3. Zero-Tolerance
Primary Aim: Short term management of
student behavior; created in an attempt
to make schools safer
Methods: Behavior problems corrected
immediately and swiftly; relies primarily
on punitive techniques
Strengths: Behavior corrected in the short
term
Weaknesses: Change in behavior does not
extend beyond the school or to other
environments
Research: APA suggests this method is
ineffective and needs to be replaced or
reformed
4. Non-SEL Character Education Programs
These are either official programs or those presented by a school counselor
with the aim of improving student behavior and/or character
Explicit teaching of “character traits” (e.g. courage, kindness, respect, etc.)
Anecdotally, I have not seen this to be effective, but have not looked into the
research
5. Schoolwide Positive Behavioral
Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS)
Primary Aim: The adult management of student
behavior using a positive rather than punitive
approach (more focused on short term)
Methods:
Direct teaching of behavioral expectations
Positive reinforcement of appropriate behavior (e.g.
tangible rewards, verbal praise, etc.)
System for responding to inappropriate behavior
Extensive use of research and data:
Use research-validated practices
Collect data for decision making (e.g. Suspensions data,
office referrals, academic outcomes, etc)
6. Schoolwide Positive Behavioral
Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS)
Strengths:
evidenced-based
targeted for intervention
ongoing use of data
values prevention over correction
clear teacher-directed techniques for managing student behavior
Good for chaotic classrooms
Weaknesses:
no explicit attempt to develop cognitions, emotions and behaviors of self-discipline
Methods may not lead to lasting change in student behavior (since behavior tends to stop
once consequences no longer present)
7. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Programs
Primary Aim: The long-term development of social and emotional
competencies so students can govern themselves
Methods:
Explicit instruction of SEL skills (the five-competencies)
Promotion of positive school climate
Warm and supportive relationships
Structure of support
8. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Programs
Strengths:
Evidence-based
Develops cognitions, emotions, and behaviors of self-discipline
Values prevention over correction
Associated with a variety of positive outcomes (improved grades, behavior, etc.)
Weaknesses:
Lack of explicit behavioral management techniques
Few SEL programs have built-in strategies that guide teachers in deescalating
challenging behaviors
13. How SEL and SWPBIS Can Work Together
Use reinforcement (SWPBIS) and discussion/reflection (SEL)
Use external rewards sparingly, as “a bridge”
Especially in regards to teamwork
Rewarding the underlying emotions/cognitions
Caution: Potential harms to intrinsic motivation if used incorrectly
For negative consequences, follow up with reflection
Ex: Student puts student in time-out then follows-up with the student by
talking about his/her behavior and how to manage similar experiences
differently
For positive reinforcement, follow up with discussion
Ex: Give a student a token for helping a peer, but then discuss with
him/her why that action was valuable outside of the reinforcement (e.g.
made the peer feel happy)
15. Discussion Questions
Do you agree or disagree with the research? Why?
Which method do you tend to agree with? (We may be a biased sample! :D )
Is there a time and place for zero-tolerance or never?
If you have worked in a school or similar environment, have you seen any of
these programs in action? What did it look like?
Do you think that SEL and SWPBIS are compatible?
16. References
APA Zero Tolerance Task Force (2008) - Are Zero Tolerance Policies Effective
in Schools?
Joseph A. Durlak - Handbook of Social and Emotional Learning (Chapter 30)