(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education’s (KDE’s) Safe and Supportive Schools Branch is recognizing 215 schools across the state through the annual fidelity recognition program for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS).
PBIS is an evidence-based, tiered framework for supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional and mental health, according to the national Center on PBIS.
These 215 schools were selected through an application process for how well they are implementing and managing their PBIS framework, achieving one of three levels of fidelity standards: Bronze, Silver or Gold. Achievement in each of these categories is determined according to KDE’s PBIS State Recognition of Fidelity Standards.
Standards include items such as:
- Evidence of a current Tier 1 action plan (Bronze level);
- Scores of at least 80% at Tier 1 and a score of at least 70% at Tier 2 (Silver level); and
- Evidence that a system is in place for use of research-based Tier 3 interventions (Gold level), such as Comprehensive Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan or wraparound services.
Recipients were awarded PBIS Fidelity banners and stickers signifying their level of recognition. They also received digital sticker emblems to post on their website.
KDE has been working diligently with regional educational cooperatives and school districts to increase the number of schools implementing high-quality PBIS across the commonwealth. As a result, there has been an increase in the number of schools being recognized since the 2021-2022 school year, when 144 schools were recognized during KDE’s first annual recognition process.
Schools are encouraged to apply for recognition and the 2026 State Fidelity Recognition program will kick off with the official opening on April 1. The application window lasts from April 17, 2026, until June 1. Schools implementing PBIS join others across the state in being recognized for creating a school culture focused on positive behaviors. If a school is not currently implementing PBIS but would like more information on how to start PBIS, please use the request training or assistance link to request free assistance and/or training.
For more information or to express interest in participating, please contact Tara Beth Hall, KDE education program consultant. Additionally, the full list of standards for Bronze, Silver and Gold categories can be found on KDE's PBIS webpage.
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