Classroom Culture and Behavior Supports

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the principles and techniques of behavior management tailored to meet the needs of students with and without disabilities while exploring the creation of inclusive, effective classroom cultures. Students will gain foundational knowledge of the social, cultural, emotional, motivational, and environmental factors that influence human behavior and development, with a focus on strategies that foster self-esteem, autonomy, and self-regulation. Using frameworks such as Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI), students will learn to address challenging behaviors at the school-wide, classroom, and individual levels. Key topics include understanding student behavior, partnering with families, identifying and analyzing problem behaviors, conducting functional behavior assessments, and applying direct and indirect observational techniques. The course emphasizes preventative and pre-correction strategies, methods to strengthen, replace, or reduce behaviors, as well as measurement techniques and program evaluation. Students will develop practical skills in classroom management, student engagement, and culturally responsive practices through scenario-based simulations, reflective analyses, and applied projects.