BEHAVIOR
MANAGEMENT IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Behaviors
Commonly Present
Puberty: self-esteem,
self-doubt or emotional regulation struggles
Social Aspect: peer
pressure, friendships, dating
Independence: parent-child
power struggles
Confusion: body, future,
self-concept, identity
Social Media Use
High Risk Behaviors
Bullying/victimizing
Depression/suicide
Experimentation: sexual activities,
drugs, alcohol
Rule breaking
Eating disorders
Strength-based Strategies
1. Building and maintaining meaningful and positive faculty-student
relationships based on trust, care, and support.
a. Match the student's language. Demonstrate
interest and confidence in the student as a person. Be available. Validate
feelings.
2. Find the exceptions.
3. Clearly communicate expectations, rules, procedures, etc.
4. Externalize the behavior.
a. Encourage ownership of actions and problem
solve with the student.
5. Develop high expectations and promote opportunities to contribute.
