PBIS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PBIS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The SWIS Drill-Down feature is best used for: → Filtering and examining a specific subset of referral data in detail
2. Which metric helps teams evaluate whether their universal screening tool is accurately identifying students across demographic groups without bias? → Differential Item Functioning (DIF) and disproportionality analysis
3. A team identifies that a student's disruptive behavior peaks during transitions. The BEST Tier 1 strategy is to: → Provide a visual or auditory cue two minutes before each transition
4. A student frequently disrupts class when frustrated by difficult tasks. An SEL-aligned PBIS response would FIRST: → Teach the student self-management strategies such as deep breathing or requesting a break
5. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of pbis leadership team roles as it applies to Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
6. Which of the following represents the most common functions of problem behavior identified through FBA? → Attention, escape, access to tangibles, and sensory stimulation
7. What is the recommended minimum daily percentage of DPR points a student should earn to be considered 'responding' to CICO? → 80%
8. A PBIS team wants to fade a token economy after students have achieved behavioral goals. Which fading sequence is MOST appropriate? → Gradually thin the reinforcement schedule, then shift to natural reinforcers
9. How often should a Tier 3 BIP be formally reviewed and updated? → At least every 4–6 weeks or when data indicate lack of progress or change in behavior
10. Which professional typically leads the FBA process in a school setting? → A school psychologist or behavior specialist
11. A student receiving Tier 2 support shows no improvement after 8 weeks of CICO. What should the team consider? → Conducting a more intensive assessment and considering Tier 3 individualized support
12. A district PBIS coordinator wants to compare ODR rates across five elementary schools. Which SWIS feature supports this? → SWIS-PBIS Evaluation Tool (PET) or district-level SWIS reporting
13. A school PBIS team reviews data showing Tier 2 interventions are not reducing office referrals. What should leadership do first? → Examine implementation fidelity before changing the intervention
14. A student's BIP includes a replacement behavior of raising their hand instead of calling out. This is an example of teaching a behavior that serves the same: → Function
15. A student frequently engages in hand-flapping that is maintained by automatic reinforcement. Which strategy is most appropriate to reduce this behavior? → Response Interruption and Redirection (RIRD)
16. What is the PRIMARY purpose of using cut scores in universal screening? → To identify students who may need additional support
17. A PBIS professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing behavior intervention plans (bips) duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
18. Which action BEST ensures social validity of a classroom token economy from the student's perspective? → Having students vote on the behaviors that will be targeted for token earning
19. A team wants to use 'response cost' in a token economy. This means the student will: → Lose a predetermined number of tokens for a target behavior
20. Why is it important to have a team-based approach to sustaining PBIS? → It ensures that all staff are involved in sustaining PBIS
21. How should a PBIS leadership team respond when outcome data shows significant improvement in school-wide behavior? → Celebrate progress while continuing to monitor data and refine supports
22. A student on CICO is consistently meeting their daily point goal (80%+) for six weeks. What is the recommended next step? → Consider fading or stepping down from CICO to Tier 1 supports
23. What is the recommended frequency for a school PBIS team to formally review ODR data at the Tier 1 level? → Monthly, using current data to guide school-wide decisions
24. Which team member is primarily responsible for facilitating PBIS leadership team meetings and keeping discussions on track? → The team facilitator
25. A teacher wants to reduce a student's off-task behavior using extinction. What is the most important prerequisite before implementing extinction? → Identifying the function of the behavior
26. What is the recommended minimum frequency for a school PBIS team to review behavioral data? → Monthly to allow timely adjustments to supports
27. Which backup reinforcer type typically has the broadest appeal across a diverse student population in a PBIS token store? → Activity-based reinforcers like free reading time or game time
28. A student frequently spends tokens immediately on low-value backup reinforcers instead of saving for preferred items. What intervention addresses this? → Introduce a savings bonus where tokens held longer earn a multiplier or bonus reward
29. Which of the following is an example of a validated universal screening tool used in PBIS settings? → Student Risk Screening Scale (SRSS)
30. What is the primary purpose of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)? → To identify the function or reason behind a student's problem behavior