What is PBIS? Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a systemic approach to proactive, school-wide discipline based on a Response to Intervention (RtI) model. PBIS applies evidence-based programs, practices and strategies for all students to increase academic performance, improve safety, decrease problem behavior, and establish a positive school culture. Schools implementing PBIS build on existing strengths, complementing and organizing current programming and strategies. The PBIS model has been successfully implemented in thousands of schools in over 40 states, resulting in dramatic reductions in disciplinary interventions and increases in academic achievement. Data-based decision making is a hallmark of PBIS, allowing successes to be easily shared with all relevant stakeholders. Four Elements of PBIS: Systems: Policies, procedures, and decisionmaking processes that consider school-wide, classroom, and individual student systems. Data: Guide decision-making processes and measure outcomes. Practices: Strategies and programs that are used to enhance student learning outcomes and teacher instructional approaches. Outcomes: Academic and behavioral targets that are measured using the gathered data. 12 Appleton Schools Designated as Wisconsin PBIS Schools of Merit and 5 Appleton Schools Designated as Wisconsin PBIS Schools of Distinction The Wisconsin RtI Center has been recognizing schools for their implementation of the Wisconsin RtI framework in behavior (PBIS) for three years and academics (reading and mathematics) for two years. Two levels of recognition are awarded based on demonstration of elements of the RtI framework and sustained implementation for either academics or behavior (PBIS); Schools of Merit implement elements of the Wisconsin RtI frameworks with integrity. Schools of Distinction sustain these elements for at least two years and begin to demonstrate student-level outcomes. The following 12 schools are being recognized as Wisconsin PBIS Schools of Merit for the 2013-14 school year: Columbus Elementary & Appleton Bilingual School Einstein Middle School Ferber Elementary School Franklin Elementary School Highlands Elementary & Odyssey Houdini Elementary School Jefferson Elementary School Johnston Elementary School Richmond Elementary School Roosevelt Middle School West High School Wilson Middle School The following 5 schools are being recognized as Wisconsin PBIS Schools of Distinction for the 2013-14 school year: Badger Elementary School Foster Elementary Charter School Horizons Elementary School Lincoln Elementary School McKinley Elementary School We also received information that Highlands/Odyssey was ONE of SEVENTEEN schools in the entire state to receive the Wisconsin RtI Centers Recognition for School of Merit Academically in the area of Reading! Gary L. Mulry, AASD Positive Behavioral Support Specialist and PBIS External Coach 920-997-1399 ext. 4329