I. Course Title: Proactive Classroom Management and Advanced Positive Behavior and
Support
II. Course Number: EDSP 670
III. Credit Hours: 3 credits
IV. Prerequisites: EDSP 360/361 or EDSP 651
V. Course Description:
This course incorporates the practical applications of theoretical constructs regarding
classroom and individualized behavior management. It provides educators the knowledge
and skills necessary to effectively create a classroom community, conduct functional
behavior assessments, and design and implement individual positive behavior support
plans for students with disabilities. Related topics include functional behavioral
analysis, positive behavioral supports, reinforcement, social skill instruction, crisis
management, and collaboration with families and professionals.
VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:
The educator is provided with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement
classroom behavior management strategies, conduct functional behavior assessments
regarding difficult behavior, and design and implement individual positive behavior
support plans for students with disabilities using techniques that are age-appropriate,
culturally responsive, evidence-based, and least intensive. The course addresses diverse
approaches based upon behavioral, cognitive, affective, social, and ecological theory
and practice. Topics include:
- Theoretical constructions
- Student motivation
- Effective preventative, instructional, and reactive techniques that promote emotional
well-being and teach and maintain behavioral conduct and skills consistent with the
norms, standards, and rules of the educational setting
- Reinforcement techniques and their application to teaching
- Effective rules and routines for classrooms and individual students
- Effective school wide discipline
- Crisis management
- Data collection and analysis related to assessments and the effectiveness of support
plans
VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:
This course is conducted with emphasis on practical application of the subject matter
through class participation and discussion, projects and presentations, field experiences,
textbook and journal article reading, videos, and lectures.
VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:
Goals, objectives, and assignments address the Virginia Department of Education regulations
for preparing educators and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Initial Preparation
Standards and Specialty Set Knowledge and Skill Items. Specialty sets included in
this course cover competencies for the Individualized General Curriculum, Individualized
Independence Curriculum, Early Childhood Special Education, and Visual Impairment.
Upon completion of this course the student enrolled in this course will:
- Explain the laws, policies, and ethical principles regarding behavior management planning
and implementation.
- Describe the models and theories of deviance and behavior problems and theories of
reinforcement techniques in serving individuals with disabilities.
- Use procedures to increase the individual’s self-advocacy, self-awareness, self-management,
self-control, self-reliance, self-esteem, self-discipline, problem solving, and conflict
resolution.
- Use a variety of non-aversive techniques to control targeted behavior and maintain
attention of individuals with disabilities while using strategies that promote positive
redirection of the behavior and facilitate maintenance and generalization.
- Plan and use effective management of teaching and learning by considering the demands
of learning environments; teacher attitudes, biases, and actions; classroom management
theories; and evidence-based strategies for individuals with disabilities.
- Identify and teach realistic, culturally responsive personal and social behavioral
expectations in various settings.
- Identify strategies for individual and school-wide crisis prevention and intervention.
- Create a safe, equitable, positive, supportive and effective learning environment
in which diversities are valued, and performance data and information from stakeholders
are gathered and used to provide adaptations of the physical environment.
- Establish and maintain rapport with individuals with and without disabilities.
- Use the least intensive, culturally responsive, evidence-based behavior management
strategy consistent with assessment data and the needs of the individual with disabilities
in planning and implementing individualized reinforcement systems and environmental
modifications.
- Design and manage classroom routines using universal prevention strategies.
- Integrate behavioral, social, and academic instruction for individuals and groups
with disabilities and modify instruction in response to ongoing assessment.
VIII. Assessment Measures:
Assessment may include, but is not limited to:
- Class participation
- Field interviews/activities for data collection necessary to conduct a functional
behavioral assessment
- Projects, including conducting a functional behavioral assessment in order to develop
a positive behavior support plan around one individual
- Class presentation
- Reflective writing
Other Course Information: None
Review and Approval
4/28/94 Modified Marilyn Graham
12/19/96 Revised Alice Anderson
4/9/98 Reviewed Alice Anderson
10/14/02 Revised Alice Anderson
2/15/08 Revised Leslie S. Daniel
3/20/15 Revised Leslie S. Daniel
2/26/19 Revised Karen H. Douglas