Recognized Schools FAQ

The Recognized Schools program encourages schools to expand, refine, and sustain full implementation of an equitable, multi-level system of supports. By providing a picture of full implementation and recognizing schools during the implementation journey, we encourage and celebrate equitable student outcomes.

There are three content areas for recognition: behavior, mathematics, and reading.

In Wisconsin, a fully-implemented system is equitable, and provides increasing levels of student supports for all three content areas (behavior, mathematics, and reading). The three levels of student supports are known as universal (tier 1), selected (tier 2), and intensive (tier 3).

This is important because research tells us that full implementation leads to improved student outcomes.

There are four levels of recognition: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum.

• Bronze: At full implementation/fidelity in one content area at the universal level (tier 1) for at least one year
• Silver: At full implementation/fidelity in one content area at the universal level (tier 1) for at least two years and at selected (tier 2) level for at least one year
• Gold: At full implementation/fidelity in two content areas at the universal (tier 1) and selected (tier 2) levels for at least two years
• Platinum: At full implementation/fidelity in all three content areas, at all three levels (universal, selected, and intensive), and for at least three years

System self-assessment is critical to identifying areas of strength and uncovering areas for improvement in your implementation. This gives your school essential information to make changes that lead to improvements in student outcomes.

View this resource: Wisconsin RtI Center Recognized Schools Program At-A-Glance.

You can see the dates and results of your school’s self-assessments by visiting:

• PBISApps (behavior)
• School-wide Implementation Review (SIR) (reading and mathematics)

A login is required to obtain information. If your school or district needs assistance with your login, please contact your regional technical assistance coordinator.

Assessments for the 2021-2022 school year must be completed between the following qualifying time frames:

Current year—May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022
Prior year—May 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021

The center monitors assessments taken between the time invitations are sent, and before the April 30 deadline, to determine if additional schools need to be invited to apply.

Bronze: Attended training in one content area

• Reading: Wisconsin RtI Framework or Reviewing Universal Reading Instruction
• Mathematics: Wisconsin RtI Framework Framework or Review Universal Mathematics Instruction
• Behavior: universal (tier 1)

Silver: Attended training in one content area

• Reading and/or Mathematics: Wisconsin RtI Framework
• Behavior: universal (tier 1) and selected (tier 2)

Gold: Attended training in two content areas

• Reading/Mathematics: Wisconsin RtI Framework AND/OR
• Behavior universal (tier 1) and selected (tier 2)

Platinum: Attended training in all content areas

• Reading and Mathematics: Wisconsin RtI Framework AND
• Behavior universal (tier 1), selected (tier 2) , and intensive (tier 3)

A school or district is considered trained in a content area when:

• they have sent a team of at least three people to all days of the training series, and
• the training was completed by April 30 of the current year.

Contact your regional technical assistance coordinator to find out more about your training history.

For bronze and silver levels of recognition, you don’t need to do anything to apply.

To make it easier for schools to be recognized at the bronze and silver level, the center tracks training and assessment completion to determine which schools qualify for these levels. In June, schools that have been awarded these levels will be announced.

Based on our assessment and training records, invitations will be extended in March or April to schools that are eligible to apply for gold and platinum level recognition.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction reviews the seclusion and restraint data for all schools that have the potential to be recognized. They may decide to delay or deny recognition based on reported data in this area.

Yes. You will be asked for additional information about your improvement in outcomes for all students and underserved student groups. You will also be required to provide examples of culturally responsive practices and inclusion of student and family voice.

The center will review assessment scores to ensure all eligible schools are invited to apply.

These levels are by invitation only.

Initial communication will be sent to schools that qualify for gold or platinum. They will be asked to submit additional information fully outlined in the application. All assessments must be completed and all assessment windows must be closed by April 30. Awarded schools will be announced in two phases beginning in June.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction reviews the seclusion and restraint data for all schools that have the potential to be recognized. They may decide to delay or deny recognition based on reported data in this area.

Assessments for the 2021-2022 school year must be completed between the following qualifying time frames:

Current year—May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022
Prior year—May 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021

Reminder: All assessments must be completed and all assessment windows must be closed by April 30 of the current school year.

Initial contact begins in March. The center monitors assessments taken through April 30 of the current school year to determine if additional schools need to be invited to apply.

Award packages will be mailed in late July.

View our document outlining the award package at each level.

Yes, you can receive recognition in multiple areas. For example, a school might be at silver level for behavior implementation, and at bronze level for mathematics.

In June, letters and e-mail communication will be sent to school principals and district superintendents. At the same time, the center will update their website and announce schools via various social media channels. If the awards package includes conference registration, the center will contact schools in June to gather registration information. Award packages will be mailed in late July.

We’ve created a helpful tool called “Shout to News” (PDF | website) to share your recognized school status with your district and school community–it is updated each June for the current school year.