SolutionTree.com/Changemakers CHALLENGE While academic multitiered system of supports (MTSS) structures were in place at Deer Valley Unified School District (DVUSD), the need for a more systematic approach to behavioral support became apparent. Administrators observed an increase in behavioral incidents post-COVID, a trend supported by rising suspension rates and anecdotal reports from educators, including Jessica Tucker, MTSS behavior specialist, regarding students’ difficulties with emotional regulation. At the start, district leaders set an ambitious goal: to reduce suspensions by 25%. Meeting this goal required navigating additional challenges, including the changing composition of the teaching staff, with many new educators entering the profession through alternative pathways, often lacking experience in behavior management. The fluidity of staffing due to substitute rotations and increased class sizes added further strain, underscoring the urgent need to reinforce proactive behavioral supports throughout DVUSD. IMPLEMENTATION In 2021, DVUSD embarked on a multiyear implementation plan, spearheaded by Jessica Tucker and Gary Diaz Zehrbach, PhD, deputy superintendent of administrative leadership and services, to address student behavior. The shift began when an MTSS specialist from DVUSD, attending the Summit on RTI at Work™ in Austin, Texas, came across the book Behavior Solutions, by John Hannigan, Jessica Djabrayan Hannigan, Mike Mattos, and Austin Buffum. Inspired, Dr. Zehrbach championed a districtwide book study in the 2021–2022 school year, involving leaders from all departments. This initiative laid the foundation for a shared understanding and commitment to change. During the 2022–2023 school year, district and pilot teams participated in the Behavior Solutions: A Practical Road Map for Behavior Success in All Tiers virtual workshop, deepening their understanding and laying the foundation for active implementation. Soon after, the DVUSD team held a pivotal professional development meeting with John and Jessica Hannigan to officially launch a multiyear coaching plan. This meeting was instrumental in clarifying the district’s vision, outlining expected outcomes, and reinforcing the depth of its long- term commitment. To further support their efforts, district and pilot school teams attended the RTI at Work™ Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, where school leadership teams began formalizing their implementation strategies. This collaborative work with the Hannigans helped establish the framework for a K–12 districtwide rollout of Behavior Solutions™, ensuring alignment and consistency across all sites. DVUSD also established behavior academies in select schools to provide targeted support for students with persistent behavioral challenges. Created by John and Jessica Hannigan, and presented in the book Behavior Academies, this approach offers a structured pathway for intervention, skill-building, and reentry into general education. In 2023–2024, the district deepened its commitment by embedding essential academic and social behaviors into its five-year strategic plan and Portrait of a Graduate initiative—while also launching districtwide training on Tier 1 behavioral prevention with direct support from central office leaders and the Hannigans. . The Summit on RTI at Work™ . Behavior Solutions book study . Behavior Solutions: A Practical Road Map for SEL Success in All Tiers (virtual workshop) . Professional Development meeting with John and Jessica Hannigan . RTI at Work™ Institute . Behavior Academies book study . Achieved Model PLC at Work® district recognition DEER VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT PHOENIX, ARIZONA 32,131 STUDENTS / 34% FREE OR REDUCED LUNCH / 4.4% ENGLISH LEARNERS / 13% SPECIAL NEEDS 61.5% WHITE / 22.9% HISPANIC OR LATINO / 5.6% MULTIRACIAL / 5.2% ASIAN / 3.5% BLACK / 1% AMERICAN INDIAN / 0.4% HAWAIIAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER MODEL PLC at WORK® DISTRICT EVIDENCE OF EXCELLENCE
