How Can Schools Take a More Proactive Approach With Behavior?

Many schools struggle with maintaining student discipline. Educators are aware that learning can't occur in environments where disruptive students interfere with lessons and waste valuable classroom time. Violence in schools means students are distracted by fears for their safety. Reactive policies that merely impose sanctions on students who misbehave often fall short of the desired goal. Proactive approaches are needed to comprehensively deal with and prevent behavior problems.

  1. Clear Expectations

    • Good discipline means establishing fair and consistent rules and consequences. It's important that these expectations be clearly communicated to staff and students. Some school districts adopt zero tolerance policies, which are effective when applied with common sense and combined with proactive strategies. Posting the school's expectations in prominent locations helps reinforce the idea that everyone in the school is working together to maintain a safe, healthy and respectful environment.

    Creating a Positive School Climate

    • Successful schools maintain a positive, safe and supportive atmosphere at all times. If all staff members take responsibility for all students, recognizing the importance of a whole school approach, they can create a positive school climate. Staff must consistently demonstrate that they care about the well-being of each student. Early intervention for kids who begin to fall behind academically is essential. School programs to encourage parental involvement, sensitive to the specific cultural needs of the school community, are also important.

    Professional Development for Teachers

    • Schools that want an effective, proactive approach to student behavior need to educate the staff through structured professional development sessions. Teachers must realize that a school-wide emphasis on social skills will yield positive results and learn how to actively teach the desired responses and behaviors to their students. Teachers, as role models, must demonstrate polite, respectful interactions, especially in stressful and frustrating situations.

    Support at the District Level

    • When school districts are forced into budgetary cuts that decimate program supports for at-risk students, the most vulnerable and needy students suffer. This frequently results in increased disciplinary problems in the school. Conversely, additional funding for support staff, such as child and youth workers and special education assistants, increases student success and prevents behavior problems.

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