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.
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.Â
These typically cover everything except classroom procedures.
Customize your district's template for your classroom:
🟢 Chisago Lakes
🔵 East Central
đź”´ Hinckley-Finlayson
đź”´ North Branch
🟢 Pine City
🟡 Rush City
A teacher-facing reference document of procedures for elementary.
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.
Example voice level posters. These are most effective when used building-wide.
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
Intended for PreK or primary. You can check out additional stories created by special educators.
Body Odor
Intended for intermediate grades. Here's a secondary version.
Hate Speech
Intended for secondary grades.
Physical Contact
Intended for primary grades. Here's a secondary version.
Volume During Pickup
Intended for elementary grades.
Volume in Hallway
Intended for secondary grades.
Sources and Further Learning
Learn More
🎧 Classroom & School Rules (A Slice of SEL Podcast)
Framework Alignment
Trauma-Sensitive School Checklist (Lesley University and Massachusetts Advocates for Children)