The Need for Positive Behavior Supports in Schools

Student misbehavior can be a hindrance to the educational process in a school. Undesirable behavior may distract pupils from a lesson, teachers from instruction, administrators from other duties, and the offender from his or her own learning. Often, a misbehaving student is removed from the classroom or school building. This approach to managing student behavior is not effective in the long term, as studies show individuals do not benefit from exclusion from instruction. Adults in a school building must look into ways to support students in learning how to behave appropriately. In addition to clearly communicated behavioral expectations and consequences, school personnel should provide various support structures to students: beforeand after-school programs, counselors, clubs and activities, social-skills training, educational sanctions, and the like. Additionally, building adults must share a commitment to consistent enforcement of school policy within their respective domains