August 27, 2016 – Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Office (NCSOS) is proud to report that twelve schools in Nevada County were recognized as Bronze, Silver or Gold level status for their implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). The California PBIS Coalition has initiated their first statewide effort to implement a recognition system to acknowledge schools for successfully implementing PBIS on school sites. Schools assess their fidelity using the PBIS National Center Tiered Fidelity Inventory and submit applications for recognition. NCSOS employees Christine Espedal, Safety and School Climate Coordinator and Melissa Parrett, Student Services Program Coordinator serve as trainers and support for the PBIS program offered free-of-charge to Nevada County schools.

“Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports is an evidence-based proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture that is needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success. The behaviorally-based systems approach enhances the capacity of schools, families, and communities to design effective environments that improve the link between research-validated practices and the environments in which teaching and learning occurs” (https://www.pbis.org/school).

Margaret G. Scotten Elementary School was one of 41 schools statewide to receive Gold recognition. Bell Hill Academy, Cottage Hill Elementary, Deer Creek, Grizzly Hill, Lyman Gilmore Middle School, Magnolia Intermediate School, Nevada Union High School, Pleasant Valley, Seven Hills, and Williams Ranch Elementary School all received Silver recognition. Ready Springs Elementary School received Bronze recognition. Kudos to these school sites who are active in implementing programs that will help ALL students achieve social, emotional and academic success.