How Do Schools Deal With Bad Behaviors?
Frustrated with school behavior challenges? Learn how Florida schools use PBIS and MTSS to support students in a positive, structured way.
Understanding PBIS and MTSS in Florida Schools
Managing student behavior is one of the biggest challenges teachers face. In Florida, schools use structured systems like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to promote positive behavior and reduce disruptions. These frameworks help teachers support students in learning appropriate behaviors while addressing challenges effectively.
PBIS: A Positive Approach to Behavior Management
PBIS is a proactive, school-wide system that focuses on teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors rather than simply punishing negative ones. Schools that implement PBIS create clear expectations for behavior and use positive reinforcement to encourage compliance. Some key strategies include:
Positive Reinforcement: Teachers reward students for demonstrating desired behaviors with praise, tokens, or privileges. For example, a student who consistently follows classroom rules might earn extra recess time.
Negative Reinforcement: This involves removing an undesired stimulus when a student demonstrates good behavior. For example, if a student dislikes homework but consistently follows classroom rules, a teacher might reduce their workload as a reward.
Extinction: Teachers use extinction to eliminate undesired behaviors by removing reinforcements. For example, if a student seeks attention by shouting out answers, the teacher may ignore the outbursts while reinforcing hand-raising instead.
Restorative Practices: Instead of traditional punishments, schools may use restorative circles or peer mediation to help students understand the impact of their actions and take responsibility.
MTSS: A Tiered Support System for Behavior
MTSS is a data-driven framework that provides different levels of support depending on student needs. It consists of three tiers:
Tier 1: Universal strategies for all students, such as school-wide behavioral expectations and classroom management techniques.
Tier 2: Targeted interventions for students who need additional support, such as small-group social skills instruction or behavior contracts.
Tier 3: Intensive interventions for students with significant behavioral challenges, which may include individualized behavior plans, counseling, or collaboration with specialists.
Reward Systems and Motivation
Effective classroom management includes reward systems that foster motivation and engagement. Teachers often use:
Token Economies: Students earn tokens or points for good behavior, which they can exchange for rewards like small prizes, privileges, or extra activities. Some programs take this further by allowing students to accumulate points toward larger rewards, such as special experiences or even a free pizza day.
Intrinsic Motivation: Encouraging students to develop self-motivation by setting goals, recognizing their progress, and promoting a growth mindset. Consistent reinforcement plays a crucial role in helping students see their own growth.
Extrinsic Motivation: Using tangible rewards or social recognition to reinforce positive behaviors. Some learning environments enhance motivation by providing ongoing reinforcement, ensuring students feel acknowledged for their efforts daily.
Classroom Management Techniques
Good classroom management creates a structured, supportive environment that minimizes disruptions and enhances learning. Common strategies include:
Clear Expectations: Establishing and consistently reinforcing classroom rules and routines.
Proactive Strategies: Using seating arrangements, visual cues, and predictable schedules to prevent misbehavior.
Consistent Consequences: Ensuring that both positive and negative behaviors result in fair and predictable outcomes.
Engagement Strategies: Incorporating interactive lessons, student choice, and hands-on activities to keep students focused and involved. Some programs also offer enrichment beyond the classroom, such as field trips, to keep students engaged and motivated.
How This Affects Florida Parents and Students
Florida schools are required to implement PBIS and MTSS to create inclusive learning environments. Parents can advocate for their children by:
Understanding school behavior policies and interventions.
Collaborating with teachers to develop behavioral strategies at home.
Requesting support if their child struggles with behavior, including functional behavior assessments (FBAs) or behavior intervention plans (BIPs).
By using PBIS and MTSS, Florida schools aim to address behavioral issues in a positive, structured way that helps all students succeed. If you're concerned about your child's behavior in school, reach out to their teacher or school counselor to learn more about available support.