Maximizing Effectiveness Using Positive Behavior Support Methods in the Classroom: Expectations and Rules

Objectives Understand why expectations and rules are important and needed Understand guidelines for developing expectations Understand the differences between expectations and rules Identify strategies to determine your classroom rules Develop rules for your classroom

Training Expectations The 3 B’s Be Respectful Be Responsible Be an Active Participant

Training Rules Expectations Rules 1. Be Respectful Listen to other’s ideas Collaborate with team members Listen quietly while the speaker is presenting 2. Be Responsible Complete task Come to consensus as a team Come back from breaks and lunch on time Start training on time 3. Be an Active Participant Share ideas with others Follow through with task and activities Work on activities as a team Equal task distribution

Why do we need classroom rules? Keep control of the environment Provide structure in the classroom Provide the students with an enriched learning environment Keep inappropriate behaviors from occurring Provide students with consistent procedures and routines

How Are Expectations and Rules Similar? Both should be limited in number Both should be positively stated Both should clarify criteria for successful performance

How Are Expectations and Rules Different? Expectations are broadly stated Expectations apply to all people in all settings Expectations describe the general ways that people will behave

Differences Continued. . . . Rules describe specific behaviors - Observable - Measurable Rules may apply to a limited number of settings Rules clarify classroom expectations

Activity: Which Ones Are Expectations? Which Ones Are Rules? Be considerate Be punctual Place food items in their proper containers Remain seated during instruction Follow directions Keep all four legs of your chair on the floor

Rules for the Classroom Setting Definition: Specific skills and procedures that you want students to engage in and perform while in the classroom.

What Is Gained by Identifying Rules? Communication among teacher and students Assessment of student behaviors Communication with parents Curriculum design Legal, ethical, and professional accountability

How do you develop rules for your classroom? Individualized Consistent with school-wide system Based on assessment of your classroom Identify what problems are occurring in the classroom Identify what systems are working in the classroom Based on the student’s behaviors Based on the student’s needs Identify the skills that students are lacking

Guidelines: Identifying Rules For each expectation, select 1 to 2 rules (ideal) Positively stated Planned processes for participant feedback Shared ownership in development Rules should be unique to classroom needs Not to exceed a total of 6 rules Show participants the segment of the video that illustrates staff members working through this process.

Take a look at Mr. Black’s class What does his data tell you? Total=28 students Last month = 51 discipline referrals Referrals summary: Disrespect = 19 Fighting = 2 Refusal to comply/follow directions = 30 Average students tardy per day = 5 Average students absent per day = 0.5 Percentage of completed assignments = 98%

Mr. Black’s Classroom Top 3 Problem Behaviors: Tardiness Refusal to follow directions Disrespect

Activity: What rules would you develop for Mr Activity: What rules would you develop for Mr. Black’s class based on this data? MR. BLACK’S RULES (insert rules here) 1. 2. 3.

Here are some suggestions… Come to class prepared Come to class on time Bring your homework to class everyday Bring all learning materials to class Follow directions the first time Raise your hand to speak Listen to others and share ideas Use inside voices during class time Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

Perfect School’s Matrix Example: Classroom Rules Mr. Jones’ Class Mrs. Lee’s Class Be Safe Sit with your chair on all 4 legs Walk Be Responsible Bring your materials to class each day Bring your homework every day Be Respectful Keep your hands and feet to yourself Use appropriate language Talk when it is your turn to talk Ask if it is “OK” to borrow an item This matrix is incomplete (2 expectations and 3 settings are missing) due to space limitations on the slide. A completed matrix could be developed for the handout packet OR spaces for the other expectations and settings could be left blank for the culminating activity. (See notes under the activity slide.)

Activity: Develop Classroom Rules Identify your school-wide expectations List your current classroom rules Do these rules meet the guidelines? Based on your school-wide expectations and classroom assessment, develop rules for your classroom Consider rules for team consistency