Behavioral Support Strategies

Evidence-Based Behavior Systems and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Alternative Settings

May 23, 2025 by Regina Garcia-Lemye

Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the implementation of Evidence-Based Behavior Systems and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in alternative education settings. This session will provide educators, administrators, and support staff with research-backed strategies to create structured, supportive, and effective learning environments for youth who require alternative approaches to traditional education. Participants will gain an understanding of how PBIS frameworks can be adapted to meet the unique needs of students in alternative settings, juvenile justice programs, and specialized schools.

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Resources

Speakers:

Brenda Scheuermann is Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Special Education at Texas State University. Her research focuses on positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) with at-risk youth in alternative settings, particularly in juvenile justice settings, residential treatment, and alternative education programs. Dr. Scheuermann is a partner with the National PBIS Technical Assistance Center, funded by the U.S. Department of Education since 1998. Through her role with the Center, she provides technical assistance to juvenile justice jurisdictions, residential mental health programs, disciplinary alternative day schools, and other alternative programs, focusing on positive, proactive behavior support systems and program climate.

Lindsey Tompkins has been working in education since 2010, working in multiple positions and capacities including Paraprofessional roles in Special Education, as a District Autism Specialist and in her current role as the Behavior Intervention Services Manager for the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education. Lindsey is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and works to support multi-tiered systems of support specifically targeting social-emotional and behavioral supports. Lindsey trains and coaches local school sites and districts in implementation of the Multi Tiered Systems of Support.

Comprehensive School Safety Planning: Legislative Updates and Best Practices for School-Based Behavioral Threat Assessment

February 19, 2025 by Regina Garcia-Lemye

California recently revised state legislation regarding comprehensive school safety plans, some of which pertains to schools’ responses to threats. As leaders consider how to meet the required mandates for school safety planning, evidence-based best practices on behavioral threat assessment can provide insights into how schools can protect students and school personnel while also supporting mental health and well-being.

Join experts from the California Department of Education and WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center to learn about the recent changes to state legislation, as well as practical, evidence-based components of behavioral threat assessment.

Watch the session recording:

View the recording transcript.

View the session resources:

Padlet

Presenters:

Tom Herman is an Education Administrator with the School Health and Safety Office in the Whole Child Division at the California Department of Education. He oversees state and federal programs related to health and safety, crisis response, school climate, restorative practices, harassment and bullying, and alcohol and other drugs (ATOD) prevention. Dr. Herman also oversees areas of comprehensive sexual health and reproduction, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), and the California Healthy Kids Survey. Also, the LGBTQ+ State-Wide Advisory Task Force is in the School Health and Safety Office. A former Principal and Vice Principal, Dr. Herman is committed to student academic success and the physical and emotional wellbeing of all students.

Curtis Herring is a School Safety Technical Assistance Specialist with the WestEd Justice and Prevention Research Center. He supports local, regional, and state education agencies in their implementation of evidence-based violence prevention strategies. His work has included several notable projects, such as the development of a campus mindfulness room, the introduction of processes and procedures related to Behavioral Threat Assessment, the development of a campus-based mentorship program, and the institution of school counseling data collection and analysis methods.

Evidence-Based Behavior Systems and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports in Alternative Settings

Behavioral Support Strategies

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