Tier 2
What is Tier 2?
In the PBIS tiered system, Tier 2 interventions are designed to support around 10-15% of students. Tier 2 supports are in place for students showcasing mild behavior problems and those who need extra support in addition to Tier 1. At this level, structure is increased by providing expectations more often and feedback more regularly. For example, feedback may be provided at designated times during each day or regularly throughout the week (PBIS World). Tier 2 supports provide increased prompting, practice and positive feedback for the student.
How do you move to Tier 2?
Students should be provided with Tier 2 support within a few days to a week after a need is identified. All staff should be trained on how to identify students who may benefit from Tier 2. At the classroom level, this will ultimately be up to the teacher to determine and implement. It is best to provide Tier 2 supports early, or at the first sign of an issue, in order to prevent the behavior from escalating (Center on PBIS 2025).
Components/Principles of Tier 2
• Teachers should provide detailed instruction of expected behaviors.
• Providing structured prompts, including expectation reminders and visuals/cues.
• There should be plenty of opportunities throughout the school day to practice skills.
• Both positive and corrective feedback should be provided regularly.
• As time moves forward, the teacher can begin to fade supports when the student is ready.
• Open communication with parents through notes, emails or phone calls.
Overall, students should receive increased instruction, supervision, and feedback. A few examples of intervention methods include additional academic support, a checkin/check-out system, behavioral contracts, mentoring, and social skills interventions (Center on PBIS 2025).
