After The Adults Change

1. Adult behavior change is the cornerstone of improving student behavior

When the adults change, everything changes is the first principle, so your behaviour is an important focus.

Lead by example. Adults in schools must recognize that their behavior sets the tone for the entire learning environment. By consistently modeling calm, respectful, and emotionally regulated responses, educators create a foundation for positive student behavior. This shift requires deliberate effort and self-awareness from all staff members.

Consistency is key. Implementing a unified approach to behavior management across all classrooms and school spaces reinforces expectations and creates a predictable environment for students. This consistency should be evident in:

• Language used to address behavior
• Routines and procedures
• Consequences and recognition systems

Cultural shift. Changing adult behavior is not just about individual actions, but about fostering a school-wide culture that values relationships, empathy, and proactive support. This may require ongoing professional development, peer coaching, and a commitment to continuous improvement from all staff members.

2. Consistent, emotionally regulated responses create a safe learning environment

Unregulated children need obviously regulated adults, even if their behaviour seems designed to frustrate this.

Emotional consistency is crucial for creating a safe and predictable learning environment. When adults maintain calm and controlled responses, even in challenging situations, students feel secure and are more likely to regulate their own behavior. This approach requires:

• Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
• Strategies for personal stress management
• A commitment to separating student behavior from personal feelings

De-escalation techniques become more effective when adults remain emotionally consistent. Some key strategies include:

• Using a calm, neutral tone of voice
• Providing physical space
• Offering choices and time to process
• Avoiding power struggles or threats

Building trust through consistent responses allows students to focus on learning rather than testing boundaries. Over time, this approach fosters stronger relationships between students and staff, creating a positive cycle of improved behavior and academic engagement.

3. Recognition and positive reinforcement are more effective than punishment

Recognition is a guaranteed relationship builder. Rewards are hit or miss.

Focus on the positive. Shifting from a punitive approach to one that emphasizes recognition and positive reinforcement creates a more motivating and supportive learning environment. This doesn't mean ignoring misbehavior, but rather:

• Actively seeking out and acknowledging positive behaviors
• Using specific, descriptive praise
• Celebrating effort and improvement, not just outcomes

Recognition systems should be designed to be inclusive and achievable for all students. Effective strategies include:

• Visual recognition boards in classrooms
• Positive phone calls or notes home
• Public acknowledgment of students going "above and beyond"
• Opportunities for students to recognize each other

Avoid over-rewarding. While recognition is powerful, it's important to maintain authenticity and avoid creating a system where students only behave for external rewards. The goal is to build intrinsic motivation and a sense of community where positive behavior is the norm.

4. Restorative practices foster accountability and strengthen relationships

Restorative practice is not, as Mark Finnis from L30 Relational Systems says, done 'to' the children but 'with' them.

Shift in mindset. Restorative practices move away from punitive responses to misbehavior and focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships. This approach:

• Encourages students to take responsibility for their actions
• Develops empathy and understanding
• Provides opportunities for meaningful dialogue

Key elements of restorative practices include:

• Restorative conversations using specific question frameworks
• Circles for community building and conflict resolution
• Collaborative problem-solving

Implementation challenges. Adopting restorative practices requires training, patience, and a willingness to move away from traditional disciplinary methods. It's important to:

• Start small and build capacity over time
• Provide ongoing support and professional development for staff
• Educate students and families about the restorative approach

5. Coaching and mentoring support both students and staff in behavior management

Internal coaching between adults and between adults and children is an excellent foundation for improving relationships, understanding and resilience.

Develop coaching culture. Implementing a coaching model for both students and staff creates a supportive environment for continuous improvement in behavior management. Key aspects include:

• Regular check-ins and goal-setting
• Reflective conversations about behavior and strategies
• Peer coaching and mentoring opportunities

Student coaching can take various forms:

• Designated coaching groups or mentors
• One-on-one sessions for students needing additional support
• Peer coaching programs

Staff development through coaching:

• Observational feedback on behavior management techniques
• Collaborative problem-solving for challenging situations
• Opportunities to practice and refine new strategies

6. Exclusion should be a last resort, not a behavior strategy

Exclusion is a failure. It is not a sign that everything is going smashingly. It is not part of the plan.

Rethink exclusion. Removing students from the learning environment should be viewed as a last resort, not a go-to strategy for managing behavior. Instead, focus on:

• Proactive interventions and support
• In-school alternatives that maintain access to learning
• Addressing underlying causes of behavior issues

Develop alternatives to exclusion:

• On-site support centers or "triage" systems
• Restorative conferences
• Targeted interventions and behavior plans
• Collaboration with families and external support services

Data-driven approach. Regularly review exclusion data to identify patterns and areas for improvement. Consider:

• Which students are being excluded most frequently?
• Are there specific triggers or times when exclusions occur?
• What strategies have been effective in reducing exclusions?

7. Scripted interventions provide consistency and reduce emotional reactions

Scripts and mantras use the language in your behaviour policy and the language that is in common use in your school, so you need to remove the worst excesses of the policy first.

Develop shared language. Creating a set of scripted interventions ensures consistency across staff members and reduces the likelihood of emotional reactions in challenging situations. Key considerations:

• Keep scripts simple and memorable
• Align language with school values and behavior policy
• Practice scripts regularly to make them feel natural

Example scripts might include:

• "I've noticed that ... [describe behavior]. Remember our rule about ... [reference relevant expectation]."
• "I need you to ... [describe desired behavior]. Thank you for listening."
• "Let's take a moment to reset. What do you need to be successful right now?"

Customize and refine. While scripts provide a foundation, encourage staff to adapt them to their personal style and specific situations. Regularly review and update scripts based on feedback and effectiveness.

8. Gradual, persistent implementation leads to sustainable behavior change

Leading a school through a change in policy and practice is not a job to be rushed. It requires a great plan, patience and a relentlessness that signals to everyone that you are not changing course.

Plan for the long-term. Sustainable behavior change in schools requires a gradual, persistent approach. Avoid the temptation to implement everything at once. Instead:

• Start with foundational changes (e.g., adult behavior, recognition systems)
• Introduce new elements in phases
• Allow time for each change to become embedded before moving on

Key implementation steps:

1. Secure leadership buy-in and ongoing support
2. Provide comprehensive staff training and ongoing coaching
3. Regularly communicate progress and celebrate successes
4. Monitor data and gather feedback to inform adjustments
5. Be prepared to revisit and reinforce changes over time

Overcome resistance. Expect some pushback and prepare strategies to address concerns:

• Involve staff in the planning and decision-making process
• Provide clear rationales for changes
• Offer individualized support for those struggling with new approaches
• Highlight early successes and positive outcomes

Last updated: September 29, 2024