Behavior Management

Effective classroom management is critical to your success. Classroom management refers to all of the things teachers do to organize students, space, time and materials to maximize effective teaching and student learning (Wong & Wong, 1998). Research has shown effectively managed classrooms and high student achievement are linked. Wong and Wong identify two objectives of classroom management:

1. Enhance student involvement and cooperation.

2. Establish a positive working environment.


Use these tips to strengthen your classroom management:



b ehavior management and classroom management are interrelated. Behavior management refers to teacher activities designed to promote positive behaviors in students. Self-discipline is the goal of all behavior management. All activities are individualized based on each child's behavioral needs. Behavior management has two objectives:

1. Decrease antisocial and disruptive behaviors.

2. Increase appropriate prosocial behaviors.


Try these behavior management strategies:



The First Days of School by Harry and Rosemary Wong is a book I'd give to every teacher in the building if I were a school principal. This highly readable book shows you the difference between an effective and ineffective teacher. Then the Wongs systematically outline the techniques used by effective teachers. You can order the book here or by calling Harry K. Wong Publications (650) 965-7896.


Another excellent resource is the Skillstreaming series by Ellen McGinnis and Arnold Goldstein. Dr. Goldstein has been to Las Vegas for to give us staff development. We got lots of background information on antecedents to antisocial behaviors and how to effectively deal with it. One of the teachers I work with was Dr. Goldstein's student in New York. It has been my pleasure to observe in her class and see the skillstreaming techniques used effectively; seamlessly. His Skillstreaming materials can be ordered from Research Press (217) 352-3273.


link collection

This article from LD online discusses the critical difference between skill deficits and performance deficits.

The number one challenge for many special educators is effective management of disruptive behaviors. Check out these links for techniques used by the experts!

new This article, written by Dr. Mac, from the BehaviorAdvisor.com, applies to all students who have social skills difficulties. LD OnLine considers it particularly applicable to students who have learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder. Learn why they have social problems and how to teach them the skills they need to "get over it."

PBS Practices are brief fact sheets that describe effective practices in Positive Behavior Support. Each Practice includes a rationale, overview, examples, issues and needs, and frequently-asked questions on a designated topic.

new Good rewards provide the incentive for a successful classroom management system. Here are 50 ideas to get you started.

star The systems change goal of the Delaware Positive Behavior Support Initiative is to have EVERY teacher and administrator in EVERY school district in the state knowledgeable about and engaged in the use of Positive Behavior Supports as a means to enhance the learning of EVERY student. The site has training modules and links to other training sites.

The Online Academy develops web-based modules and other technology innovations for moving validated educational interventions from research to practice. The resources are designed to empower teacher educators in the areas of Reading, Technology, and Positive Behavioral Support. From the University of Kansas.

CalSTAT is a special project of the California Department of Education that helps schools and families educate children and young adults with special needs. Their site has information on positive behavioral supports.

Positive Behavioral Supports and School Psychology: What a Great IDEA! This article is from the NASP Communiqué, May 1998

A new site! On the Make Beliefs Comix site, users choose a character and an emotion, put that together with talk balloons or thought balloons, and type in some text! The possibilities are endless. Have some fun, and don't forget to share it with your class! I would love to see and hear some feedback on this site!

star Support for Positive Student Behavior from the Elementary and Middle School Technical Assistance Project includes Ten Principles of Positive Behavioral Support

Read current research and techniques to enhance your classroom atmosphere at teachervision.

What is your classroom management profile? Find out at Teacher Talk.

starPediatrict Development & Behavior Homepage has links for peditricians working with parents.

Behavior management links from Tree Professional Resources.

Behavior Management Ideas includes tips for parents and common behaviors of students with AD/HD with possible interventions.

The Behavior Management Ideas Technical Assistance Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)has been established by the Office of Special Education Programs, US Department of Education to give schools capacity-building information and technical assistance for identifying, adapting, and sustaining effective school-wide disciplinary practices.

Behavioral Concerns from the Nebraska Department of Education discusses the legal concerns of writing behavior plans.

Change in Education gives you tips and links to other behavior management sites.

Behavior Analysis Template is a useful tool for project managers for behavior problem analysis and correction.

Anger Management for Violence Offenders describes anger: how it begins, builds up and explodes out of control, how to intervene and stop the process.

Parent Coaching Cards for behaivor management.

KidsPeace, a private, not-for-profit organization, brings hope and healing to America's children through public awareness and treatment. If you need immediate help in a crisis, call their HelpLine at 1-800-334-4KID.

Positive Discipline from Oklahoma's early childhood parent education program.

Behavior Management: Getting to the Bottom of Social Skills Deficits discusses the differences between skill-based and preformance-based deficits and lists eight fundamental social skills that can be taught. One key quote from the article, "Our anger and punishment can only add to the frustration of the student who knows he or she did something wrong, but has no clue as to how to fix it." It is powerful to know we can help them learn and use appropriate skills!



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Updated April 30, 2007.