For Immediate Release: December 14, 2011

 

Three Brevard Schools Recognized by the University of South Florida as Positive Behavior Support Model Schools

VIERA— Sabal Elementary in Melbourne, FL has been recognized by the University of South Florida’s Positive Behavior Support/Response to Intervention for Behavior (PBS/RtI: B) Project as a Gold Level PBS Model School. Both Atlantis Elementary in Port St. John and Cambridge Elementary Magnet School in Cocoa, FL have been recognized as Silver Level PBS Model Schools. All three schools were awarded the distinctions for their work during the 2010-2011 school year.  The process is ongoing and schools may apply again at the end of each school year.

A Positive Behavior Support Model School Award is provided at Gold, Silver or Bronze Levels.   Model schools undergo a rigorous process in order to achieve one of these prestigious awards.  A PBS/RtI: B Model School is one that exemplifies best practices in the implementation of this process.  Specific characteristics include consistent methods of 1) utilizing data to better serve students and staff, 2) teaching PBS/RtI: B to students throughout the school year, 3) creative and engaging student recognition systems, 4) extending PBS/RtI: B throughout campus and partnering with the community and parents, and 5) including PBS/RtI: B into daily activities across all available teaching opportunities.

The 2010-2011 school year was the first year of implementation of Positive Behavior Support in any of Brevard’s Schools.  Atlantis, Cambridge and Sabal Elementary Schools were recognized as PBS Model Schools due to their high fidelity of implementation, ability to reduce disciplinary actions such as referrals and suspension and exhibiting best practices in the field of Positive Behavior Support.

These schools will be receiving banners and certificates from the University of South Florida’s Positive Behavior Support/Response to Intervention for Behavior Project.

Positive Behavior Support is being implemented nationally in over 15,000 schools and in over 1,500 schools in the state of Florida.   Schools working with Florida’s PBS/RtI: B Project may apply for a Model School Award at the end of each school year. In Florida, 205 applications were submitted, and 121 awards were given. For more information, please contact Jayson Lobley, District Coordinator for Positive Behavior Support, at lobley.jayson@brevardschools.org.