1. Maximizing Effectiveness Using Positive Behavior Support Methods in the Classroom: Strategies for Dealing with Problem Behavior

2. 2 Objective Understand why traditional strategies are not as effective Identify effective strategies for dealing with problem behavior Understand reasonable and logical interventions for problem behaviors Expand your repertoire of effective strategies

3. Effective Strategies for Dealing with Problem Behavior Consequence: What happens after a behavior? Was the behavior appropriate or inappropriate? AppropriateInappropriate Reward System Praise Cool-Off Pass Parent Contact

4. 4 Traditional Strategies Used for Dealing with Problem Behavior Time out Demerit or fine Detention Writing assignment Deprivation of some reward

5. 5 Why Haven’t the Traditional Strategies Been Effective? They have not been aligned with: –Expectations –Clearly defined rules –A system for teaching expectations and rules –A system for rewarding appropriate behaviors

6. 6 Why Don’t Aversive Techniques or Punishment Work? Not aligned with the function of the behavior, so the student is allowed to escape what they want to avoid or the student may obtain desired attention/activity/item Student is not being taught replacement skill/desired behavior May agitate student even more More use = less effect May embarrass the student Student/Teacher Relationship affected Punishment can’t always be immediate

7. 7 Guidelines for Handling Problem Behaviors Hierarchy for rule violations Rule violation reasonable and logical Consequences preplanned and posted Consequences for rule violation explained and regularly reviewed Consequences are delivered consistently and in a timely manner Tie it back to the expectations

8. 8 Effective Strategies for Handling Problem Behavior Including effective interventions at the classroom level: –Re-teach the expectations/rules –Change seating arrangements –Conference with parent and/or student –Peer mediation –Student contracts –Provide choices –Remove tempting items from the classroom

9. 9 Effective Strategies for Handling Problem Behavior Including effective interventions at the classroom level: –Humor –Let the student “save face” –Re-direction –Failure to earn a privilege –Restitution/Apology –Prompt & cue both verbal & non-verbal –Reward alternate positive behavior

10. 10 Effective Strategies for Handling Problem Behavior Including effective interventions at the classroom level: –Wait time between request & follow through –Planned ignoring –Reward peers for demonstrating appropriate behavior –Teach a replacement skill/desired behavior –Cool-off Pass/reflective time –Teacher, Ask yourself: Is my reaction escalating the behavior?

11. 11 Logical Strategies for Handling Problem Behavior Natural Match the severity of the behavior Should match the perceived function of the behavior Should not result in a power struggle

12. 12 Reasonable and Logical Strategies Student BehaviorIllogical StrategiesLogical Strategies Chews GumTeacher sends student to the office ??? Turns in paper sloppyTeacher refuses the paper ??? Walks in noisyTeacher ignores behavior ???

13. 13 Reasonable and Logical Strategies Student BehaviorIllogical StrategiesLogical Strategies Chews GumTeacher sends student to the office Dispose of gum, writes paper on the issue Turns in paper sloppyTeacher refuses the paper Redoes the paper Walks in noisyTeacher ignores behavior Walks in again quietly

14. 14 Reasonable and Logical Strategies Student BehaviorIllogical StrategiesLogical Strategies Passes paper in incorrectly Teacher deducts 10 points ??? Arrives lateTeacher sends student to the office ??? Does not bring text book or pencil Student sits at their desk without a pencil or textbook ???

15. 15 Reasonable and Logical Strategies Student BehaviorIllogical StrategiesLogical Strategies Passes paper in incorrectly Teacher deducts 10 points Passes paper in again correctly Arrives lateTeacher sends student to the office Misses instruction and has to get help from a peer Does not bring text book or pencil Student sits at their desk without a pencil or textbook Student has to borrow one from the teacher for.50 cents (classroom money)

16. 16 Strategies: Tips for Teachers Try to continue teaching when presenting a student with a consequence, rather than stopping your lesson Immediate consequences may be more effective Draw little attention when dealing with problem behaviors

17. Strategies: Tips for Teachers Use methods that bring attention to appropriate behavior and discretely track inappropriate behavior. –Chalkboard Write name on the board –Transparency Write name on the transparency with overhead projector –Ticket Give student a ticket with their name on it and then rule # that they violated –Pattern Have patterns or cut outs that represent the students on a bulletin board –Heart Have a heart on the bulletin board with each student’s name on it, if a student is disruptive, remove their name from the center of the heart

18. If you don’t have a plan You’re planning to fail (Harry Wong) PBS Plan…

19. 19 The absence of a plan for teaching desired behaviors may lead to: –Inconsistent administration of consequences. –Exclusionary practices that encourage further misbehavior through escape –Disproportionate amounts of staff time and attention to inappropriate behaviors –Miscommunication among staff, students, and parents –Over reliance on punishment of problem behaviors Planning

20. 20 Procedure to Follow When a Problem Behavior Occurs Clearly identify where various behaviors will be managed (classroom vs. office referral) Include opportunities for students to learn and/or practice more acceptable behaviors Maintain consistency in delivery of consequences Provide immediate consequences; this is more effective then delayed consequences (especially when receiving rewards!)

21. 21 Procedures to Follow When a Problem Behavior Occurs Develop a system for notifying parents when inappropriate behavior occurs The system should not rely entirely on the student’s ability and/or willingness to inform parents of problems Refrain from establishing a policy of revoking previously earned rewards Develop a documentation/data collection system that helps identify specific behavioral problems

22. 22 Suggestions for Success Provide opportunities for parents, and students to contribute ideas Notify all parents of the new discipline procedures prior to implementation Streamline documentation procedures to facilitate communication Maintain consistent responses to rule violations Plan lessons to teach students the discipline policies and procedures

23. 23 Suggestions for Success Remind students of their choices in a calm, positive manner prior to escalation in behavior Remember that how you react could escalate the student’s behavior even more Establish methods for teaching new students and informing the parents of new students Include plans for booster sessions with students on specific expectations or rules as the data indicates a need Established back-up procedures prior to initiating the plan

24. 24 JUST REMEMBER… Model APPROPRIATE behaviors at ALL times even if it kills you.

25. 25 Activity “Dealing with the Students in Room 101”. As a team come up with some effective strategies for handling the problem behaviors in Room 101

26. “Dealing with the Students in Room 101” Student BehaviorEffective Strategies Shanita is whistling and singing in a high pitched voice Steven runs into class at the last minute doing a home run slide while yelling “safe” Francisco refuses to do his work and when handed it rips it up Tania tells Rose her mama is fat when Rose looks at her. They sit next to each other and when confronted by the teacher she tells her to “mind your own business”

27. 27 Additional Resources Miscellaneous Section: –Effective Strategies for Handling Problem Behavior –Avoiding Escalating Behavior and Power Struggles Books: –C.H.A.M.P.S., Randy Sprick –Tough Kids Toolbox Series, Sopris West –First Days of School, Harry Wong –How to Improve Classroom Behavior Series, – Pro-ed FDLRS trainings