Conversations: Tips and Tricks for Behavior Plans

October 20, 2017

What are your tips and tricks for behavior plans?

Data Driven Behavior Plans

Behavior plans should be developed with a team who knows the students best (e.g., school staff, parents, and even the student!). The first step to an effective behavior plan is a thorough Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA). This determines the antecedents, target behavior definition and the consequences of the behavior. A great FBA will include information about the settings, frequency, times of day, intensity, duration, the hypothesis as to why the behavior occurs, and an assessment of the student’s preferences for reinforcement. Read More »

Make Your Student Observations Comprehensive

October 2, 2017

As a school psychologist, student observations were regularly a part of my day. For special education evaluations, I observed students in multiple settings with multiple adults doing multiple tasks. I came to know that student in depth and felt ready to suggest supports that could make a difference.

I soon realized that these student observations could be an invaluable part of referrals for counseling or behavior support. Much more than special education evaluation referrals, I was stopped regularly with concerns about friendship drama, classroom management, explosive behaviors, suddenly anxious students, among others on a long list. Usually in the hallway without any paper on me. Read More »

5 Classroom Management Strategies for School Counselors

September 5, 2017

Classroom management is challenging. It can be even more difficult to perfect when you only see the students once a week, at most. As school counselors, we often don’t have the time to implement intricate classroom management strategies when we are doing small groups or classroom guidance lessons. Here are some of my favorite tips to help keep students calm and focused during your counseling lessons. Read More »

Managing Disruptive Behavior Referrals

July 31, 2017

Managing Behavioral Referrals for Disruptive Behaivior

Managing behavior referrals often fall under the realm of school counseling. However, most school counseling programs have few, if any, behavior management components. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Confident Counselor authors are ready to share their best practices for managing behavior referrals. Heather will cover the details we need to know first when presented with a behavior. Carla has some tips for clarifying the problem with the teacher. Finally, Robyn has some solid advice on how to engage the parents. Read More »