Essential Elements of Inservice Training in Positive Behavior Support

TLDR

Positive behavior support is a proactive, evidence‑based approach endorsed by professionals, advocates, policies, and laws, and building educators’ capacity to deliver it is essential as schools serve increasingly diverse children and youth with disabilities and problem behaviors. This article outlines the essential elements for building capacity through inservice training. The authors present a core curriculum and describe a national exemplar of comprehensive inservice training. They identify essential training features needed to develop practical skills.

Abstract

Positive behavior support is an effective and proactive approach for resolving serious problem behaviors that has been recommended by a growing number of professionals, advocates, policies, and laws. Building the capacity of educators and other professionals to provide positive behavior support is a vital concern as schools and community agencies serve increasingly diverse populations that include children and youth with disabilities and problem behaviors. This article describes issues and essential elements for building such capacity through inservice training. A core curriculum is outlined, and a national exemplar of comprehensive inservice training is described. Essential features of training that are needed for the development of practical skills are discussed.