This article describes a model to assist teachers in solving academic or behavioral problems of students with learning disabilities. The model uses the word PINPOINT as a mnemonic technique to address Problem identification, Importance rating, Noting the behaviors to develop, Possible solutions, Optimal options for the student, Ideal interventions…

This article on using mnemonics with students having learning and behavior problems first offers a case study of a 7th grade student and then describes the letter strategy, the keyword mnemonic method, and the pegword method. Seven steps for implementing mnemonic strategies are offered. An inset reviews the research literature on using mnemonic…

Discusses behavior management of confrontational situations in the classroom, including prevention, defusion, and follow-up. Strategies for defusion are suggested, such as focusing on the task rather than the attention-getting behavior, presenting options privately, reducing agitation, preteaching and presenting choices to establish limits, and…

Describes the Graduated Reinforcement System, a simplifed token system that involves establishing a partnership with parents and students, identifying target behaviors, planning for record keeping, tallying daily/weekly points, designating the graduated reinforcement criteria, determining reinforcers for the three levels, awarding the reinforcer,…

This article presents a rationale for the functional behavioral assessment (FBA) approach to solving behavior problems in the classroom as well as FBA components and applications. The paper notes advantages of FBA as well as legal and ethical reasons for using FBA. A case study illustrates use of FBA within a four-stage decision-making framework.…

This article shows how teachers can implement behavioral observation and assessment using a structured rubric narrative log format to understand a student's problem behaviors and find ways to encourage more positive behavior. Advantages of narrative observations for functional behavioral assessments are specified and include exploring one's own…

This article provides guidance on the use of functional behavioral assessment (FBA) techniques to identify the function of problem behaviors by recording antecedents and consequences of each behavior. It includes a case study illustrating application of FBA as well as a sample form for recording observations, developing a behavioral hypothesis,…

This article examines the concept of negative reinforcement in relation to the maintenance of off-task and disruptive behaviors in classrooms. Suggestions are given for determining whether negative reinforcement (in the form of escape from the instructional task) or teacher attention is maintaining the behavior. Suggestions for making tasks less…

This article presents empirical evidence of the positive effects on students' behavior and learning when teachers leave their desks and circulate about the room. Specific recommendations concerning effective proximity of teacher and student, optimal proximity of students to each other, and ways teachers can monitor their movement patterns are…

This article describes a systematic program that special education teachers can use to teach instructional aides and peer tutors to use effective teaching practices. The article specifically focuses on delivering appropriate instructional commands, providing specific praise, and using appropriate error correction procedures. (JDD)

Examines the prevention of antisocial behavior in children. It considers which children are at risk for behavior disorders, risk factors and their effects, pressures on schools, the value of early intervention, types of interventions (primary, secondary, and tertiary), and a secondary prevention program for kindergarten students, First Steps to…

This article offers suggestions for addressing behavioral infractions by students with disabilities in inclusive classroom settings. Ten questions are offered to help analyze situations that foster disruptive behavior and assist in the selection of appropriate behavior-reduction strategies. (DB)

Offers strategies for teaching students in all grades self-regulation skills for the purposes of behavior change. Discusses the importance of facilitating generalization, components of self-regulation, steps of self-regulation, selecting a target behavior, graphing and record keeping, and benefits and potential of teaching self-regulation skills.…

Describes collaborative behavioral contracting as applied to the reintegration of students with disabilities, using as an example the case of a 13-year old who had been in a self-contained program for students with emotional and/or behavioral disorders. Covers the development of a behavior management plan, writing the collaborative behavioral…

Explains the use of videotape recordings to provide examples of self-modeling for the purpose of student behavior change. Reviews research on the efficacy of videotaped self-modeling (VSM), technological requirements, editing, arranging the videotaping, using self-modeling as a positive behavior support, and precautions and challenges. (DB)