Two Coral Springs schools earn state honor for positive behavior efforts
.png "Several Broward County public schools earned statewide recognition for their positive student discipline programs, including two in Coral Springs.")
Some Broward County Public Schools are feeling the heat as the district considers closing schools amid a budgetary and enrollment crisis.
This comes as teachers, students and school staff face existing pressures that impact learning environments, including poverty and mental health issues. Many are still recovering from the developmental delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic — all of it adding up to increased behavioral problems that disrupt the learning environment.
But, some Broward County schools are being highlighted for their achievement in addressing the problem.
Every year, the Florida’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Project recognizes schools that are leading the way in using its framework to supporting students.
Two Coral Springs schools made the 2025 list:
- Coral Springs Middle School (1,029 students, grades 6-8)
- Park Springs Elementary School (705 students, grades K-5)
What is PBIS, and why is it in my kid’s school?
PBIS is part of the University of South Florida’s Center for Inclusive Communities. The program exists nationwide, typically backed by one or multiple universities. It goes against “traditional discipline,” which leans more heavily on punishment and shame, instead using evidence-based practices to reduce undesirable behavior.
Hundreds of documents and videos go into depth about what PBIS policies look like. But, at its core, the program has these key elements:
Positive expectations are defined and taught
Schools identify three to five easy-to-remember values, such as honesty, kindness or responsibility.
“These should create the conditions for a positive school climate to support teaching and learning,” one program explainer reads. “Anyone should be able to walk into the school at any time and ask 10 random students to name the school-wide expectations.”
Positive behaviors are rewarded
Schools use a variety of ways to recognize students when they follow or exceed expectations. This can range from a certificate of recognition or positive call home for a student to winning a live, in-school concert from a favorite artist.
The program does stipulate that these should be school-wide (part of an overall theme of children’s need for consistency) and created with input from both students and families.
Discipline policies and procedures are clear to staff, students and parents
PBIS doesn’t ignore the fact that students can be disruptive and continue to interfere with fellow students’ success. But, to make sure punishments are effective, experts encourage having clear communication about why an action is harmful and what the consequences of that action will be.
The framework also incorporates data-gathering during the discipline process, which is a major component of tracking success.
Families, students and community members have a say
Schools provide opportunities at least once a year for stakeholders to provide feedback, ensuring that policies and procedures reflect local values.
Other Broward schools honored
Broward County schools have some of the lowest participation rates in the state, as of the 2023-2024 school year. Despite this, 23 institutions were recognized this week for their efforts.
In addition to Coral Springs Middle School and Park Springs Elementary School, here are the other 21 schools that were honored:
- Pine Ridge Education Center, Broadview Park*
- Coconut Creek K-8, Coconut Creek
- Lyons Creek Middle School, Coconut Creek
- New River Middle School, Fort Lauderdale
- Rock Island Elementary School, Fort Lauderdale
- Sunrise Middle School, Fort Lauderdale
- Westwood Heights Elementary School, Fort Lauderdale
- McNicol Middle School, Hollywood
- Lauderdale Lakes Middle School, Lauderdale Lakes
- Oriole Elementary School, Lauderdale Lakes
- Atlantic West Elementary School, Margate
- Margate Elementary School, Margate
- Margate Middle School, Margate
- Broadview Elementary School, North Lauderdale
- James S. Rickards Middle School, Oakland Park
- Lake Forest Elementary School, Pembroke Park
- Cypress Run Education Center, Pompano Beach*
- Village Elementary School, Sunrise
- Challenger Elementary School, Tamarac
- Cypress Bay High School, Weston
- Falcon Cover Middle School, Weston
Note: Cypress Run Education Center and Pine Ridge Education Center were alternative schools that met the Broward County School District’s criteria, which differ from the statewide stipulations.
This story was originally published November 12, 2025 at 2:36 PM.
