Measuring Success: Metrics and Indicators for the Positive Systems ApproachBy Dr. Bob Carey

In our book Managing Disruptive Behaviours with a Positive Systems Approach, Terry Kirkpatrick and I emphasize the importance of building supportive systems that proactively shape environments to prevent and manage challenging behaviours. While implementing a Positive Systems Approach (PSA) is a critical first step, understanding whether it’s truly working requires ongoing evaluation through meaningful metrics.

Why Measure Success in PSA?

In traditional behaviour management, success is often defined narrowly—usually in terms of reduced incidents of “bad” behaviour. But PSA is built on a broader foundation. It is not just about reducing disruption; it’s about creating environments where positive behaviour flourishes, individuals feel empowered, and systems support sustainable change.

Therefore, to effectively evaluate PSA, we must use both quantitative and qualitative metrics that capture growth, system integrity, and long-term impact—not just short-term suppression of behaviour.

1. Quantitative Measures: The Numbers That Matter

Quantitative data offers an objective baseline to assess trends, identify patterns, and validate the system’s influence over time. Here are some core metrics:

a. Incident Frequency and Intensity

• What to measure: Track the number, type, and severity of disruptive behaviours over time.

• Why it matters: A reduction not only in frequency but also in intensity indicates system-level change rather than mere compliance.

b. Positive Behaviour Increases

• What to measure: Frequency of prosocial behaviours (e.g., cooperation, helping peers, self-regulation).

• Tools: Behaviour tracking sheets (see below)  school-wide positive behaviour surveys, or performance-based rubrics.

📝 Sample Layout for Tracking Sheet

Pro-Social Behaviour	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Sharing materials or space
Offering help to others
Using kind words
Taking turns / waiting patiently
Following group rules cooperatively
Resolving conflict peacefully
Showing empathy
Accepting feedback constructively

Each cell can be filled with:

• Tally marks for frequency

• A 1–5 rating scale

• Or yes/no checkmarks

c. Participation and Engagement Rates

• Indicators: Attendance, task completion, participation in group activities, and voluntary engagement in learning or work tasks.

• Interpretation: Higher engagement often reflects improved emotional safety and system support.

d. Staff Consistency and Fidelity

• Track: Implementation fidelity—how consistently staff apply PSA strategies and principles (see Fidelity tracking sheet below)

• Tools: Checklists, observation rubrics, peer reviews.

• Goal: High fidelity is a leading indicator of success and sustainability.

PSA Strategy	Observed? (✔/✘)	Frequency	Comments / Evidence
1. Proactive Environmental Design (e.g. structured routines, clear physical layout)		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
2. Use of Positive Reinforcement (e.g. verbal praise, recognition systems)		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
3. Clear, Positive Expectations Communicated		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
4. Response to Disruption is Non-Confrontational and Instructional		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
5. Staff Remains Emotionally Regulated During Stress		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
6. Teaches Pro-Social Skills Intentionally		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
7. Collaborates with Students/Families as Partners		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently
8. Reflects and Adjusts Practice Based on Data		☐ Never ☐ Sometimes ☐ Consistently

📝 Scoring Rubric

• High Fidelity: 7–8 strategies used consistently

• Moderate Fidelity: 4–6 strategies used consistently

• Low Fidelity: 0–3 strategies used consistently

e. Referral and Escalation Rates

• Monitor: Referrals to specialists, suspensions, or escalations to crisis intervention teams.

• Goal: Reduced need for escalation implies systems are preventing problems before they spiral.

2. Qualitative Measures: Understanding the Story Behind the Data

Numbers tell one part of the story. PSA is also about transforming mindsets and relationships—areas best captured through qualitative methods.

a. Interviews and Focus Groups

• Participants: Students, staff, families, administrators.

• Focus: Explore perceptions of safety, support, respect, and fairness.

• Use: Identify unseen barriers or validate the sense of cultural shift.

b. Anecdotal Records

• Format: Regular narrative logs from staff noting positive behaviour shifts, leadership moments, or relational growth.

• Value: Highlights subtle but significant signs of system transformation.

c. Climate and Culture Assessments

• Surveys or reflective tools that explore themes like trust, communication, and emotional climate.

• Benchmarks: Use pre- and post-intervention comparisons to gauge change over time.

d. Student and Staff Self-Assessments

• Ask individuals to reflect on their own behaviour, interactions, and growth.

• Encourages ownership and provides insight into internalized change.

3. The Power of Mixed Methods: Telling the Full Story

Using a mixed-methods approach ensures that the richness of PSA outcomes is fully captured. For instance, a drop in office referrals (quantitative) supported by client testimonials about feeling safer (qualitative) provides a more holistic picture.

4. Establishing a Feedback Loop

Evaluation should not be a one-off event. It must be embedded in the system:

• Regular reviews (monthly or quarterly) of key data points.

• Team discussions that interpret findings and adjust practices.

• Celebrations of successes, based on both data and lived experience.

• Responsive interventions when indicators show stagnation or regression.

5. Success Redefined: From Control to Connection

Ultimately, the success of a Positive Systems Approach is not just measured by what doesn’t happen (less disruption), but by what does:

• Growth in empathy and respect.

• A shared sense of community.

• Confidence in handling conflict constructively.

• Systems that are proactive, not reactive.

Closing Thoughts

In the Positive Systems Approach, success is not a fixed destination—it’s a dynamic, evolving process. By using intentional, well-rounded metrics, we not only prove the system’s effectiveness but also reinforce our commitment to building environments where people thrive, not just comply.

Ready to implement meaningful measures in your PSA work? Start by choosing just 2–3 indicators from both the quantitative and qualitative lists above and commit to tracking them for 6–8 weeks. You’ll be surprised how much clarity and direction this simple practice can provide.