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Reframe your behavior challenges into proactive PBIS expectations.
By The Liveschool Team

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From Teacher Frustrations to PBIS Foundation 📚

Every classroom comes with its share of challenging behaviors—disruptions, messes, unkind words—but instead of simply reacting to them, what if we used them as a starting point for growth? A well-crafted behavior rubric does just that. By identifying the most frustrating behaviors and flipping them into positively framed expectations, we give students a clear roadmap for success. This process not only sets the tone for a respectful, engaged learning environment but also empowers students with the skills they need to meet those expectations. When we shift the focus from punishment to teaching, we transform classroom culture—one positive behavior at a time.

Example 1: Flip Disruption to Engagement

Shouting out during class is a common challenge that can disrupt learning and make it hard for everyone to be heard. Instead of focusing on what not to do, framing a positive expectation—like raising a hand and waiting to be called on—helps students understand what appropriate participation looks like. By explicitly teaching, modeling, and reinforcing this behavior, teachers create a classroom culture where all voices are valued and learning stays on track.

Example 2: Flip Disruption to Engagement

Bullying can be a tough challenge in any classroom, creating an environment of fear and exclusion. Instead of simply telling students what not to do, setting the expectation to encourage and support classmates shifts the focus to positive behavior. By teaching and modeling kindness, respect, and empathy, we help students build a culture where everyone feels safe, valued, and motivated to succeed together.

Example 3: Flip Not Cleaning Up to Making Places Better

It’s easy for students to leave behind messy desks, scattered supplies, or untidy common areas without thinking twice. Instead of focusing on what not to do, setting the expectation to take care of our space and leave it better than we found it helps students develop responsibility and pride in their environment. By teaching and reinforcing this habit, we create a shared culture of respect where everyone contributes to a cleaner, more welcoming space.

Build Teacher Buy-In to your PBIS System 🤝

When teachers are involved in setting behavior expectations—especially by contributing their own experiences with the most common behavior challenges—they develop a real sense of ownership over the process. Instead of being handed a set of rules, they play an active role in creating a positive behavior culture. By flipping specific behavior problems into clear, positive expectations based on what teachers actually see in their classrooms, they are more likely to feel invested in the system. This hands-on approach not only strengthens buy-in for PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) but also ensures that behavior expectations are practical, relevant, and effective in addressing everyday challenges. The result is a more unified approach to behavior management and a school culture where positivity thrives.

Gathering Stakeholder Feedback 🗣️

There are a few ways your school might go about setting behavior expectations. An administrator could take their best guess at creating a list of positive behavior expectations, given what they know about the student body and school values. Better yet, a committee might come up with expectations together.

Why This Approach Works ✅

This strategy is effective for several important reasons. First, it helps educators avoid the common conundrum of spending more time on disruptive students than their well-behaved peers. Many of the students who shout out jokes during a poetry reading are looking for attention – and often they get it, which exacerbates the problem.
Instead, a positive behavior rubric encourages educators and administrators to recognize students who do the right thing. By setting a positive example and spending less time focusing on disruptions, this system will eventually prevent those negative behaviors from occurring in the first place. Students no longer get attention by acting out in class, but they will if they quietly help their neighbor prepare for their presentation.

Simplify PBIS with LiveSchool 🚀

LiveSchool makes it easy to turn challenges into clear, positive expectations with a centrally managed behavior rubric. Teachers can reinforce expectations in real time with points and feedback, keeping students motivated and accountable. The shared rubric ensures consistency across classrooms, so students always know what’s expected no matter where they are. Plus, with instant visibility for parents, LiveSchool helps create a strong partnership between home and school, making positive behavior a shared process. Not a LiveSchool school yet? Check us out!
Learn more about the author, The Liveschool Team

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