Reducing Behavior Problems
Explore resources designed to help K-5 educators learn how many typical behavior problems can be prevented through classroom management, engaging instruction, and positive student-teacher relationships. 
- View a visual diagram of all five practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom.
Parent Workshop: Developing Effective Guidelines
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > See How It Works
This sample activity is part of one parent workshop session to help parents work with their children on good behavior skills at home. As part of this activity, the workshop instructors go through...
Resource Type
School Example
Positive Reinforcement Strategies to Promote Prosocial Behavior
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > See How It Works
The principal at Martin Luther King Elementary explains the philosophy behind using positive reinforcement to reduce behavior problems. The school uses many different forms of positive...
Resource Type
School Example
Team Analysis of Student Behavior
Reducing Behavior Problems > Describe Behavior > See How It Works
School staff and a behavior expert work together to design a plan to collect behavior data, analyze it, and organize data-based interventions to help students who are struggling to behave...
Resource Type
School Example
How to Build a Positive Classroom Environment
Reducing Behavior Problems > Modify Environment > See How It Works
Watch a video about the strategies one school uses to foster a positive classroom environment. Teachers at this school promote a safe classroom environment by creatively placing classroom...
Resource Type
School Example
Jaguar Academy
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > See How It Works
The school psychologist at P.S. 269 describes Jaguar Academy, an activity program aimed at encouraging and promoting positive behavior through sports. Jaguar Academy is geared towards students who...
Resource Type
School Example
Practice Opportunities for Peaceful Conflict Resolution
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > See How It Works
A mediation coach discusses the positive benefits of peer mediation and conflict resolution throughout all grades. The peer mediation program at P.S. 24 spans pre-kindergarten to fifth grade and...
Resource Type
School Example
Learning to Relate to Each Other
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > See How It Works
A fifth-grade teacher and a first-grade teacher talk about character education and bullying prevention activities which they use during dedicated weekly class meetings. Students think about their...
Resource Type
School Example
Observing Classroom Management and Organization Practices
Reducing Behavior Problems > Modify Environment > See How It Works
See how teachers serve as coaches and work with their colleagues to implement the schoolwide behavior program. Coaches observe teachers and help them refine their instructional practices and...
Resource Type
School Example
Marble-ous Process
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > See How It Works
Martin Luther King Elementary School reinforces good behavior by allowing students to participate in creating classroom rules and then measuring progress using a jar of marbles. The good behavior...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Social and Emotional Learning: Standards and Benchmarks
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
This document illustrates the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) goals, standards, and benchmarks adopted by the Anchorage School District. These goals, standards, and benchmarks guide the SEL...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Behavior Intervention Process
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
This flowchart is included in the Pinnacle 35 Staff Handbook. The flowchart describes the Behavior Intervention Process and answers commonly asked questions about the process. The Intervention Team...
Resource Type
Sample Material
Behavior Matrix
Reducing Behavior Problems > Modify Environment > See How It Works, Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > See How It Works
Staff at Hidden Hills Elementary have designed a behavior matrix which divides rules into three categories: rules that aim to promote (a) a safe school environment; (b) healthy and socially...
Resource Type
Sample Material
