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Evaluation finds BIST, Communities in Schools and BASE show positive outcomes; administration concurs
Summary
An outcome evaluation found that the BIST, Communities in Schools (CIS), and BASE initiatives were generally associated with improved behavior metrics and parent/staff satisfaction; administration agreed to continue the programs with specific improvements to communication and transition planning.
An outcome evaluation presented to the Virginia Beach School Board found measurable improvements tied to three behavioral and mental health initiatives — Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST), Communities in Schools (CIS), and the BASE program — and the administration agreed to continue the programs with targeted modifications.
Research staff reported that overall staff perceptions improved year-over-year: about 79–80% of staff agreed there are supports at their school for student behavioral and mental health needs, and 66–68% reported being satisfied with the supports. Division-wide indicators showed declines in reported suicide risk assessments and a seven‑percentage‑point drop in chronic absenteeism for 2024–25 compared with 2022–23.
BIST: Implemented at five elementary schools in 2023–24 (three additional schools in 2025–26), BIST emphasizes early intervention, predictable classroom routines, common language, and safe/"focus" rooms…
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