Tier 1 · Universal
Strategic seating
Seat the student where they have the best chance to focus and succeed.
How to do it
- Look at your data: where and near whom does the behavior happen?
- Seat the student away from high-traffic areas (doors, pencil sharpener) and close to where you usually teach.
- Place them near positive peer models.
- Talk to the student privately and present it as a way to help them, not a punishment.
- Review after two weeks and adjust.
Why it works
- Reduces distractions and peer triggers
- Makes proximity and cues easier
- Easy to change and costs nothing
When to use it
- When distraction or peer interactions drive the behavior
- At the start of a new term or unit
- When ABC data shows problems happen near certain peers
Tips and pitfalls
- “Front row” isn’t always best. Some students do better at the side where fewer eyes are on them.
- Offer the student some input into the choice.
Helps with
Not working after a fair trial?
Check that it’s been used consistently for 4–6 weeks and that your data shows the pattern. If so, look at the next tier of support for this behavior.
Tier 2 · Targeted