green tree partnership

Positive Approaches to Negative Behavior

This workshop presents a process for addressing anti-social behaviors, using a clear-cut but flexible approach to achieve positive results. Several principles guide this process:

Prevention – set up a learning environment that actively engages all students and rewards positive behaviors
Hierarchical response – evaluate the severity of each behavioral problem
Data-driven inquiry– gather and examine relevant information about behaviors
Solution-focused thinking – using pertinent data, seek a reasonable resolutions
Collaboration – use teamwork—with colleagues, parents, and student-peers—to bolster the problem-solving process
Empowerment – seek ways to optimize students’ access to legitimate power, with an emphasis on healthy autonomy and self-regulation
Education – always aim to teach students pro-social alternatives

Instructors use a variety of interactive activities to both clarify and operationalize the principles and processes of the positive response process. Participants are encouraged to think concretely and realistically about steps they can take in their particular situations to design and implement a positive behavioral response framework for their school.