If you’ve ever looked at your school’s PBIS matrix and thought, “This doesn’t quite reflect who we are anymore,” you’re not alone. Whether you’re building one for the first time or revisiting language that’s been hanging in the hallway for years, the process of developing a PBIS matrix is an opportunity to live your school’s values out loud. A well-crafted matrix isn’t just a behavior chart—it’s a shared language for teaching, recognizing, and reinforcing what matters most in your community. And when it’s done well, it becomes a daily tool that supports inclusion, clarity, and consistency for everyone in the building.
-by Dr. Tim Grivois, Executive Director
1. What is a PBIS matrix?
A PBIS matrix isn’t really for students—it’s a visual tool for adults. It helps ensure that the way we teach and reinforce schoolwide expectations is consistent, clear, and anchored in plain English. A good matrix helps educators live their values out loud, using shared language that supports every student.
2. How do we start building a PBIS matrix?
Begin by identifying 3–5 core values that truly reflect your school community. From there, describe what those values look like in key settings (like the classroom, hallway, or playground). Most importantly, bring everyone to the table—staff, students, and families—so the final product reflects shared ownership.
3. What are some examples of values on a PBIS matrix?
While values like “respectful” or “responsible” are common, the most meaningful PBIS matrices feature values that reflect what makes a school unique. I’ve seen values like inquisitive, present, and unconventional, and some schools are even shifting from single words to actionable statements—like using “do your part” instead of “responsible.”
4. Why is “open-minded” showing up in more PBIS matrices?
“Open-minded” supports inclusion by helping students learn how to listen, collaborate, and coexist with others who think and live differently. It’s not about changing students’ beliefs—it’s about building the social-emotional skills needed to learn with others in a diverse world.
5. How often should we revise our PBIS matrix?
A good rule of thumb: if your matrix is older than the number of grade levels in your school, it’s time to take another look. Revisions help ensure the language still reflects your values—and gives your team a chance to ask, “Would we build the same matrix today if we started from scratch?”
6. What’s the best way to involve staff in revising a PBIS matrix?
Use professional learning time or grade-level meetings to collect input. Show real examples of how expectations are used (or ignored), and ask what needs to change. The more collaborative the process, the more meaningful the matrix becomes.
7. How can we involve students and families in the PBIS matrix?
At TGS Educational Consulting, we help schools collect both qualitative and quantitative data from students, families, and staff. That way, the final matrix reflects voices from every part of the school community—not just the leadership team.
8. Can we include social-emotional learning (SEL) in a PBIS matrix?
Absolutely. A well-designed PBIS matrix naturally integrates SEL—by including expectations like managing emotions, showing empathy, and repairing harm. These are the behaviors that make schools both safe and inclusive.
9. What are common mistakes to avoid when revising a PBIS matrix?
Avoid vague language and avoid trying to force your values into a catchy acronym. What matters most is that the language is authentic, specific, and usable—not that the values spell out ROAR or PRIDE. And never borrow another school’s matrix without tailoring it to your own.
10. Where can I get support to build or revise a PBIS matrix?
If you’re ready to build a matrix that reflects your school’s real values and works in the real world, TGS Educational Consulting can help. We’ll guide your team through every step—from gathering input to building buy-in to using the matrix in daily practice.
You’ll see some examples of PBIS matrices, lesson plans, and setting area posters that we’ve created below: