Behaviorist Strategies for Behavior Management in Urban Classrooms: School Staff Reflections

• In Event: Classroom Management: Cross-Career Perceptions

Abstract

Schools use a variety of strategies and systems to address challenging student behaviors. This qualitative study explores real-world implementation of behavior management in an urban, high-needs school district. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 43 school district staff (teachers, administrators, and support staff) from 9 elementary and K-8 schools. Interview data were coded using an iterative process and analyzed to identify themes. Given the wide-spread use of strategies and programs with behaviorist elements (e.g. rewards systems), emphasis is placed on examining strategies grounded in behaviorist theory. School staff reflections on the benefits and drawbacks of their current behavior management strategies are presented.

Authors

• Lisa McCabe, Cornell University

• Sarah McGraw, Cornell University

• Charles Izzo, Cornell University

• Deborah E. Sellers, Cornell University