We've all been in a meeting when a teacher proclaims, "I have had [student] on a behavior plan, and it's not working!" The frustration of a student not meeting behavioral expectations is the reality for most teachers at some point; however, I have found that in spite of the best intentions, teachers don't know how to effectively implement a behavior plan for a student. This is the point when we need to break out our PI skills.
1. Ask the teacher for a copy of the behavior chart. It's important to fully understand the goal of the chart as well as see what the child is seeing. Sometimes you can tweak a behavior chart here and there, and it will suffice. In other cases, our sweet teachers miss the mark completely. I usually have teachers drop a sample in my mailbox or e-mail a copy to me. Why? Well, because I'm human, and I sometimes struggle to hide my true feelings. Therefore, if a teacher gives me a three strike daily behavior chart where the kid has to try and achieve three goals, I might explode with laughter, or worse, I might scoff. Like I said, though, the teachers have the best intentions, see a child's potential (an amazing thing), and sometimes just don't realize that the expectations are a little out of reach. If tweaking or an overhaul needs to take place, give yourself time to really think it through. Your approach can impact the teacher's willingness to try your ideas.
2. Observe the student. Before you can create an effective plan, you need to know what you're dealing with. A few short (15 minutes) observations will suffice.
3. Create two plans. Based on the information you receive from the teacher and your observations of the student, you will create a behavior plan that will (you hope) fit the needs of the student. This is when you get to teach the teacher! Create a "How to" template for your behavior plan (here and on my Resources page). Explain how to fill it out, tips, etc., and be detailed! I will give teachers the "cheat sheet" and go over it with them, so they completely understand and have all the information. It sets both the student and them up for success, and that's a win-win!
1. Ask the teacher for a copy of the behavior chart. It's important to fully understand the goal of the chart as well as see what the child is seeing. Sometimes you can tweak a behavior chart here and there, and it will suffice. In other cases, our sweet teachers miss the mark completely. I usually have teachers drop a sample in my mailbox or e-mail a copy to me. Why? Well, because I'm human, and I sometimes struggle to hide my true feelings. Therefore, if a teacher gives me a three strike daily behavior chart where the kid has to try and achieve three goals, I might explode with laughter, or worse, I might scoff. Like I said, though, the teachers have the best intentions, see a child's potential (an amazing thing), and sometimes just don't realize that the expectations are a little out of reach. If tweaking or an overhaul needs to take place, give yourself time to really think it through. Your approach can impact the teacher's willingness to try your ideas.
2. Observe the student. Before you can create an effective plan, you need to know what you're dealing with. A few short (15 minutes) observations will suffice.
3. Create two plans. Based on the information you receive from the teacher and your observations of the student, you will create a behavior plan that will (you hope) fit the needs of the student. This is when you get to teach the teacher! Create a "How to" template for your behavior plan (here and on my Resources page). Explain how to fill it out, tips, etc., and be detailed! I will give teachers the "cheat sheet" and go over it with them, so they completely understand and have all the information. It sets both the student and them up for success, and that's a win-win!