DPI, RtI Center recognize PCSD

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin RtI Center have recognized the Pulaski Community School District for its implementation of positive behavior programs to help close student achievement gaps. 

Six PCSD schools were recognized. All five PCSD elementary schools — Glenbrook, Fairview, Sunnyside, Lannoye and Hillcrest — received silver-level recognition. Pulaski High School received bronze-level recognition.

PCSD Superintendent Allison Space and Jenny Gracyalny, executive director of Teaching and Learning, congratulated schools that were recognized for their dedication and implementation of Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems (PBIS). 

 “We commend our school community for this accomplishment and shared success in wrapping around our students to continue their growth in being safe, responsible and respectful learners at PCSD,” Space said. “It is a wonderful effort shown by all of our buildings of the dedication they have each and every day to build strong character and resilience skills in our students!”  

Gracyalny added, “Our schools have worked hard toward full implementation and fidelity of PBiS in Tier 1 (universal) and Tier 2 to be recognized as well as in other areas of reading and math with the Response to Intervention (RtI) Framework including universal instruction, interventions and extensions for learning.  This is a testament to the extensive work of our teachers, counselors and administrators who are striving for high levels of learning for all students.”

By establishing equitable, multi-level systems of supports, the Pulaski Community School District is:

  • increasing the consistency of effective instruction for all students;
  • building staff knowledge and skills to support all learners;
  • using data to more quickly identify and provide support for students; and 
  • shifting to a proactive culture that supports stronger relationships with students, their families, and our communities. 

This recognition program encourages schools and districts during the construction of their systems and helps them celebrate progress toward full implementation. As schools continue the work, they will map out how to sustain their systems and continue to build increasing levels of student support in additional subject areas until the system is fully in place. National research shows that full implementation of an equitable system leads to improved student outcomes. 

The Wisconsin Response to Intervention (RtI) Center was created to assist Wisconsin’s educational systems to build capacity, adopt and implement high-quality practices, make informed decisions, ensure sustainability of efforts, and increase success for all students. The Wisconsin Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Network operates within the Wisconsin RtI Center with a specific focus on behavior. PBIS programs have been implemented at PCSD schools.