A Comparison of Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Health of Elementary Students as Measured by the b.e.s.t. Screener: The Effects of the Addition of Restorative Practices to Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the addition of restorative practices to positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) on the social, emotional, and behavioral health of elementary students as measured by the b.e.s.t. screener. Specifically, this study compared two similar Wisconsin elementary schools in the same district, both of which had a history of PBIS implementation. One school also implemented restorative practices. The study hypothesized that a lower proportion of students would have elevated risk levels overall on the b.e.s.t. screener in the school that implemented restorative practices in addition to PBIS. It was also hypothesized that the restorative practices school would have a lower proportion of students with elevated risk levels in measures of internalizing behaviors. The opposite result was found, with a greater proportion of students with elevated risk levels both overall and in measures of internalizing behaviors at the school with restorative practices. The limitations of this study, in addition to implications and directions for future research are addressed.