Across Nevada, 51 schools and eight school districts are being recognized for their outstanding efforts in promoting positive behavior and supporting student success. These schools utilize the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) frameworks to create a positive, proactive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. This recognition is part of a larger statewide initiative led by the Nevada Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) project. Housed within the Nevada Center of Excellence in Disabilities at the College of Education & Human Development , the PBIS Technical Assistance Center and the MTSS project seek to build a comprehensive framework to support students’ academic, behavioral, and mental health needs and prevent challenges before they arise. Schools in Nevada that have adopted MTSS and PBIS and implement with high fidelity have seen impressive outcomes, including improved academic performance, reduced disciplinary issues, enhanced student well-being, and increased overall school satisfaction. The top honorees received the prestigious diamond recognition from the Nevada Positive Behavior Support Technical Assistance Center. This is the highest distinction awarded to schools demonstrating exemplary implementation of MTSS and PBIS. “These schools are making a significant impact in how they support students by using evidence-based practices, monitoring progress and making data-driven decisions,” Ashley Greenwald, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA , director of Nevada PBIS, said. “We are proud to recognize their hard work and commitment to fostering positive learning environments.” “This work is truly championed by some amazing individuals at each school, who are working to make school environments safe, predictable and consistent for ALL students; directly impacting the school culture and climate,” Brooke Wagner, MSC-SC, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA , the MTSS coaching coordinator, said. Each year, Nevada schools submit data on their MTSS implementation to the state’s technical assistance center, where a panel of local experts reviews the submissions and awards recognition based on the schools’ level of implementation. Schools that meet the criteria serve as models for other institutions looking to improve their student support systems. These awards recognize the school's hard work and dedication to fostering a supportive school culture.
“The most rewarding part of serving on the review committee is having the privilege of reading letters of support written by community organizations and agencies that describe how the impact of MTSS has strengthened the relationship between schools and their local communities,” Kaci Fleetwood, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, MTSS state coordinator, said. The recognized schools will be honored at the Nevada Association of Positive Behavior Support conference in February 2025 , where they will share their strategies and successes, helping to inspire other schools to embrace the MTSS framework. Since its inception, the Nevada MTSS project has been supported the implementation of this framework in one-third of Nevada’s schools, spanning ten high-needs school districts. The continued success of the MTSS framework highlights the importance of building systems that focus on the holistic needs of students, ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
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“The most rewarding part of serving on the review committee is having the privilege of reading letters of support written by community organizations and agencies that describe how the impact of MTSS has strengthened the relationship between schools and their local communities,” Kaci Fleetwood, M.Ed., BCBA, LBA, MTSS state coordinator, said. The recognized schools will be honored at the Nevada Association of Positive Behavior Support conference in February 2025 , where they will share their strategies and successes, helping to inspire other schools to embrace the MTSS framework. Since its inception, the Nevada MTSS project has been supported the implementation of this framework in one-third of Nevada’s schools, spanning ten high-needs school districts. The continued success of the MTSS framework highlights the importance of building systems that focus on the holistic needs of students, ensuring every child has the support they need to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
