Alignment: CASEL, PBIS and Preventing Substance Use

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a process for creating (or developing) safer and more effective schools. Schools use PBIS to create a safe learning environment and encourage good behavior. This approach involves explicitly teaching students what behavior is expected of them and giving them the tools and strategies to meet those expectations. PBIS promotes school safety and good behavior. By aligning PBIS with substance use prevention strategies, schools can create a comprehensive and supportive environment that empowers students to make healthy choices and reduces the likelihood of substance use. Additionally, schools can get support matching services with the level of needs and increase students' competencies to prevent use or early address risk behaviors related to substance use.

ACPS provides Substance Abuse (SA) prevention and intervention services for K-12 schools. This service is offered by the Department of Student Services & Equity (DSSE) using a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) approach and Positive Behavioral Interventions (PBIS) to deliver services to students involved with substance use or abuse-related problems.

CASEL's (Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning) five core competencies can play a significant role in preventing substance use. Developing strong social and emotional skills, such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making, can help individuals better manage stress, resist peer pressure, and make healthy choices, reducing the likelihood of turning to drugs or alcohol for coping or social reasons.