Here are some things to think about when addressing behavior issues:
• Students internalize the behavior they see around them, especially with adults or older students they hold in high esteem.
• Today’s role models frequently symbolize rebellious and even anti-social behavior. Media exposure to violent and sexual themes further impacts student behavior in a negative way.
• Consistency is the most important aspect of managing behavior. Teachers must have clearly stated expectations and consequences and enforce them consistently in order to be effective.
• School-wide consistency with regard to rules and expectations, rewards and consequences, etc. has been shown to strengthen the behavior management efforts of classroom teachers.
• Studies have also shown that behavior changes occur through relationships. Effective school-wide discipline management plans begin with efforts to create positive, caring and respectful relationships between adults and students and also between students and their peers.
We’d like to hear from you about what works and doesn’t in regard to behavior management in your classroom.
If you’re looking for an upcoming behavior management workshop, consider this one: Managing Student Misbehavior on Oct. 7, 2015.
About the Blogger:
Debra Anderson serves as curriculum director for Early Childhood and Special Education at Harris County Department of Education. She has almost 40 years of experience as teacher, coordinator and director of special education programs. She coordinates HCDE’s annual R.T. Garcia Early Childhood Winter Conference. Her passions are reading, travel and theater.