Tier 1 UniversalStart here
Classroom strategies for every student. Start here.
Behavior-specific praise
Name exactly what the student did well, and aim for at least four positive interactions for every correction.
Offer choices
Give students two acceptable options so they have control within limits.
Movement breaks
Build short, structured movement into lessons so students don’t have to find their own.
Chunk tasks
Break assignments into small parts with a check-in after each one.
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.
Increase opportunities to respond
Get every student answering often with choral responses, whiteboards, hand signals, and partner talk.
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.
Individual token or reward system
The student earns tokens or points for a target behavior and trades them for chosen rewards.
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.