Positive behavioral support has a positive impact on the school community. Using positive behavioral support to enforce appropriate behavior often motivates troubled students to demonstrate honorable behavior as well as actively contribute to the school community.Schools that enforce positive behavioral support such as verbal praise and school-wide recognition will develop a safer environment than those that do not, resulting in a more effective learning environment, according to the National Association of School Psychologists.
Positive behavioral support encourages students and addresses behavior problems such as disruption, non-compliance and absenteeism. Positive support allows students to remain in the classroom as opposed to being removed for inappropriate behavior. In lieu of students attending in-school or out-of-school suspension, students can remain engaged in their academic activities. Staying in the classroom provides teachers and students with the opportunity to build a relationship, resulting in a positive experience and improved academic performance.
While school personnel still rely on office referrals to discipline students, enforcing positive behavioral support has indicated a reduction in student referrals. Instead of consistently acknowledging negative behavior, educators have the option of granting homework passes, giving out awards, or asking for student input to reinforce positive behavior. By focusing on positive behavior, it demonstrates that students can receive the attention they need through behavior that is conducive to the classroom.
In addition to its effect on the school community, positive behavioral support can improve the quality of student-teacher relationships. Students who need additional guidance often seek school personnel for attention, advice and support. Through positive behavioral support, students learn that their teachers recognize their strengths and talents, resulting in a more trusting and respectful relationship. Students who have positive relationships with their teachers are often more motivated to pursue a post-secondary education.
Students often misbehave due to their home lives, lack of parental involvement or the presence of a learning disability. When students are coping with problems such as these, they often misbehave to isolate themselves from peers and teachers. Rewarding students with extra credit, positive feedback, and leadership responsibilities, gives students the confidence they need to interact with their teachers and peers. For some students, school is the most positive experience they may have each day. When they are recognized for good behavior, they are more likely to excel both academically and socially.