What is Behavior Management?

A behavior management plan is a plan made up of procedures that are in place to hold students accountable for their behavior, encourage positive behavior, and to eliminate scolding or lecturing, which is rarely, if ever, effective in changing behavior. A behavior management plan is not synonymous with discipline. Discipline is one aspect of a behavior management plan. A behavior management plan is developed long before the first student walks through your door in August. A good behavior management plan will consist of procedures, rules, and consequences. Students must be made aware of these from the beginning of the school year. In some cases, the students can help you develop these. When they contribute to the development of the plan, they feel more ownership and are far more likely to comply.