(L-R) Iowa Department of Education Director Brian Wise, Laura Edwards and Scotti Hagensick, South Tama P B I S Coaches, at recent recognition ceremony. -Photo provided

DES MOINES A total of 53 schools were honored by the Iowa Department of Education Tuesday for their work implementing a process that promotes good behavior at school which, in turn, creates a more vibrant learning environment.

South Tama Middle School was among the schools honored.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, involves a series of processes that promote a school-wide culture of positive behavior. This is done through educating teachers on how to teach expected behaviors to their students. PBIS also consistently acknowledges good behavior as well as applies consequences for violations.

Data are used to assess problem areas and behaviors within each school, and strategies are developed to counter them.

Schools were honored by the Department for outstanding implementation of the systems and practices of PBIS.

-Submitted