Both of Big Lake Elementary Schools — Liberty Elementary and Independence Elementary STEM — were recognized by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) for their successful implementation of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework throughout the 2023-24 school year.

The Sustaining Exemplar PBIS recognition is given to schools that have completed MDE’s two-year PBIS training program and continue to implement programming to achieve positive student outcomes. This is the second year in a row that Independence is being honored, while Liberty earned Sustaining Exemplar PBIS status for the first time.

In total, 76 Minnesota schools, representing 36 school districts, applied for and met the criteria for recognition.

PBIS is an evidence-based tiered behavior model aimed at supporting students’ behavioral, academic, social, emotional, and mental well-being. When implemented with fidelity, PBIS has been shown to improve student outcomes and help establish a safe and supportive learning environment where all feel welcome.

The framework emphasizes proactive approaches to student behavior, focusing on encouraging good behavior and prevention rather than only punitive.

At Big Lake Schools, students are intentionally taught clear learning expectations that align with the district’s behavioral philosophy, The Hornet Way. If and when misbehaviors occur, staff take time to reteach appropriate behaviors and use a restorative approach to resolve the situation. Schoolwide PBIS teams continuously review behavior data and develop procedures and plans to address areas of concern.