Behavioral Intervention StrategiesRedirection/CalmingBy: Dixine Moore

IntroductionSuccessful behavioral

interventions require understanding of the basic principles of behavior.• Behavior topography – what it looks

like• Behavior function – its effects on the

environment

Behavioral Interventions AdvantagesHave measurable outcomes.Are not intended to control

students, but enable students to exert more control over their own behavior.

The interventions are clearly described which allows for clear identification of desired outcome.

Positive ReinforcementDesired stimuli is presented to

person after appropriate behavior is displayed.

Increases the appropriate behavior.

Decreases the inappropriate behavior.

Redirection/CalmingWatch for signs of student

frustration.Use de-escalation strategies to

redirect and calm a student. Be involved with students.

Be Alert to Triggers that Lead to MisbehaviorSome students misbehave

because they have not been taught how to behave, which results in• Difficulty developing friendships• Meeting teacher expectations• Dealing with social problems

appropriately

Social Skills InstructionCan affect classroom behavioral

issues and management practices.Can clarify teacher expectations and

help students understand how they should behave.

Can improve social interactions and reduce problem behavior.

Become “replacement behaviors”.Teach students to make the “right”

choices.

Results of Teaching Social SkillsHelps students develop good

relationships • With other students• With teachers• With community members outside of

school

Social Skills Instruction Steps

Identify social skill needed to replace problem behavior.

Model or show the student how to perform the skill.

Allow the student to practice using the skill through role-play situations.

Reinforce acceptable performance by letting student perform the skill.

Social Skills Example – “Asking permission to be dismissed”Raise your handWait to be recognizedAsk permission to be dismissedWait for an answerAsk questions if you do not understand the answer.

Teaching students to UsePositive “Self-Talk”Self-instruction ways of talking

through problems.Manages angerReplaces negative with positive

thoughts.Students recognize triggers that

ignite aggression.Helps to avoid conflicts.

Benefits of Behavior Intervention StrategiesSafe environment for all students.Produce positive outcomes in the

classroom.Improves the climate of the

classroom.Less frustration in the classroom.Promotes learning for all

students.Helps build teacher/student

relationships.

ReferencesSkinner, B.F. (1968). The technology of teaching (The

Century Psychology Series). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, Inc.

Sprick, R.S. (2006). Discipline in the secondary classroom: A positive approach to behavior management (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Sprick, R.S., & Garrison, M. (2008). Interventions: Evidence-based behavioral strategies for individual students. Eugene, OR: Pacific Northwest Publishing.

References continuedSugai, G., Horner, R. H., Dunlap, G.,

Hieneman, M., Lewis, T., Nelson, C.M., et al. (2000). Applying positive behavior support and functional behavioral assessment in schools. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions, 2, 131- 143.

Walker, H.M., (1995). The acting out child: Coping with classroom disruption (2nd ed.). Longmont, CO: Sopris West.

References concluded Walker, H. M.., & Shinn, M. R. (2002). Structuring

school-based interventions to achieve integrated primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention goals for safe and effective schools. In M.R. Shinn, G. Stoner, & H.M. Walker (Eds.), Interventions for academic and behavior problems: Preventive and remedial approaches (p. 1-26). Silver Spring, MD: National Association of School Psychologists.

Witt, J.C., Martens, B.K., Elliott, S.N., (1984). Factors affecting teachers’ judgments of the

acceptability of behavioral interventions: Time involvement, behavior problem severity, and type of intervention. Behavior Therapy, Volume 15, Issue 2, 204-209.