Skip to main content

Recognized Schools FAQ

The Wisconsin RtI Center is inspired by the hard work and dedication that schools and districts invest in their implementation of an equitable, multi-level system of supports. Through our recognized schools program, we honor and celebrate their journey.

General 

What is the purpose of the Recognized Schools Program?

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.

What is meant by a content area?

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

What is “full implementation” and why is it important?

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.

What are the levels of recognition?

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

  • Bronze: Assessed in one content area 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-Assessments

Why does our school have to self-assess our implementation to be recognized?

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.

What system self-assessments are required at each level of recognition?
How do we know what assessments our school has taken, and when did we take them last?

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

 

When do assessments have to be completed?

Assessments for the 2022-2023 school year must be completed between the following qualifying time frames:

Current year—May 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023
Prior year—May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022

 

What if our assessments are scheduled after the initial invitations for gold and platinum are sent?

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.


Training

What trainings or support are required to be eligible for the different levels of recognition?

Bronze: received support from the Wisconsin RtI Center in any content area in at least one of the following ways:

  • Completed a past training series
  • Currently attending a training series
  • Received technical assistance from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023
  • Attended a networking event from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023
  • Attended the Wisconsin RtI Center’s 2022 PBIS Leadership Conference

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)
How can we find out what training our school or district has taken?

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.


Application

How does our school apply?

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.

If our school is invited to apply for gold or platinum, is there other information we will need to supply?

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.

 

What if our school is taking an assessment after the invitations to apply for gold or platinum recognition have been sent?

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

If our school is not invited to apply for gold or platinum, can we still apply for those levels of recognition?

These levels are by invitation only.


Timeline

What is the timeline for the Recognized Schools program?

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.

What are the date ranges for taking assessments for this year’s Recognized Schools program?

Assessments for the 2022-2023 school year must be completed between the following qualifying time frames:

Current year—May 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023
Prior year—May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022

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

When would our school be contacted to apply for gold or platinum level?

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.

What is the timeline for receiving the awards’ packages?

Award packages will be mailed in late July.


Awards

What does our school receive for each level of recognition?

View our document outlining the award package at each level.

Can our school receive recognition for multiple levels?

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.

How will our school receive the awards package?

In June, social media, the center’s website, and a special edition of Tips to Your Inbox, the center’s weekly email will be sent to over 8,400 individuals.  Award packages, which include a letter from the DPI, will be mailed in late July.

How can our school share our accomplishment?

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


Key Resources For Recognized Schools FAQ