Challenging Behaviors

We all know what it is like.  There is always that one (or two or five) student who seems bent on disrupting the class.  They may present as disrespectful, rude, mean, or sometimes even physically dangerous.  We try every strategy and trick we have up our sleeves.  Positive reinforcement, flexibility, being really strict, being kind, being stern.  Nothing seems to work.  We get more and more frustrated, and the problem behaviors continue, or get worse.  So what do we do?  I have two suggestions based on recommendations by Dr. Howard Knoff.
First, take the time to sit down, identify what the problem is, and examine what the cause of the problem may be.  Are there specific factors related to the student that are getting in the way, such as medical issues, challenges at home that are impacting how the student behaves?  Maybe there are social issues that are getting in the way.  Does the curriculum meet the needs of this student?  Are my instructional methods working, or are there other teaching strategies that I can try?  You might find that one or several of these inquiries leads to you an easy fix.
Next, talk to your colleagues.  Remember that you are not in this alone, and do not have the only student in the school to present behavior problems.  Consulting with other faculty members who are known to have skills with behavior interventions will help you identify and analyze the problem, and implement the most effective intervention for your student.


Knoff, H. M. (2011) Integrating the school prevention, review, and intervention team (SPRINT) and response-to-instruction/intervention (RTI²) process: A model implementation guidebook for schools and districts. Little Rock, AR: Project ACHIEVE Incorporated.