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.
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.
Positive home contact
Reach out to families with good news before (and alongside) any concerns.
Organization routines
Teach a simple system for materials and assignments, and check it regularly.
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.
Self-monitoring
Teach the student to track their own behavior on a simple checklist at set times.
Individual token or reward system
The student earns tokens or points for a target behavior and trades them for chosen rewards.
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.
Home–school assignment tracker
A daily tracker that records assignments and completion, checked by the teacher and signed at home.
Tier 3 Intensive
Individualized, team-based support.