Instructional Playbook

Protocol expectations just as they would academic skills. Rather than assuming students know how to behave in different settings or situations, teachers provide clear instruction on what the expected behavior looks like, sounds like, and feels like. Explicit instruction helps establish a positive classroom culture, reduces problem behaviors, and increases student success by ensuring expectations are clear, predictable, and consistently reinforced. Low High Medium T Identify the Expected Behavior Select a specific behavior or routine that students need to learn. Examples: Entering the classroom, Participating in discussions, Working in groups, Transitioning between activities. Define the Behavior Clearly Describe what students should do in observable, measurable terms. Focus on what students should do rather than what they should not do. Example: Instead of "Don't talk during independent work," teach "Use a quiet voice and stay focused on your assigned task." Explain the Why Briefly discuss why the behavior is important. Connect expectations to learning, safety, respect, or classroom success. Model the Behavior Demonstrate the expected behavior. Consider showing both examples and non-examples. Think aloud to explain the expectations. Practice the Behavior Allow students to rehearse the behavior. Provide opportunities for guided and independent practice. Practice in the actual setting whenever possible. Provide Feedback and Reinforcement Give immediate, specific feedback. Acknowledge students who demonstrate the expectation correctly. Target Students Considerations Works well with all students, but may be especially helpful for: Students who seek attention a way to appropriately receive it. Students who want to escape as it reduces anxiety and uncertainty by clarifying expectations and routines. Students who need skill development by directly building missing behavioral, social, and self-regulation skills. Teach behavioral expectations proactively rather than waiting for problems to occur. Use age-appropriate language and examples. Incorporate visuals, anchor charts, or reminders when helpful. Provide multiple opportunities for practice and feedback. Re-teaching is often more effective than repeated correction. Classroom Adjustment: Explicit Instruction Explicit Instruction of Behavior is a proactive classroom management strategy in which teachers directly teach, model, practice, and reinforce behavioral

Level of Teacher Effort