The California PBIS Coalition has recognized more than 2,500 schools across the state, including dozens in Orange County, as part of its 2024-25 Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) recognition program.
PBIS is a framework designed to promote positive learning environments and improve student outcomes. Since 2015, the coalition has offered statewide recognition at the Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum levels to schools that apply and demonstrate use of PBIS practices.
In Orange County, Platinum recognition went to schools across numerous districts, along with two county-based charter schools: Magnolia Science Academy Santa Ana and Oxford Preparatory Academy–Saddleback Valley.
The Garden Grove Unified School District, which had 28 schools recognized across all four award levels, noted in a press release that PBIS is an important part of creating positive school environments.
“Our district is deeply committed to creating school environments where every student feels valued, supported, and safe, and PBIS plays a vital role in achieving that mission,” said Walter Muñeton, Garden Grove Unified School District Board of Education trustee.
Saddleback Valley Unified School District also highlighted the recognition in a statement.
“We are so proud of our 24 schools recognized for their outstanding work with PBIS,” said Superintendent Dr. Crystal Turner. “These awards affirm SVUSD’s place as a leader in PBIS, reflecting the dedication of our educators and staff to building positive, supportive school communities where every student can succeed.”
A full list of this year’s award recipients can be found on the California PBIS Coalition website.
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- Huntington Beach High junior Jared Grindlinger has been named to the USA Baseball 18U National Team, marking his third national team selection as he prepares to compete in the U-18 World Cup this week in Japan.
- OCDE will host its second annual International Translation Day celebration on Sept. 30, featuring a keynote, networking and discussions on language access and the evolving role of AI in interpretation and translation.
- California’s second High School Voter Education Week of 2025 will run Sept. 15–26, encouraging students to learn about elections, preregister to vote and explore civic engagement opportunities.
- More than 4,600 students returned to class Sept. 2 in the Huntington Beach City School District, the last public school district in Orange County to begin the 2025-26 year, with campuses marking the occasion through photos, family drop-offs and expanded transitional kindergarten offerings.
- Los Angeles Unified has agreed to settle a lawsuit over pandemic-era learning loss by providing high-dose tutoring and additional support services for 100,000 students.
- The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has launched a new workforce development center to strengthen the state’s teacher pipeline through collaboration, data analysis and innovative pilot programs.
- California State University’s total enrollment rose by about 4,000 students for fall 2025, driven by in-state growth that offset declines in out-of-state and international students, according to preliminary data.
- New coaches preparing to lead Academic Decathlon and Pentathlon teams can join virtual orientations this month to learn recruitment strategies and get ready for the 2025-26 competition season, hosted by OCDE.
- The California Legislature has passed a bill requiring schools to notify parents and staff when immigration enforcement is on campus, part of broader efforts to protect families during the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, according to an Associated Press report.
- Schools across California are preparing to implement a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that allows parents to opt their children out of LGBTQ+ lessons that conflict with their religious beliefs.
- Girls in California had higher math scores than boys in most districts before the pandemic, but by 2023-24, boys outperformed girls in nearly 90 percent of districts, reversing years of progress and raising concerns among educators and researchers.
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