Tier 1 UniversalStart here
Classroom strategies for every student. Start here.
Teach and post clear expectations
Define 3–5 positive expectations, teach them like academic content, and refer to them all day.
Behavior-specific praise
Name exactly what the student did well, and aim for at least four positive interactions for every correction.
Precorrection
Remind students of the expectation just before the moment they’re likely to struggle.
Offer choices
Give students two acceptable options so they have control within limits.
Predictable routines and visual schedules
Post the day’s schedule and step-by-step routines so students know what’s coming.
2×10 relationship building
Spend two minutes a day for ten days in a row talking with the student about anything except school.
Greet students at the door
Welcome each student by name as they enter and give a quick direction for the first task.
Positive home contact
Reach out to families with good news before (and alongside) any concerns.
Calm, private redirection
Correct behavior briefly, privately, and neutrally, then move on.
Tier 2 Targeted
Extra structure for students who need more.
Check-in / check-out (CICO)
A student checks in with a mentor each morning, gets feedback on a point sheet throughout the day, and checks out each afternoon.
Behavior contract
A written agreement between the student and adults that spells out a goal, what the student will do, and what they’ll earn.
Break card
Teach the student to ask for a short break appropriately instead of escaping through problem behavior.
Adult mentor
Pair the student with a caring adult who meets regularly to connect, encourage, and problem-solve.
Tier 3 Intensive
Individualized, team-based support.
Functional behavior assessment (FBA)
A team process to figure out why a behavior happens by gathering interviews, observations, and data.
Behavior intervention plan (BIP)
An individualized plan based on the FBA that prevents triggers, teaches replacement behaviors, and changes how adults respond.
Family team meeting
A structured meeting where family and school plan together around the student’s strengths and needs.