Positive Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms

Description

Concept by Dimitris Zisimopoulos

Social, emotional, and behavioral factors hugely affect academic performance.

When effectively taught, social-emotional, academic, and behavioral competencies support learners in adapting to the classroom, crucially encourage their engagement, and promote their academic achievement.

This course is designed to give participants practical tools to build a positive and inclusive classroom environment using the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. PBIS is an evidence-based, three-tiered system that helps schools create a structured approach to student behavior and engagement.

Throughout the course, participants will explore:

• Universal strategies for setting clear expectations and creating a positive learning space for all students.
• Targeted strategies to support students who need a little extra guidance with their social, emotional, and behavioral skills.
• Individualized interventions for students with persistent challenges, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP).

By the end of the course, participants will feel more confident managing their classroom in a way that is positive, proactive, and supportive.

They’ll walk away with strategies to boost student engagement, reduce disruptions, and promote academic success – all while fostering a respectful and caring classroom culture.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Set up a structured and welcoming classroom environment (Tier 1);
• Use PBIS strategies to keep students engaged and on task;
• Implement targeted support for students with behavioral and emotional challenges (Tier 2);
• Familiarize themselves with individualized intervention plans for students who need extra support (Tier 3).

Tentative schedule

Day 1 – Effective classroom management

• Introduction to the course, the school, and the external week activities;
• Icebreaker activities;
• Presentations of the participants’ schools;
• Personal goal setting;
• Reflecting on Classroom Management: what is it? What are the types of effective actions and strategies?

Day 2 – The PBIS framework

• The PBIS framework: tier I, tier II, tier III;
• Co-developing positive classroom expectations with students.

Day 3 – Promoting inclusion with differentiated instruction

• How to consider students’ learning history, SEB, and academic needs;
• How to plan an effective differentiated instruction.

Day 4 – Introduction to Tier 2 Supports

• Introduction to Tier 2 Evidence-based practices: Self-monitoring strategies (e.g., CICO) and small group social skills.

Day 5 – Introduction to Tier 3

• The fundamentals of a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan/BIP.

Day 6 – Course closure & cultural activities

• Course evaluation: round-up of acquired competencies, feedback, and discussion;
• Awarding of the course Certificate of Attendance;
• Excursion and other external cultural activities.