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. 8 More Appleton Schools Designated as Wisconsin PBIS Schools of Merit Two years ago, the Wisconsin Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) Network, began the application process of honoring Wisconsin schools as “Wisconsin PBIS Network Schools of Merit” if they met criteria that had been developed at the state level. Wisconsin PBIS Network Schools of Merit are:  Implementing critical elements of Tier 1/Universal PBIS with fidelity, measured by the Benchmarks of Quality. A school-wide assessment tool that is scored by the District’s External District Coach. Schools must score 80%+ to be considered.  Using behavioral data (Big 5 SWIS Data Reports) within a problem-solving framework in order to improve the outcomes of student behaviors. Schools must score 70%+ on overall student behavior compliance to be considered and also have comparative data that indicates that student behaviors have improved over a two year period.  Regularly using fidelity tools: Self-Assessment Survey to selfassess and plan PBIS implementation efforts. Schools must score 80%+ to be considered. A year ago, Roosevelt Middle School applied to the Wisconsin PBIS Network to be considered to be a Wisconsin PBIS School of Merit. They were bestowed the honor during the Wisconsin State-Wide Institute in August 2011. This year, ten additional schools applied to be considered a Wisconsin PBIS School of Merit. On June 1st, the AASD was informed that eight additional schools have been bestowed the honor and will be recognized at the Wisconsin PBIS State-Wide Institute in August 2012. They are: Ferber Elementary School Highlands/Odyssey Elementary School Jefferson Elementary School Lincoln Elementary School Madison Middle School McKinley Elementary School Stephen Foster Elementary Charter School Wilson Middle School In receiving this honor, the school has been recognized for implementing PBIS with fidelity and sustainability within the criteria that is listed above. Within the application process, they also need to provide a support narrative. Schools needed to demonstrate in writing the successful implementation of the PBIS systems, practices, data, and outcomes at the school for the 2011-2012 school year. Finally, in addition to being recognized at the Wisconsin PBIS Network Institute in August, schools receive a banner that can be proudly displayed at their school, and have their school names recognized on the Wisconsin PBIS Network Map as schools that can be visited or contacted for successful PBIS implementation. Gary L. Mulry, AASD Positive Behavioral Support Specialist and PBIS External Coach 920-832-4329