Two Coral Springs schools earn statewide recognition for promoting positive behavior and building supportive learning environments
Coconut Creek, Florida – Two Coral Springs schools are being recognized for their commitment to creating positive learning environments and fostering good behavior among students. Coral Springs Middle School and Park Springs Elementary School have both been named Florida Model Schools, a distinction awarded through Broward County Public Schools’ Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS) program.
The recognition, announced last week by the district’s Department of School Culture and Student Support, celebrates schools that have successfully implemented strategies to promote good behavior, improve student engagement, and build supportive school communities. In total, 23 schools across the district received the Florida Model School honor this year.
The PBIS program is based on years of research that link positive behavioral reinforcement to stronger academic performance and improved social outcomes. It encourages schools to move away from traditional punishment-based systems and instead focus on proactive strategies that teach, model, and reward appropriate behavior.
“The goal is to create a safe, predictable, and positive environment where every student can thrive,” said a representative from the district’s PBIS team. “Schools that reach model status have shown a deep commitment to data-driven practices and inclusive education.”
Originally developed through amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1997, PBIS has grown into a nationally recognized framework for improving school culture. In Florida, the program is coordinated by the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities at the University of South Florida, which provides training, resources, and evaluation tools for participating schools statewide.
Both Coral Springs Middle and Park Springs Elementary have worked for years to integrate PBIS principles into their daily routines. Teachers and staff emphasize consistency, communication, and collaboration, ensuring students understand expectations and feel supported in meeting them. These efforts often include reward systems, student recognition events, and targeted interventions for those who need extra help staying on track.
District officials note that becoming a model school requires not only commitment but measurable success. Schools must collect and analyze behavioral data, demonstrate a reduction in disciplinary referrals, and show overall improvement in academic performance and student morale.
At Coral Springs Middle, administrators have implemented a tiered support system to address students’ individual needs, while Park Springs Elementary has developed creative incentive programs to reinforce positive behavior throughout the school day. Both campuses have seen the benefits of these efforts reflected in stronger student relationships and improved classroom climates.
“Programs like PBIS remind us that learning is about more than academics,” said one district official. “It’s about shaping responsible, respectful, and confident young people who are ready to contribute positively to their schools and communities.”
Broward County Public Schools makes the PBIS framework available to every school in the district as part of its overall improvement plan. By using the program’s data-driven strategies, schools can tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of their students and continue building an atmosphere where respect and responsibility are the norm.
As for the two Coral Springs schools now carrying the Florida Model School title, the recognition stands as a testament to their continued efforts to make kindness, accountability, and excellence part of everyday learning.
