Pre-Convention Workshop 10: TURN Around Behavior: Implementing a Behavioral Framework to Reduce Exclusionary Discipline, Promote Inclusion, and Build Relationships with Students

*Additional Ticket Required This workshop will focus on simple and practical evidence-based strategies for improving student behavior. Specifically, we present a framework that emphasizes positive, preventive, antecedent strategies that all teachers can use, and that are especially important for students with or at risk for disabilities that impact behavior. The workshop will begin with a brief overview of the importance of inclusive approaches to promoting positive student behavior. Next, we guide participants through a framework that includes the following: 1) Teach expectations and behavior; 2) Use antecedent strategies to encourage positive student behavior (e.g., instructional choice, behavioral momentum, precorrection) 3) Reinforce positive student behavior (e.g., behavior specific praise, group contingencies); and 4) Note student responses and respond to the data. We will also briefly discuss Tier 2 interventions that are helpful in responding to more intensive behavioral needs (e.g., check-in check-out, behavior contracts). Although we will provide empirical evidence that supports the strategies presented, the presentation will focus on demonstration, practice, and planning. Presenters will share real-world examples and provide opportunities for collaborative discussions and guided planning time with planning templates aligned with the framework. Special attention will be given to ensuring these practices are developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive for diverse learners, and feasible for immediate implementation. By the end of the workshop, educators will leave with personalized action plans ready for use in their classrooms. This workshop is appropriate for special and general educators, paraprofessionals, coaches, and special education supervisors. Learning Objectives / Participant Outcomes After this workshop, participants will be able to: 1. Design and deliver direct instruction in behavioral expectations using modeling, guided practice, and independent practice—tailored to student developmental, cultural, and linguistic needs. 2. Apply antecedent strategies (e.g., instructional choice, behavioral momentum, increased opportunities to respond) to proactively prevent behavioral disruptions and increase engagement, both during lesson planning and in-the-moment situations. 3. Implement individualized reinforcement strategies, including behavior-specific praise, token economies, and positive group contingencies, with fidelity and intention. 4. Use data to adjust their instructional or management routines as needed.