Behavior Management Teams

Behavior management teams focus on student success.

Behavior management teams are groups of people involved in the care and education of a child. These teams are utilized in schools to develop and implement behavior management plans to help students maximize their education potential. Students who exhibit behaviors that are disruptive to other students' education or the child's own learning are candidates for a behavior management plan. Behavior management teams can include anyone involved in the student's education, but typically have the same core members.

Teachers

Teachers have the primary role for implementation of a behavior management plan. They spend the most time with students while they are at school and observe the most behavior issues during the day. Teachers provide valuable information for the plan, such as what behaviors should be addressed and what consequences have been effective or ineffective in the classroom. It is important that teachers thoroughly comprehend the plan for it to be effective.

Providers

Often children who exhibit excessive behavior problems have other issues as well. These students may have disorders such as autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or other developmental disorders that require additional service providers. These providers may be speech-language therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists or mental health case managers. They contribute to the plan by providing insight into behaviors observed during their time with the students. They also must be well versed in the details of the plan to implement it effectively during their sessions with the student.

Behavior Specialist

Behavior specialists are individuals trained in psychology and human behavior. They are an integral part of the behavior management team as they identify, interpret and intervene in problem behaviors. They often lead behavior management team meetings and have insight into identifying which behaviors to address, deciding effective consequences for inappropriate behaviors and determining how to reinforce appropriate behaviors. Behavior specialists typically observe the student in the classroom, gather information from the other members of the group and in some instances conduct psychological testing.

Parents

Parents play a vital role in the behavior management team. They know the child better than anyone on the team and may have insight into reasons for inappropriate behavior. For example, parents may realize that if their child does not get adequate sleep he is more likely to exhibit behavior problems the next day or that their child fears certain situations or people. Parents also know what works and does not work for their child. For example, they know if their child is not motivated by food or stickers.

References

• Concord High School Special Education Parent Advisory Committee: Behavior Management Plan