The Department will recognize 335 Missouri public and charter schools for successfully adopting and implementing Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS), a comprehensive approach for improving student behavior and academic performance. The Department’s Special Education Division of Effective Practices actively supports the Missouri SW-PBS initiative.

“The schools receiving recognition are making a real difference for all children, especially those who deal with behavior challenges every day,” said Deputy Commissioner Margie Vandeven. “It not only takes time to implement these types of supportive environments, it takes true change within the school.”

The schools are recognized at different levels – gold, silver or bronze – based on their level of implementation of SW-PBS strategies and the initiative’s overall impact in their schools. Awards will be presented during the ninth annual SW-PBS Summer Training Institute, June 11-13, 2014, at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Lake Ozark, Mo. More than 1,000 educators are expected to attend.  

The Missouri initiative began in 1999 with a partnership between the Department and the University of Missouri Center for SW-PBS. The Department’s commitment to the Missouri SW-PBS serves as a national exemplar. Currently, more than 600 schools in 176 districts across the state actively participate in Missouri SW-PBS.