We're excited to share that all four schools in our district
are applying for awards through the Wisconsin RtI Center or PBIS Network.
The School of Merit and School of Distinction awards recognize schools that are making great
strides in implementation of these new state initiatives. The purpose of the
awards includes recognizing work to implement initiatives, promotion of quality
frameworks, and showcasing examples of implementation. Schools of Merit have implemented
elements of the frameworks with integrity. Schools of Distinction sustain these
elements for at least two years and begin to demonstrate student-level
outcomes. This blog post explains why we believe our schools are ready to apply
for these prestigious awards and what it will mean if we win.
Our schools have worked hard to create systems to help
ensure that students learn every day, understand our expectations, and that we respond
quickly when students need additional support. In previous blog posts, I have
described our Multi-Tiered System of Supports or MTSS. Here are elements of our MTSS and some of the work we are doing in the district:
- We have building-based teams that meet at least monthly (most teacher teams meet at least weekly).
- These teams have been trained by the state to
analyze student data and coordinate responses if students are struggling or
need more challenging activities.
- We have a group of five excellent staff coaches,
who are trained in reading and math interventions, behavior supports, data
analysis, and supporting our teacher teams as they implement new curriculum and
improved interventions.
- Our staff members have been surveyed about how
well these systems are working, and those surveys have helped us identify
necessary changes to our systems.
- And finally, we have multiple years of progress
data that we use to identify trends and modify supports and resources.
We hope to report great news about awards this spring! If we
do receive awards, RtI Center and PBIS Network staff members will have thoroughly researched our processes
and verified them with student outcome data. Schools that are recognized
through their successful applications act as statewide examples of different
models of implementation that are beginning to show signs of positive student
outcomes. Stay tuned for more about this exciting opportunity.
