Tier 3

Intensive Individualized Interventions

What is Tier 3 of school-wide PBIS?

When Tier 1 and Tier 2 of school-wide PBIS are fundamentally in place, the foundation for implementing Tier 3 supports is established. Tier 3 of the triangle model focuses on the individual needs of students who exhibit ongoing patterns of problem behavior and typically require intensive intervention. Tier 3 supports are layered on top of Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports. Students receiving Tier 3 supports also need the foundation and structure provided by Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports.

Tier 3 interventions are developed following a comprehensive and collaborative assessment of the problem behavior by people who know the student best. Interventions and supports are then developed based on this information and are tailored to the student’s specific needs and circumstances. The goal of Tier 3 interventions is not only to diminish the problem behavior but to also increase the student’s adaptive skills and opportunities for an enhanced quality of life.

Examples of Tier 3 interventions might include: individual counseling, family counseling; or administration of a Functional Behavioral Assessment to provide concrete data to create an individual Behavior Support Plan.

How are students selected for a Tier 3 intervention?

Tier 3 intervention should be considered when problem behavior is:

• Chronic/frequent.
• Dangerous.
• Highly disruptive.
• Impeding learning.
• Resulting in social or educational exclusion.

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