We are just six weeks into the new school year, but news of awards is already starting to come in.
To begin, the California State PBIS Coalition has recognized 15 AUSD schools for their implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports during the 2023-24 school year. The recognition levels range from Platinum (the highest) to Bronze—a whopping nine AUSD schools (or 60% of the district’s total) won Platinum.
PBIS is a proactive and school-wide approach to defining, teaching, and supporting optimal student behavior. It emphasizes acknowledging and directly teaching appropriate behavior as opposed to punishing inappropriate behavior. It also provides a continuum of supports for students who struggle to meet the school expectations.
Not every school site’s PBIS program is the same. But all robust PBIS programs consist of clearly defined school-wide expectations, explicit teaching on those expectations, acknowledgment of appropriate behaviors, and individual support where needed.
Research has shown that the benefits of PBIS include increased attendance, student and teacher reports of more positive and calm environments, and reductions in the number of behavioral disruptions on campus. All of these benefits, in turn, can contribute to better academic outcomes for students. More information about the program is available on AUSD’s PBIS web page.
PBIS Award-winning schools
Schools that received the Platinum award are Bay Farm School, Otis Elementary School, Franklin Elementary School, Lincoln Middle School, Love Elementary School, Maya Lin School, Paden Elementary School, Ruby Bridges Elementary School, and Wood Middle School.
Gold awards were earned by Edison Elementary School and Encinal Jr. & Sr. High School. Silver awards were earned by Alameda High School, ASTI, and Earhart Elementary School. Island High School received a Bronze level recognition.
These awards are a testament to the hard work of our principals, counselors, teachers, and students in cultivating positive school-wide cultures across our district.
National Blue Ribbon School
Meanwhile, ASTI (Alameda Science and Technology Institute) was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. ASTI last received this recognition in 2015. Only 356 schools across the country received the designation this year.
“While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits,” the U.S. Department of Education stated. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds.”
Congratulations to ASTI’s staff and students for this remarkable achievement!
More information about this recognition will be available on the Alameda Unified School District website home page this week.
Susan Davis is the Senior Manager of Community Affairs for the Alameda Unified School District. Reach her at [email protected].
Editorials and Letters to the Editor
All opinions expressed on this page are the author's alone and do not reflect those of the Alameda Post, nor does our organization endorse any views the author may present. Our objective as an independent news source is to fully reflect our community's varied opinions without giving preference to a particular viewpoint.
If you disagree with an opinion that we have published, please submit a rebuttal or differing opinion in a letter to the Editor for publication. Review our policies page for more information.
