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 progress in 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 2020-21 school year must be completed between:
May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021

Assessments for the 2019-20 school year —not applicable

Assessments for the 2018-19 school year must be completed between:
May 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019

Assessments for the 2017-18 school year must be completed between:
May 1, 2017, to April 30, 2018

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)

For more information about Wisconsin RtI Center training, view our Training and Supports Catalog.

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 early 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.

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

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 in late March to schools that qualify for gold or platinum. They will be asked to submit additional information by April 30. All assessments must be completed and all assessment windows must be closed by April 30. Awarded schools will be announced in early June.

Assessments must be taken between May 1 and April 30 to be considered for the current school year.

For example:

Assessments for the 2020-21 school year must be completed from:
May 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021

Assessments for the 2018-19 school year must be completed from:
May 1, 2018 to April 30, 2019

Assessments for the 2017-18 school year must be completed from:
May 1, 2017 to April 30, 2018

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

Initial contact would be in late March. The center will monitor assessments taken after this date and before April 30 to determine if additional schools need to be invited to apply.

Award packages will be distributed during the PBIS Leadership Conference. Recognized schools not in attendance, will receive their award package in the mail after the conference.

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 early 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.

Additional information on award packages will be distributed at the PBIS Leadership Conference or mailed to schools not in attendance in August.

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