Behavior Interventions
This week’s featured education topic is: What are behavior interventions and how can they be implemented on an individual basis? Tier III may be implemented when Tier I and Tier II interventions have been documented and minimal to no success has been obtained. Students in need of a Tier III intervention are those who are most at-risk and may be identified for their need of remediation. It is highly recommended that an FBA be conducted with a team. An FBA is short for a Functional Behavior Assessment and is used to determine the function or the ‘why’ behind behaviors in an effort to offer suggestions or a specific plan that all those involved can follow. Some of the reasons for specific behaviors may include, but not limited to: past or present trauma, excessive behavior referrals, academic failure, chronic absences or tardies, threat assessment, ED (emotional disability), admittance to an institution, and health disorders.
After an FBA has been completed a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) may be written with one achievable goal at a time. For example, the goal might be as simple as getting the adult’s attention, following directions, listening, staying on task, etc. This BIP may be a part of a current IEP (special individualized education plan) but does not have to be. The plan generally is intensive for 10 days in an effort to stabilize and regulate behavior while teaching and reteaching the goal. After the 10 days, the goal should be maintained by 70-80% success rate. If the behavior plan is unsuccessful the team meets again and readjusts the goal accordingly. The intervention plan should involve a wraparound service from home, school, community and mental health services as needed. Again, progress monitoring should happen throughout the intervention with a gradual fading off of supports as possible. This individualized instruction should include visible graphic reminders, and a visible daily schedule in place for structure and routines. The entire team should be briefed on all parts of the plan. Many BIP’s include a self-regulating escape option. This is implemented by teaching a student how they can recognize and leave the unwanted situation or environment by physically showing their ‘Go’ card. When a student flashes the ‘Go’ green card they can leave the room immediately. Any staff that sees the student with the green card in their hand automatically know they are headed to the safe place that was previously determined and pre taught. Many times, this safe place is a calming environment in the behavior specialist’s office.
Finding the appropriate intervention may be challenging, but having a list of possible interventions, tips and tricks can be extremely helpful. Below are a few choices while a more in-depth list with explanations may be found under Behavior Interventions Toolkit resources tab.
The key thing to remember is that educators need to teach replacement behaviors through minimizing distractions and being able to redirect and reteach often. When you find an intervention that works, understand it may not be the end all be all and most likely will need replaced or adjusted accordingly. There should be an ongoing system of data collection and feedback to all constituents. Ample communication and documentation must be evident and data should be analyzed in a presentable and clear format.
Inspiration
The verse that speaks to me and gives me inspiration this week is: Philippians 2; 3 which reads, Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look not to his own interests, but rather to the interests of others. Staying humble in life can be challenging. We are so blessed with all the extras in our country that often we can take things for granted and somehow think it is because of our own doing that we have what we have. The key is to give credit where credit is due and that is all good things are a gift from above! When we put others first on a continual basis we are able to stay humble. In my classroom I have this expectation and we practice it often!
Tips/Tricks/Techniques
The tip for this week is: Find the Positive. It is our human nature sometimes to be negative and be offended easily. It takes a conscious effort to find the positive even in times of struggle. Some people call it looking for the silver lining. There are times, finding the positive can be challenging, but it is there if we keep everything in perspective. Practice helps train our brains to look for the good regardless of the situation.
Lifestyle
My personal lifestyle is one that tries to balance mind, body, and soul. The mind can be a tricky thing. I am a firm believer that what you put in your mind is what you get out. Just ask my kids. When they were teenagers, I always told them to be careful what you listen to, and what you let your eyes see. Some things you can’t unsee. I am aware from my own past, that whatever I was listening to came out in my words and actions. Music can be very powerful, and I think we should listen to positive, encouraging and peaceful music because what you put in is what you get out! Check back in this section of Guiding Light where I will continue to be real about the ups and downs I face throughout each week; the good, the bad AND the ugly!
Charity
A portion of all proceeds will go towards, ‘Seats for Seniors’! A non-profit mission to supply as many comfortable chairs for seniors as possible to bless those in need. If you would like to make a donation or nominate a senior, please access the links at http://www.seatsforseniorscharity.com.
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