Administrative support

When dealing with classroom behavioural issues, teachers need to be able to access the expertise and support of the entire school staff, and especially the school administrator.

Establishing positive working relationships with each teacher in the school can help administrators make responsive and effective administrative decisions that will enhance the capacity and quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.

The role of the principal is to support the teacher’s authority, not replace it. Open communication, knowledge of best practices in classroom management, and respect for diverse teaching styles are key to an administrator’s ability to effectively support teachers in the development and maintenance of strong classroom management practices. When teachers align their classroom management practices with the school-wide approach to positive behaviour supports, the effectiveness of both the in-class and school-wide supports and interventions for students with problem behaviours is enhanced.

School administrators are also in a position to support effective classroom management practices by:

• facilitating schedules to encourage and accommodate collaborative planning and problem solving
• following through on agreed-upon office referral protocols so that individual problem behaviour is dealt with fairly, consistently and in a timely manner
• communicating with teachers about classroom management practices and issues formally and informally
• offering both formal and informal encouragement and positive reinforcement to school staff who demonstrate strong and consistent classroom management
• being available and willing to help individual teachers identify issues and develop solutions for classroom behaviour problems, on an as-needed basis
• making targeted professional development opportunities available for all school staff.

For more information on Alberta's Approach to Collaborative Practices based on wraparound principles visit: https://education.alberta.ca/collaborating-to-support-students/collaborative-practices/

Collegial support

The support of other teachers and school staff can also contribute to the success of a teacher’s classroom management planning and follow-through. Colleagues can offer encouragement and advice, and can also collaborate on specific strategies such as providing a safe place for a student from another classroom who requires a short time away from his or her own classroom.

Teachers benefit from regular problem-solving meetings where they can share ideas and solutions. A 30-minute Behaviour Intervention Meeting format provides an innovative and time-effective strategy for providing this kind of support.

Tool 2 is a template for a 30-minute Behaviour Intervention Meeting

Download sample 30-minute Behaviour Intervention Meeting