An evidence-based and proactive approach, PBIS is a framework designed to foster positive behavior, improve student well-being, and enhance learning outcomes in districts and schools.  Through the implementation of PBIS students feel emotionally and socially supported while equipping students with self-management skills for their behavior and emotions. Educators and school staff trained in PBIS best practices make a meaningful impact by building better relationships with students, staff, families, and communities. 

The SCCOE serves as the lead California PBIS Region Five Technical Assistance Center (TAC), supporting schools, districts, and staff across Santa Clara, Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz counties. 

“Our heart is focused on helping every school district meet the needs of every child,” said Dr. Patrick Hefflin, Director of the Continuous Improvement and Accountability Department inclusive of the PBIS TAC. “Our commitment is to making sure we are bringing premier service and coaching to all our districts, and providing them with the tools they need to implement PBIS and ensure they are doing it with fidelity – improving the system based on the data and needs of their students.”  

The SCCOE offers a structured, multi-year PBIS training program designed to support schools and districts at every stage of tiered implementation and tailors its approach to each school, community, and district to ensure long-term success.

Stocklmeir Elementary School in the Cupertino Union School District introduced PBIS to its school in the fall of 2023. Principal Ann Kropp credits the SCCOE for its vital role in guiding the school through the early stages, helping the school’s nine-member PBIS team create its behavior matrix, examine relevant data, and refine its implementation strategy.

“The SCCOE has been phenomenal in their support of our PBIS journey,” Kropp said. “I’ve appreciated how collaborative it feels – it truly feels like a partnership. They have helped us review our specific data to really target PBIS to our school and community needs.”

The SCCOE equips educators and administrators with the tools to launch, elevate, or maintain effective behavioral support systems through workshops, site-based coaching, and sustainability support. On March 27, the SCCOE’s PBIS team will host a PBIS Overview meeting, for any school and district staff looking to begin their PBIS journey. Staff also have access to customized coaching, technical assistance, and an online portal to schedule training or seek help as needed.

“We strive to ensure that every school has the resources they need to create inclusive, supportive learning environments where all students can thrive,” Hefflin said.

Through technical support provided by the SCCOE, schools throughout the county have achieved continuous growth, as noticed by the California PBIS State Recognition. Santa Clara County schools combined earned 40 recognitions for 2023-24, more than doubling its total of 18 in 2022-23.

Stocklmeir is applying for a California PBIS State Recognition​ for the first time this spring, with the application window set to close May 9. Since rolling out PBIS a year and a half ago, the school has already seen a dramatic decline in behavior instances and positive upticks in several areas on its school climate survey, Kropp said.