Use scripts to deescalate defiant behavior.

Supporting students who exhibit defiant behavior can be challenging for teachers and school leaders. Defiant behavior can range from non-compliance with classroom rules to outright verbal and physical aggression. One effective way to de-escalate this type of behavior is by using scripted responses. Scripted responses provide a consistent and predictable approach to responding to defiant behavior. 

Why “Off-the-shelf” solutions fail.

Once you’ve evaluated the “off-the-shelf” option, consider whether a DIY/DIT option might be the most cost-effective, long-term solution. Solving a problem once and for all is better than continuing to apply to wrong solutions year after year (and paying for them too).

So you want to start a GSA…

A  2017 University of Chicago study estimates that 40% of homeless youth are LGBTQIA+. The 2021 National Survey on LGBTW Youth Mental Health finds that homeless queer youth are two to four times as likely to suffer depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

A 2008 study from British Colombia found that if a school had a Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA), suicide risk for LGBTQ+ youth was 50% lower—and 50% lower for heterosexual boys as well.

Forming a GSA is an act of suicide prevention.

Normalizing Joy

These strategies are free except for the cost of a pack of sticky notes. Even better, making them a routine normalizes joy and coaches the team to look for the best in each other. Teaching is hard work, and taking time to celebrate each other is an important way for the entire teaching community to model and practice self-care.

Positive reinforcement system: the vehicle for powerful words.

By Dr. Tim Grivois, Executive Director Schools implementing Positive Behavior Interventions and Support have a positive reinforcement system. Whether the system involves tickets, marbles in a jar, or digital certificates, each school’s positive reinforcement system is a vehicle for powerful words that support students in building healthy habits. Effective positive reinforcement systems have three keyContinue reading Positive reinforcement system: the vehicle for powerful words.

Three reasons why individualized behavior support plans fail.

Individualized Behavior Support Plans fail when they are too big, too shallow, or written by a behavior expert. The best way to address these issues is to do the opposite.

Free Webinar: Individual Behavior Support Plan Template

While most behavior support plans include strategies for preventing unexpected behavior, few seriously consider the root causes of challenging behaviors outside of immediate triggers. Instead, TGS’ Individual Behavior Support Plan Template places student wellness first and makes every opportunity available to meet students’ needs.

Reflective CICO

PBIS must better align CICO systems, data, and practices, and Reflective CICO is the best way to do this. Instead of tracking student behavior (which we do anyway with office referrals), we need to track that critical elements of CICO conversations occur as scheduled and as trained. Reflective CICO is the answer.