Proactive Strategies for Middle and High School Behavior Management
(Grades 6-12) / Flex Course
PDI Course Number: 172T02 / ACE Course Number: LE5780 / UCSD Course Number: EDUC42654
Course Description
Have you ever wondered why managing student behavior in middle and high school classrooms feels more challenging now than ever before? This online course for teachers equips middle and high school educators with the knowledge and strategies to navigate today’s complex classroom behaviors. Grounded in research on adolescent development, social-emotional learning, and the science of behavior, the course helps teachers understand why students act out and how to respond effectively. Participants will explore practical approaches to setting clear expectations, fostering strong relationships, and building students’ emotional intelligence. Special emphasis is placed on addressing disruptive behaviors such as defiance, cell phone misuse, bullying, and lack of engagement, while also highlighting the importance of empathy, restorative practices, and open communication. Teachers will learn how to identify the functions of behavior, implement behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and use proactive strategies to support students’ mental health and executive functioning. By the end of this continuing education course, teachers will walk away with a toolkit of evidence-based strategies to increase student motivation, improve classroom climate, foster positive student-teacher interactions, and ultimately create a learning environment where every student feels valued, respected, and engaged. For detailed information on receiving university credit for your PDI course, visit our credit page.
Need help? Allison Wynne, PDI Program Coordinator, is ready to assist.
Enrollment Options
You have up to nine months from the date you are enrolled to complete a flex course.
View the online course syllabus.
Print our customized course approval form to share with your school district.
TOPICAL OUTLINE
ACE Course Number: LE5780
UCSD Course Number: EDUC42654
Unit One
- The Science Behind the Adolescent Mind
- Student Behavior: A Worsening Problem
- The Impact of Student Behavior in the Classroom
- Assignment #1: Write an autobiography
- Test #1
Unit Two
- The Basics of Behavior
- Setting Classroom Rules, Expectations, and Consequences
- Strategies to Improve Students’ Mental Health
- Assignment #2: Article reflection
- Test #2
Unit Three
- Building a Solid Classroom Foundation
- Building Students’ Emotional Intelligence
- The Importance of Open Communication
- Assignment #3: Share your expertise
- Test #3
Unit Four
- Creating an Equitable Cell Phone Policy
- The Role of Executive Function in Poor Impulse Control
- Increasing Students’ Awareness of Their Environment
- Test #4
Unit Five
- Dealing with Disrespectful Behavior
- Teasing and Bullying
- Conflict Resolution with an Empathetic Twist
- Test #5
Unit Six
- Creating a Learner-Centered Classroom
- Active Learning Strategies to Promote Student Engagement and Motivation
- Classroom Strategies to Combat Attendance Issues
- Assignment #4: Respond to classroom behavior scenarios
- Assignment #5: Course Reflection
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