Predictors of Sustained Implementation of a Universal Behavior Support Framework Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

In this 5-year prospective study, we identified practice, school, and district variables predicting sustained implementation of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), a widely implemented framework for improving social, emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes. Uniquely, the study captured implementation before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Personnel from 595 schools across 22 U.S. states completed a validated measure of implementation strategies during the 2018–2019 school year. Analyses included a multilevel logistic regression of school and district fidelity of implementation data, as well as school characteristics and district PBIS data. Results showed that most schools had sustained implementation after 5 years, and adequate fidelity of implementation and better team use of data for decision-making in Year 1 were the strongest predictors of sustained implementation in the 2022–2023 school year. School grade levels served and school locale were also predictive of sustained implementation. We discuss implications for how teams can improve sustained implementation of evidence-based practices through massive school disruptions.