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Systematic Approaches to Problem Behavior

Not every approach to classroom management is explicitly systematic. Some approaches rely heavily on reacting to problems as they occur—with on-the-spot clinical judgments made to determine what to say and do. Other approaches are systematic in that they involve a plan, complete with procedures and steps to follow before and after behavior problems arise that is based upon the ecology of the classroom and the school. The purpose here is to describe what a systematic approach entails by describing current and important systematic approaches to classroom management of problem behaviors, as well as to describe the systematic method of inquiry known as functional behavioral assessment (FBA).

Two Systematic Approaches to Classroom Management

Schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS) and the social and emotional learning (SEL) system represent two current systematic approaches to classroom management. What these two systematic approaches have in common is the belief that it is better to identify contextual features that maintain students’ problem behaviors than rely on reactionary discipline applied to individual students. Both approaches rely on teaching positive replacement skills to students, and both avoid negative consequences for problem behaviors. Both approaches are applied schoolwide and also in individual classrooms.

The SWPBIS is based on a multitiered risk model of prevention and intervention, whereas the SEL focuses on shaping new social skills.

Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports

The SWPBIS provides a continuum of interventions across three hierarchical tiers of increasingly intensive treatments that may involve more external support personnel with specialized skills. The classroom represents the first tier. About 85% of interventions for minor problems will be managed in that setting by the teacher. The school represents the second tier. About 10% of interventions for persistently disruptive behaviors may require backup support from specialized personnel such as the counselor, social worker, school psychologist, crisis team, parents, school administration, and, on occasion, special education staff. The community represents the third tier. About 5% of interventions for offensive and aggressive behaviors will require support from agencies such as law enforcement, division of child and family services, medical referral by parents, and alternative education programs.

SWPBIS is positive in that it avoids a reactionary, punitive approach that overrelies on suspension or expulsion. SWPBIS focuses on positive skills development and positive change methods. SWPBIS also focuses on the development of a positive social climate in the classroom and school; it emphasizes prevention over intervention. To set up a SWPBIS system, there must be administrative support, commitment from staff, self-assessment of the current schoolwide and classroom management policies, continuous assessment of effectiveness, and an implementation plan.

Within each classroom, each teacher must commit to a positive approach to classroom management that involves teaching new skills that are incompatible with problem behaviors. Each teacher must have three to five classroom rules and procedures stated in a positive manner. For example, “Please raise your hand and wait to be called on” rather than “No shouting out.” Then the positive rule is repeated by the entire class, demonstrated by the teacher, and then practiced with social reinforcement applied throughout the day.

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