Stabilizing the Pyramid of Intervention

The pyramid of interventions (POI) is based on providing students with responses that help teach new skills. It is well established for academics. Programs and strategies abound in order to teach a student to read fluently, comprehend on grade level, and complete math computations. However, the pyramid still is challenging when students exhibit behavior difficulties. Many professionals do not see how behavior difficulties fit into the POI, nor do they know what to do. They do not know how to approach a lack of behavior or social skills in a way that teaches the student what is acceptable in schools. Many educators have trouble recognizing when Tier 1 interventions are enough, or when to move beyond the basics in order to support a student and help them grow. This session will show the parallel between the academic pyramid of interventions and the behavioral one. It will highlight the various tiers and provide ideas of what can be done from Tier 1 through Tier 3. (Note: Tier 4 is considered Special Education in Georgia.) Research based interventions to teach students appropriate behaviors will be provided. This session will also take a look at how the pyramid often topples over when educators need to deal with students that exhibit behavior difficulties. Common pitfalls will be brought out and discussed. Then, ways to circumvent these pitfalls to stabilize the pyramid will be explored. As educators move forward to provide teaching opportunities for students with behavior difficulties, they often look at the behaviors at school as separate from those at home. However, parents should also be included in the process. This session will show how to do this effectively so home and school can work as a team to provide skills for the student in order to teach appropriate behavior and social skills. The Power of Positive Strategies is effective to help students with a full team approach