Using Function-Based Thinking To Support Adaptive Student Behavior For Elementary Students

This study investigated the factors influencing educators’ difficulty managing students’ maladaptive behavior in a suburban Pre-K-5 school. Research demonstrates that educators’ ability to manage student behaviors directly impacts students’ social, emotional, academic, and behavioral outcomes. This study examined the impact of an 8-week Function-Based Thinking (FBT) intervention on Pre-K-5 general educators’ ability to identify and implement function-based supports to promote adaptive behaviors for general education students in the classroom setting. The researcher conducted a convergent mixed-methods study with six general educators and merged quantitative data measuring FBT knowledge, beliefs about behavior, and students’ behavioral trends with qualitative findings from exit slips, consultation field notes, and a focus group. Results indicated that the FBT learning series significantly impacted educators' FBT knowledge and their ability to implement function-based supports. Moreover, the 8-week intervention had a statistically significant positive impact on participants' beliefs about student behavior, and the frequency of maladaptive behavior decreased following participants’ implementation of function-based supports with a focus student in their general education setting. Participants reported increased self-efficacy in managing student behavior and positive impacts on student-teacher relationships, students’ SEL, and the learning environment. The study’s findings identified case study sessions and individual consultations as effective professional learning modalities. These findings, in combination with the barriers to FBT implementation, informed recommendations for adopting, adapting, and expanding FBT at and beyond the research setting, including extending FBT learning to all educators, providing time for educators to collaborate on behavior management approaches, and using coaching to support educators in FBT implementation.