The Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools Project

Initiative Description: A PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) program consisting of clear communication of expectations, positive reinforcement for good behavior, and scaffolded, clearly communicated consequences.

Study Results: positive impact on (a) safety-related concerns following the first year of implementation: weapon carrying, being threatened or injured by a weapon, and skipping school because a fear for their safety, (b) increased student reports on the school climate engagement scale, and (c) decreased trend in cannabis use.

Reference: Bradshaw, C. P., Debnam, K. J., Johnson, S. L., Pas, E. T., Hershfeldt, P., Alexander, A., . . . Leaf, P. J. (2014). Maryland’s evolving system of social, emotional, and behavioral interventions in public schools: The Maryland Safe and Supportive Schools project. Adolescent Psychiatry, 4(3), 194-206. doi:10.2174/221067660403140912163120

Level of Evidence: Very Good