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.
Proximity and nonverbal cues
Redirect quietly by moving closer, making eye contact, or using a prearranged signal.
Offer choices
Give students two acceptable options so they have control within limits.
Planned ignoring
Deliberately don’t react to minor attention-seeking behavior, then give lots of attention to appropriate behavior.
2×10 relationship building
Spend two minutes a day for ten days in a row talking with the student about anything except school.
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.
Social skills group
Small-group lessons that directly teach and practice specific social skills.
Tier 3 Intensive
Individualized, team-based support.