Tier 1 Practices  |  Teaching Behavior Expectations & Skills

Expectations, Rules, and Procedures

Clearly communicating the 3-5 school-wide expectations, plus our classroom-specific rules and procedures which are based on those core expectations. Discussing rationale for each procedure. Modeling, adding visuals, and practicing each procedure.

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Practicing Rules and Routines - SEL Classroom Guide

A slideshow with short, teacher-created videos that walk through the what, why, when, and how of this strategy.

"If you need to use the restroom, please raise your hand and hold up three fingers. I'll know what you mean, and I'll almost always just nod and give you the okay. That way we don't have to disrupt class with a conversation about the bathroom."

Proactively Explaining, Modeling, and Practicing

Our schools have developed lesson materials used to teach the school-wide expectations and rules. 

These typically cover everything except classroom procedures.

Classroom Procedures Template (EXAMPLE)

Customize your district's template for your classroom:

Procedures Check for Elementary School Teachers

A teacher-facing reference document of procedures for elementary.

Procedures Check for Secondary School Teachers

A teacher-facing reference document of procedures for secondary.

Displaying and Referencing Visuals

Our schools have large, colorful banners and signs that display their school-wide expectations and setting-specific rules. These are displayed in classrooms and common spaces across each building.

Voice Levels Posters (12_x18_) - Master.pdf

Example voice level posters. These are most effective when used building-wide.

Classroom Procedure Mini Posters.pdf

Example posters to illustrate key classroom procedures (e.g., hand signals for movement).

Reteaching to Address Behaviors of Concern

The lessons below are intended to be customized to other grade levels (if needed) and to each school's specific school-wide expectations. However, they can be used "as is" if needed. Also linked below is a pack of social stories, which can be used to reteach expectations in preschool or early elementary classrooms.

Multiple Topics

Social Stories Index Pack

Intended for PreK or primary. You can check out additional stories created by special educators.

Body Odor

Hygiene - Reteaching Expectations (Template/Demo)

Intended for intermediate grades. Here's a secondary version.

Hate Speech

Words of Hate - Reteaching Expectations (Template/Demo)

Intended for secondary grades.

Physical Contact

Hands and Feet to Yourself - Reteaching Expectations (Template/Demo)

Intended for primary grades. Here's a secondary version.

Volume During Pickup

Pickup Voice Volume - Reteaching Expectations (Template/Demo)

Intended for elementary grades.

Volume in Hallway

Hallway Volume After Lunch - Reteaching Expectations (Template/Demo)

Intended for secondary grades.

Sources and Further Learning

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Framework Alignment