NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What is positive behavioral support focused on?

1. Discouraging negative behaviors

2. Promoting academic success

3. Supporting and encouraging desirable behaviors

4. Enforcing strict rules and guidelines

The correct answer is: Supporting and encouraging desirable behaviors

Positive behavioral support (PBS) is fundamentally centered around supporting and encouraging desirable behaviors in individuals, particularly in educational settings. The approach is proactive and emphasizes teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors rather than merely reacting to negative ones. By fostering an environment where positive behaviors are recognized and rewarded, PBS aims to improve overall behavior and enhance the social and academic outcomes of students. In this framework, strategies are implemented to create supportive environments that enable learners to succeed and actively engage in their educational experience. This approach involves setting clear expectations for behavior, teaching those expectations, and acknowledging students when they meet or exceed them. The goal is to cultivate a positive school climate that not only minimizes undesirable behaviors but also enhances students' social and emotional well-being. The rationale for the other options lies in their limited focus. While discouraging negative behaviors and enforcing strict rules can be elements of behavior management, they do not capture the essence of positive behavioral support, which emphasizes reinforcement and encouragement over punitive measures. Promoting academic success is valuable but is typically a broader goal that does not specifically address behavior management. Therefore, focusing on supporting and encouraging desirable behaviors aligns most closely with the principles of positive behavioral support.