PBIS Recognition

Ohio’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Recognition System provides an opportunity to celebrate schools and districts. Each year, the Department of Education and Workforce and the Ohio PBIS Network recognize schools and districts for their quality and fidelity of PBIS implementation. Schools and districts are eligible to receive awards at the bronze, silver, gold, or district levels of distinction.

2023-2024 Recognition Award Appeal Process

The Department has an appeal process for eligible schools that did not receive the Recognition Award. Only schools with a Recognition Application score one or two points below the 80 percent award threshold are eligible to submit an appeal.  

PBIS Recognition Application Score Requirements

Recognition Level Minimum Score for Recognition Award Minimum Score Eligible for Recognition Award Appeal Process
Bronze 18/22 16/22
Silver 14/17 12/17
Gold 20/24 18/24


If a Recognition Application score is three points or more below the 80 percent award threshold, the application is not eligible for appeal. Appeals submitted for applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be considered. 

Schools requesting an appeal must have an administrator or building PBIS coach complete the PBIS Recognition Appeal Form by October 11, 2024. Late submissions will not be accepted.  

The Department and State Support Team Consultants will complete an additional review and scoring process upon appeal. Schools will receive notification of the appeal finding by October 22, 2024. 

2024-2025 PBIS Recognition Awards  

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the PBIS recognition award application process is simpler and more streamlined.  

  • To apply, schools and districts will submit PBIS Recognition Award Applications directly to the Department for review and scoring. There is no longer an Intent to Apply Form.  

  • The PBIS Recognition Award Application Form will be available on the Department PBIS Recognition webpage April 1, 2025 to April 30, 2025. 

  • State Support Team Consultants can provide support to buildings and districts with data, documentation, application completion, and application submission. 

  • After the application window closes, the Department will begin reviewing applications, and there will be a remediation period from May 1, 2025 to May 31, 2025. During this period the Department will work with schools to ensure all the correct application materials are submitted for recognition. 

  • The Department will send an email notification to all applicants by October 15, 2025, at the conclusion of the review process, remediation period, and state level data is published, indicating their application and award status. 

  • Once building awards are determined, the application process for district awards will be available. ​

Documentation and Data Requirements for Recognition Award Applications 

Bronze Award 
Items provided by schools in the application form: 

  • Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) score of 70% or higher 
  • ​Walkthrough Tool 
    • 90% of staff list 67% of expectations 
    • 70% of students list 67% of expectations 
    • 90% of staff give acknowledgements 
    • 50% of students receive acknowledgements          
  • Self-Assessment Survey (SAS) 
  • Discipline policy 
  • School Profile indicating the number of discipline referrals, in-school suspensions, out of school suspensions, expulsions, and percentage average daily attendance 
State level data provided by the Department in the application form: 
  • Student Progress measure requires .05% decrease from previous year 
  • Restraint and Seclusion Data 

Silver Award 
Items provided by schools in the application form:

  • All required Bronze Award submission items to include Tier 2 supports 

State level data provided by the Department in the application form:

Gold Award 

Items provided by schools in the application form: 

  • All required Bronze and Silver submission items to include Tier 3 supports 
  • Tier 3 Support Plan Worksheet 

State level data provided by the Department in the application form: 

  • All required Silver Award state level data 

Application Submission

The 2024-2025 PBIS Recognition Award Application form and instructions to apply will be available in Spring 2025. Schools and districts are encouraged to be aware of PBIS implementation data and documentation required for submission throughout the school year to expedite the application submission process.

Contact Information 

Schools and districts may contact the Office of Whole Child Supports at pbisohio@education.ohio.gov with questions or for additional information.  

Last Modified: 10/4/2024 7:40:46 AM