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.
Using a Schoolwide Approach to Reduce Behavior Problems in the Classroom
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > Overview & Tools
Learn about research-based strategies to implement an effective schoolwide approach to reduce behavior problems in the elementary grades.
Resource Type
Overview
Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom Through Collaborative Relationships
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > Overview & Tools
Learn how to use collaborative relationships for a more effective implementation of strategies to reduce problem behavior. Three types of collaboration are discussed: teacher teaming, expert...
Resource Type
Overview
Teaching Social Skills to Students With Behavior Problems
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview describes strategies for helping students learn social skills and appropriate behaviors to promote academic and social-emotional development.
Resource Type
Overview
Describing Behavior Problems in the Classroom
Reducing Behavior Problems > Describe Behavior > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview describes the importance of using data to inform the selection and implementation of classwide and individual behavior interventions.
Resource Type
Overview
Modifying the Classroom Environment to Reduce Behavior Problems
Reducing Behavior Problems > Modify Environment > Overview & Tools
This multimedia overview describes strategies teachers can use to improve their classroom environment and to foster positive behavior.
Resource Type
Overview
Reducing Behavior Problems in Elementary School Classrooms
Reducing Behavior Problems > Overview & Tools
Disruptive and aggressive behavior has a negative impact on students' well-being and learning outcomes. Research has shown that several practices can be used effectively to reduce behavior problems...
Resource Type
Overview
Reducing Disruptive Behavior: A Multifaceted Challenge
Reducing Behavior Problems > Overview & Tools
This interview features the chair of the expert panel that produced the Practice Guide, Reducing Behavior Problems in the Elementary School Classroom. Dr. Michael H. Epstein introduces the five...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Modifying the Learning Environment to Reduce Problem Behavior
Reducing Behavior Problems > Modify Environment > Learn What Works
Hear Dr. Douglas Cullinan describe ways in which educators can support positive and orderly behavior in the classroom by managing time, space, rules, and routines.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
The Importance of Teachers, Specialists, and Parents Working Together to Improve Behavior
Reducing Behavior Problems > Collaborative Relationships > Learn What Works
Hear Dr. Krista Kutash describe how teachers can learn about the importance of collaborative relationships. These relationships can help teachers as they work towards reducing behavior problems in...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Examining the Causes of Disruptive Behaviors
Reducing Behavior Problems > Describe Behavior > Learn What Works
Listen to Dr. Sarup Mathur discuss how teachers can collect data about the behavior of individual students in order to better manage classrooms and help students reach behavior and academic goals.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
The Importance of a Schoolwide Approach
Reducing Behavior Problems > Schoolwide Approach > Learn What Works
Hear Dr. Sarup Mathur talk about the ways in which a schoolwide approach can help reduce behavior problems, promote students' prosocial behavior, and consequently improve academic outcomes.
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Teaching and Rewarding Positive Behavior
Reducing Behavior Problems > Teach Skills > Learn What Works
Some students display aggressive behavior because they do not have the skills to interpret social situations correctly, manage their emotions, or communicate effectively with others. This expert...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
