The Georgia Department of Education has recognized all WCSD schools for supporting positive school climates by implementing the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. In addition, Monroe, Walker Park and Walnut Grove Elementary Schools have been named Distinguished PBIS Schools, earning the highest level of achievement in the state’s recognition system.

“I am pleased to have all 15 of our schools recognized by the state for continued excellence in fostering positive learning environments and our staff’s commitment to implementing PBIS with best practices,” said Superintendent Nathan Franklin. “We believe it is imperative that our students develop and learn social, emotional, and behavioral competence in order to support their academic engagement, and PBIS has been instrumental in helping us support students and promote positive school climates. I congratulate our administrators, teachers and staff on this well-deserved recognition.”

PBIS is an evidence-based, data-driven framework proven to reduce disciplinary incidents, increase a school’s sense of safety and support improved academic outcomes. More than 1,400 Georgia schools and 27,000 nationwide have been trained in PBIS. PBIS schools apply a multi-tiered approach to prevention, using disciplinary data and principles of behavior analysis to develop school-wide, targeted and individualized interventions and supports to improve school climate for all students.

The purpose of the recognition system is to identify schools that exemplify best practices in the implementation of PBIS. GaPBIS recognizes schools at four levels, Installing, Emerging, Operational and Distinguished.

As Distinguished Schools, Monroe, Walker Park and Walnut Grove Elementary Schools have completed Tier II training and met all six of the state’s required outcome data measures.

In addition, Bay Creek Elementary, Harmony Elementary, Sharon Elementary, Youth Elementary, Carver Middle, Youth Middle and Loganville High Schools have been recognized as PBIS Emerging Schools. While Atha Road, Loganville Elementary, Loganville Middle, Monroe Area High and Walnut Grove High Schools also received recognition as PBIS Operational Schools.

For more information on PBIS, visit gadoe.org.