State education officials will recognize 280 Missouri public schools on June 10 for successful adoption and implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support (SW-PBS), a comprehensive approach for improving student behavior and academic performance.

The schools will be honored during the 10th annual SW-PBS Summer Training Institute at Tan-Tar-A Resort in Osage Beach where more than 1,000 educators are expected to attend. The Summer Training Institute is sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the University of Missouri Center for Schoolwide Positive Behavior Support.

Schools are awarded a recognition level (gold, silver or bronze), which represents the extent of their implementation of SW-PBS strategies and the evidence they have compiled about the program’s impact in their school.

"The schools receiving recognition for SW-PBS are much-deserving," said Missouri SW-PBS State Coordinator Dr. Nanci W. Johnson. "Implementing these types of strategies not only takes time, but real systemic change on behalf of the school. Schools that incorporate these types of supportive environments make a real difference in the lives of all students, including those who deal with behavior challenges every day."

SW-PBS is a systematic approach to creating safer and more effective schools by structuring the learning environment to support the academic and social success of all students. It focuses on data-based decision-making, encouraging positive student behavior, preventing disruptive behavior and tailoring academic strategies to individual student needs. This recognition continues to highlight the great things happening in Missouri public schools every day.

During the 2014-15 school year, approximately 700 Missouri schools participated in the SW-PBS program.