Tier I Strategies Handout

Strategy 1: Specific Praise

Definition: Acknowledge precise student behaviors as they occur.
Benefits: Clarifies expectations, boosts motivation, increases likelihood of repetition.
Key Steps:

1. Observe and identify the behavior you want to reinforce.
2. Describe the behavior specifically in your praise.
3. Deliver the praise immediately.
   Examples:

• “I noticed you lined up quietly without any reminders—great job, Sofia!”
• “Thank you for helping your partner clean up, Joshua.”
  
  
  
  

Strategy 2: Token Economy

Definition: Students earn tokens (points, stickers, tickets) for positive behaviors and exchange them for rewards.
Benefits: Provides tangible motivation, allows tracking of progress, fosters consistent reinforcement.
Key Steps:

1. Define clear target behaviors.
2. Select a token (e.g., sticker, point system).
3. Determine rewards and their token cost.
4. Track tokens and reinforce consistently.
   Examples:

• Students earn a sticker each time they transition quietly; 10 stickers = extra computer time.
• Points awarded for completing homework on time, redeemable for homework passes.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Strategy 3: Visual Reminders

Definition: Use visuals (charts, cue cards, posters) to prompt desired behaviors.
Benefits: Supports student memory, reduces need for verbal prompts, creates a consistent visual reference.
Key Steps:

1. Identify key expectations or routines.
2. Design a simple, clear visual (icon, chart, checklist).
3. Display it prominently in the classroom.
4. Teach students how to use the visual cue.
   Examples:

• A poster with icons illustrating classroom rules (e.g., “Raise your hand,” “Work quietly”).
• A check-off chart for daily tasks (e.g., “Pack up materials,” “Submit homework”).
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Classroom Scenario Cards Pack

Use these scenario cards in small groups to practice choosing and applying Tier I positive behavior reinforcement strategies. Each group receives one card, identifies the key challenge, selects a strategy (Specific Praise, Token Economy, or Visual Reminders), plans how to implement it, then role-plays and debriefs using the reflection questions.

Card 1: Messy Transitions
Scenario: After math class, students transition to reading time but several chat loudly and leave their materials scattered.
Strategy Focus: Token Economy
Debrief Questions:

• What target behaviors would you reinforce?
• What tokens would you use, and what rewards?
• How will you track and deliver tokens consistently?

Card 2: Distracted Group Work
Scenario: During partner activities, two students get distracted—one scrolls on a phone, the other wanders around.
Strategy Focus: Specific Praise
Debrief Questions:

• How could you use specific praise to reinforce on-task behavior?
• Write two example praise statements.
• When and where would you deliver the praise?

Card 3: Noisy Lining Up
Scenario: At the end of recess, students are loud and out of order when lining up by the door.
Strategy Focus: Visual Reminders
Debrief Questions:

• What visual cue could prompt quiet, orderly lining up?
• Sketch or describe your visual reminder.
• How will you teach students to use it?

Card 4: Homework Drop-Off
Scenario: A handful of students consistently forget to hand in homework at the start of class.
Strategy Focus: Token Economy
Debrief Questions:

• Which homework behaviors will earn tokens?
• How many tokens per on-time submission, and what rewards?
• How will you communicate the system to students?

Card 5: Resource Sharing
Scenario: In a science lab, one student hogs the materials while others wait.
Strategy Focus: Specific Praise
Debrief Questions:

• What partner-sharing behaviors will you catch and praise?
• Draft two specific praise statements.
• How will you ensure other students notice the praise?

Card 6: Restroom Routine
Scenario: Students return from the restroom in small groups rather than lining up at the door, causing crowding.
Strategy Focus: Visual Reminders
Debrief Questions:

• What visual chart or cue can guide the restroom return routine?
• How will you display it?
• How will you reinforce its use?

Card 7: Independent Reading Off-Task
Scenario: During silent reading, two students talk and look around instead of reading.
Strategy Focus: Specific Praise
Debrief Questions:

• How will you catch and praise on-task readers?
• Provide two example praise scripts.
• How often will you use this praise to build consistency?

Card 8: End-of-Day Clean-Up
Scenario: At day’s end, students dawdle when packing up, and the classroom remains messy.
Strategy Focus: Combined Token Economy & Visual Reminders
Debrief Questions:

• How could a visual checklist and token system work together here?
• Sketch a checklist and outline token criteria.
• How will you introduce and reinforce both elements?

Use these cards with Tier I Strategies Handout for reference during planning and reflection.

Reflection Worksheet for Positive Behavior

Use this worksheet to reflect on your plans, challenges, and supports needed to implement Tier I positive behavior strategies effectively.

1. Which positive behavior strategy will you focus on implementing? Briefly describe why you selected this strategy.
   
   
   
   

2. What specific student behaviors will you reinforce and how will you deliver the reinforcement? Include examples (e.g., praise scripts, token system details).
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What potential challenges might you face when implementing this strategy? How could you address these challenges?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. How will you measure the effectiveness of your implementation? Refer to the Behavior Tracking Template to identify key data points you'll collect.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What support or resources do you need from your school community (colleagues, administrators, families) to sustain this strategy?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. Set a SMART goal for your action plan. Specify the who, what, when, where, and how. Use the Positive Behavior Action Plan Template for guidance.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Reflect on one insight or idea from today's session that you believe will have the greatest impact on your classroom practice.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Thank you for taking the time to reflect. Your insights will guide effective implementation and continuous improvement!

Behavior Tracking Template

Use this template to track occurrences of positive behaviors and your delivery of reinforcement strategies. Record each instance to monitor progress and patterns over time.

Weekly Reflection

1. Total number of target behavior instances recorded this week:
   
   
   
   
2. Which reinforcement strategy appeared most effective and why?
   
   
   
   
3. Did you notice any patterns (e.g., time of day, specific activities) in behavior occurrences? Describe:
   
   
   
   
4. What adjustments will you make to your reinforcement plan next week?
   
   
   
   
5. Additional observations or requests for support:
   
   
   
   

Positive Behavior Action Plan Template

Use this template to create a clear, actionable plan for implementing a Tier I positive behavior strategy in your classroom. Be sure to refer to Behavior Tracking Template for data collection.

1. SMART Goal

Specific: What exactly will you do?

Measurable: How will you know it’s working?

Achievable: What makes this goal realistic?

Relevant: Why does this matter for your students/classroom?

Time-bound: By when will you achieve this goal?

2. Action Steps

Outline the key steps you’ll take to implement your strategy.

3. Monitoring & Evaluation

What data will you collect, and how will you review it?

Data to collect (refer to Behavior Tracking Template):

Review schedule (e.g., daily, weekly):

Success criteria (How many occurrences? What growth?):

4. Potential Challenges & Solutions

Identify obstacles and your plan to address them.

Challenge 1:

Solution/Strategy:

Challenge 2 (optional):

Solution/Strategy:

5. Support & Resources

Who and what will help you succeed?

Colleague/Administrator Support:

Family & Community Resources:

Materials or Tools Needed:

Thank you for planning thoughtfully. Use this action plan to guide your implementation and revisit it as you collect data and reflect on progress!