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From Framework to Practice: A Study of Positive Behaviour Supports Implementation in Swedish Compulsory Schools

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Improving the social environment conducive to learning in schools is a critical challenge globally and within the Swedish context, as education systems face persistent issues like a lack of classroom safety and a concurrent crisis in teacher well-being and professional leadership. Therefore, various intervention frameworks are implemented to address the issue. This study investigated how two Swedish compulsory schools implemented the Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) framework. By combining classroom observations and teacher interviews, the research addresses a gap in existing research that often provides an incomplete view of actual practices. The results, based on observations and interviews with 14 staff members, confirmed that PBS successfully creates a calm and predictable school climate. Teachers consistently maintained a calm demeanour and used clear lesson structures, along with positive feedback. However, the study also revealed a significant gap between the intended proactive nature of PBS and the observed reactive behaviours of teachers. While the framework fostered a shared, collaborative approach among staff, it was inconsistently applied when it came to proactive strategies, such as explicitly teaching social and life skills. The results suggest that future professional development should focus on helping teachers shift from a reactive to a more consistently proactive and positive model of behavioural support.

Source: Education Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/educsci15121621

Authors: Fathi Abou Zaid, Lena Boström

Institution: Mid Sweden University

Language: English

Topic: Behavioral and Psychological Studies

Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172