SMS Consultation Creating the conditions for prosocial behaviors Helping children learn to get along with peers and adults Presented by Seena M. Skelton Ph.D. School Psychologist

SMS Consultation Agenda Introductions Review of what we know about behavior Tiers of supports Universal, Target, and Intensive Supports Wrap up

SMS Consultation What we know about behavior Behavior is a response to the environment Behavior is affected by physical or emotional state Behavior is influenced by factors inside and outside the immediate context We use behavior to meet a need or want. Behavior changes as people learn and apply new skills

SMS Consultation Academic SystemsBehavioral Systems 1-5% 5-10% 80-90% Designing School-Wide Systems for Student Success Targeted Group Interventions Intensive, Individual Interventions Universal Interventions Targeted Group Interventions Intensive, Individual Interventions

SMS Consultation Belonging Independence Mastery Generosity Circle of Courage Reclaiming Youth at Risk, National Educational Services, Bloomington, Indiana

SMS Consultation Belonging We define belonging as: The universal human longing for love is nurtured by relationships of trust with significant persons in our lives. (“I am loved.”) Mastery We define mastery as: Our inborn thirst for learning is nurtured as we gain understanding and competence in coping with the world. (“I am good at something.”) Independence We define independence as: Our desired to exercise free will is nurtured by increasing responsibility. (“I have the power to make decisions.”) Generosity We define generosity as: Our passion for life is nurtured by concern for others and commitment beyond one’s self. (“I have a purpose for my life.”) Four Principle Needs: The Psychology of Empowerment

SMS Consultation Universal Supports Connect _____________ Clear _______________ Consistent ___________ Culturally Responsive_______

SMS Consultation Starting with a rich learning environment Organized learning space Age appropriate materials Sufficient materials for children to use Established rules and routines Predictable and signaled transitions Positive adult-child interactions Appropriate acknowledgement for appropriate behavior

SMS Consultation Embedding social skills instruction in daily activities Books/Stories Practice through play Role play Directly teaching social skills

SMS Consultation Teaching Social Skills Tell Them How Show Them How Have Them Practice Give Them Feedback Encourage and acknowledge the Skill Frequently

SMS Consultation Target Supports When typical social skills instruction isn’t enough More explicit More frequent

SMS Consultation Intensive supports When typical and target supports don’t work Need individualized support plans Team planning is required

SMS Consultation A Good Detective Asks the right questions Questions the right people Examines all aspects of the situation Use appropriate tools for gathering information Based on the information gathered draws a hypothesis

SMS Consultation Five Important Questions to Ask What is the problem? Why is the problem occurring? What is do we want to see happening and by when? What are we going to do to teach or help the child demonstrate the new behavior? Did our plan work?

SMS Consultation Use the right tools for gathering information Observations Interviews Charts/graphs Keeping Records

SMS Consultation Ecological Assessment Child Instruction & Curriculum Environment

SMS Consultation ABC Analysis Antecedent Behavior Consequence Behavior Before After Setting Events Ecological Observation

SMS Consultation Determining the Communicative Intent of Behavior (Function) Control Attention Avoidance Abuse Neglect ADHD Siblings PDD

SMS Consultation Main Points Creating the right conditions is essential Determining the function of behavior is key to intervening

SMS Consultation Main Points Asking the right questions will lead to the appropriate answers Examine all aspects of a child’s learning: the child, the curriculum, & the environment Write down your plan