Comparing SEL and PBIS: Key Differences and Complementary Roles

Core Focus

• SEL: Teaches students how to understand and manage emotions, build relationships, make good decisions, and develop empathy. It focuses on emotional and social growth.

• PBIS: Focuses on promoting good behavior by setting clear expectations, providing support, and rewarding positive actions. It’s more about managing behavior.

Scope

• SEL: Covers a wide range of skills, including emotional awareness, self-regulation, empathy, decision-making, and relationship-building. It supports emotional, social, and academic development.

• PBIS: Focuses mainly on improving behavior by using different levels of support based on students’ needs, from general to intensive interventions.

Approach

• SEL: Teaches emotional intelligence through lessons, activities, and modeling. It’s often taught as part of a curriculum or program.

• PBIS: Uses a data-driven system to promote positive behavior. It sets clear expectations, rewards good behavior, and provides interventions for students who need extra help.

Intervention

• SEL: Focuses on preventing problems by teaching emotional skills early. It helps students build resilience and self-regulation.

• PBIS: Targets specific behaviors, reinforcing good actions and addressing negative ones with interventions.

Targeted Outcomes

• SEL: Aims to improve emotional intelligence, social interactions, and relationships, which leads to better mental health, academic success, and overall well-being.

• PBIS: Aims to increase positive behaviors and reduce disruptions, creating a better learning environment.

Application

• SEL: Is integrated into the curriculum and school culture, promoting emotional growth alongside academic learning.

• PBIS: Is a school-wide system for managing behavior with clear expectations, support systems, and regular progress tracking.

Implementation

• SEL: Is part of daily routines and activities, often taught during specific lessons or advisory periods, and woven into all subjects.

• PBIS: Is more structured, with specific roles, expectations, and rewards for behavior. It includes regular monitoring of student behavior.

Role of Educators

• SEL: Teachers model emotional intelligence and create a safe, supportive classroom for practicing SEL skills.

• PBIS: Teachers help enforce behavior expectations, reinforce good behavior, and track student progress using data.

Flexibility

• SEL: More flexible and individualized, focusing on meeting the unique emotional needs of each student.

• PBIS: More structured with consistent expectations for behavior, though less flexible in adapting to individual emotional needs.

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​While both SEL and PBIS aim to improve student behavior and well-being, SEL is more focused on developing emotional intelligence and social skills, while PBIS focuses on creating a structured environment with clear expectations and rewards for positive behavior. Schools should use both frameworks together to create a holistic approach that supports students emotionally, socially, and behaviorally.