Monitoring behavior involves observing and recording a specific behavior of one or more students on a daily basis over a period of time. This observational data is used to create or modify a behavior change plan, or a student recording their own behavior, or having teachers provide feedback on their behavior throughout the school day to assist the student in changing targeted behaviors.

By monitoring student behavior, schools can guide students in setting behavioral goals, help them to understand their own behavior and its effect on others, and to ultimately equip them to recognize and practice the behaviors necessary for success in school. In addition, it allows for students to be “caught” being good, creating opportunities for the acknowledgement of appropriate behavior. Implementation of strategies and interventions that help schools monitor behavior can also play a vital role in dropout prevention by developing relationships, monitoring risky student behaviors, and providing positive support for students who are having behavioral problems.