27-2/5/27
- Location: Schoology
- Registration Information: Coming Soon!
Foundational Behavior Principles, Functional Behavior Assessments, and Assessment Tools (PaTTAN Central)
- Date: 11/3/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Location: PaTTAN Central
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will focus on the core principles of behavior and their application to understanding and addressing challenging student behaviors. Participants will deepen their understanding of the relationship between behavior and environmental factors, explore the functions of behavior, and learn the key components of conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).
Beyond Boundaries: Teaching Healthy Relationships to Students with Disabilities (Virtual)
- Date: 11/4/26
- Time: 3:15 PM-4:30 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Explore practical strategies for teaching healthy relationships, personal boundaries, and self-determination to students with disabilities. Through shared learning and collaboration, participants will gain tools to help students build safe, meaningful relationships across school, home, and community settings.
Overview of Tier 3 Support, Teaming Structures, Referral Systems, and Systems Fidelity (PaTTAN West)
- Date: 11/12/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Location: PaTTAN West
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will explore the purpose and essential components of Tier 3 supports within an MTSS framework. The session will focus on developing effective teaming structures, clarifying team member roles and responsibilities, and establishing efficient referral and problem-solving systems. Participants will examine criteria for identifying students who may require intensive intervention and learn strategies for creating coordinated systems that ensure timely and effective support.
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (Virtual)
- Date: 11/16/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
- Join us for a 1-day virtual training with required prerequisite ONLINE coursework (asynchronous) completed on the MHFA Connect website.
- Asynchronous coursework must be completed in advance of the session and will take approx. 2 hours to complete.
Foundational Behavior Principles, Functional Behavior Assessments, and Assessment Tools (PaTTAN East)
- Date: 11/17/26
- Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Location: PaTTAN East
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will focus on the core principles of behavior and their application to understanding and addressing challenging student behaviors. Participants will deepen their understanding of the relationship between behavior and environmental factors, explore the functions of behavior, and learn the key components of conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).
Why Can't Johnny Calm Himself? Rethinking Regulation for Student Success (Webinar)
- Date: 11/17/26
- Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Challenging behavior impacts student engagement, learning, and success, making it essential for educators to have a range of strategies to support positive outcomes. This session explores five effective classwide and individual approaches that promote positive behavior and improve classroom learning environments.
Chronic Absenteeism and School Refusal: Tips for Increasing Engagement in School (Webinar)
- Date: 12/1/26
- Time: 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Chronic absenteeism and school refusal continue to challenge schools, with rates remaining well above pre-pandemic levels. This session will distinguish chronic absenteeism from school refusal and examine four functions that may contribute to school refusal: avoidance of negative affect, escape from aversive social or evaluative situations, attention seeking, and access to tangible reinforcers outside of school.
Behavior Support Plans, SEB Interventions and Data-Based Decision Making (PaTTAN Central)
- Date: 12/3/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Location: PaTTAN Central
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will learn how to design comprehensive and individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs). Emphasis will be placed on selecting antecedent strategies, teaching function-based replacement behaviors, developing reinforcement systems, and establishing clear response procedures when challenging behavior occurs. Participants will also explore data-based decision-making processes utilizing progress monitoring data to evaluate intervention effectiveness and make informed adjustments.
Behavior Support Plans, SEB Interventions and Data-Based Decision Making (PaTTAN East)
- Date: 12/10/26
- Time: 9:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Location: PaTTAN East
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will learn how to design comprehensive and individualized Behavior Support Plans (BSPs). Emphasis will be placed on selecting antecedent strategies, teaching function-based replacement behaviors, developing reinforcement systems, and establishing clear response procedures when challenging behavior occurs. Participants will also explore data-based decision-making processes utilizing progress monitoring data to evaluate intervention effectiveness and make informed adjustments.
Foundational Behavior Principles, Functional Behavior Assessments, and Assessment Tools (PaTTAN West)
- Date: 12/10/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-3:30 PM
- Location: PaTTAN West
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Participants will focus on the core principles of behavior and their application to understanding and addressing challenging student behaviors. Participants will deepen their understanding of the relationship between behavior and environmental factors, explore the functions of behavior, and learn the key components of conducting a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA).
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training (Virtual)
- Date: 12/10/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-2:00 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
- Join us for a 1-day virtual training with required prerequisite ONLINE coursework (asynchronous) completed on the MHFA Connect website.
- Asynchronous coursework must be completed in advance of the session and will take approx. 2 hours to complete.
PW/SW Independent Facilitators Network Institute/Summit (Virtual)
- Date: 9/25/26
- Time: 8:30-11:45 AM
- Location: Virtual
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Note: This event is by invitation only. You must have a registration key in order to register.
- Details: This Facilitator Institute provides PaPBS Network facilitators with current information, resources, and tools to strengthen implementation and facilitation across school-age and early childhood settings. Participants will explore updates to the PaPBS Network Recognition process, program evaluation findings, facilitator supports, website resources, and the new training opportunities, with an introduction to the forthcoming Tier 3 curriculum.
PaPBS & MTSS Implementers' Forum 2026
- Theme: One System, All Learners: Advancing Integration in PBIS & MTSS
- Date: 11/4/26-11/6/26
- Location: PaTTAN Central & Full Virtual Option
- Keynote: Brandi Simonson
- Cost: $105 for in-person attendees
- In Person Registration: Click HERE
- Virtual Registration: Click HERE
PaPBS Student Leadership Forum
- Date: 11/19/26
- Time: 8:30 AM-12:30 PM
- Location: Virtual
- Save the Date Information: Click HERE
- Registration: Click HERE
Linking PBIS with Crisis Prevention, Protection, and Mitigation: Webinar Series
- Details: This final 60-minute webinar in the series provides an opportunity to learn from national, state, and district leaders engaged in integrating school safety and PBIS/MTSS efforts.
- Dates & Links to Register:
- 9/24/26: Measuring What Didn’t Happen
- Time: 2:00-3:00 PM (EST)
- Cost: Free
Start Strong PBIS Essentials: Webinar Series
- Details: The Start Strong PBIS Essentials begins in late September, with new opportunities to register for all three tiers.
- Dates & Links to Register:
- Tier 1 PBIS Essentials - September 23, 2026 - 3:00-4:00 PM
PDE: Cultivating Connection & Prevention
- Date: 9/29/26
- Time: 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM
- Location: PaTTAN Central
- Registration Information: Click HERE
- Details: Join us to learn more about the PDE Office of School Climate & Well-Being and ways we can support you! This opportunity will feature our partnership with Sandy Hook Promise’s Start with Hello & SAVE Promise Clubs.
National PBIS Leadership Forum- October 2026
- Date: 10/21/26-10/23/26
- Location: Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago in Rosemont, IL
- Registration Information: Click HERE
Pennsylvania at the Northeast PBIS Conference
PA PaTTAN’s and IU 3 Learning Environment and Engagement Initiative (LEEI) team joined colleagues from across the Northeast to share Pennsylvania’s work in advancing equitable, data-informed, and multi-tiered PBIS implementation. We are proud to represent Pennsylvania and learn alongside our Northeast PBIS partners!
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