The impact of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) on academic engagement and behavioral outcomes in special needs education programs

This study determined the outcomes of Positive Behavioral Interventions and the challenges encountered by teachers in special needs education program in implementing PBIS during the 2025–2026 school year at selected public schools in Cebu City. A Descriptive Correlational research design was employed to examine the relationship between PBIS outcomes and implementation challenges. The respondents of the study were forty (40) Special Education teachers from First National High School for Hearing Impaired and Zapatera SPED Center in Cebu City. A purposive sampling technique was used to select teachers who were directly implementing PBIS in special needs education program settings. Data were gathered through a structured survey questionnaire designed to measure behavioral outcomes and the level of challenges encountered in PBIS implementation. Statistical treatment included descriptive statistics to determine the level of behavioral outcomes and challenges, and correlational analysis to test the relationship between the two variables. Findings showed very satisfactory behavioral outcomes in terms of cooperation and respect for peers and overall classroom climate, while satisfactory outcomes were observed in the reduction of disruptive behavior, motivation to follow classroom rules, and inclusivity among diverse learners. Teachers experienced moderate to high challenges related to consistency of PBIS implementation, time and workload management, professional development, adequacy of instructional resources, and inter-professional collaboration. Results further revealed that there was no significant relationship between the behavioral outcomes of PBIS and the challenges encountered by teachers. The study concluded that PBIS is an effective and adaptable framework for improving student behavior in special needs education programs despite the presence of implementation challenges.