LT Conference 2025

Presented by John Cook, Behavior Specialist, Lake Travis ISD

This professional development session will provide teachers and paraprofessionals with essential behavior management strategies rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The goal is to equip educators with the knowledge and practical tools needed to effectively respond to and support students exhibiting challenging behaviors.

Key Topics Covered:

• Reinforcement & Motivation: Understanding positive and negative reinforcement, and how to use them to encourage appropriate behaviors.
• Functions of Behavior: Identifying why behaviors occur (attention, escape, access to tangibles, sensory) to implement effective interventions.
• Basic Behavior Skills: Proactive and reactive strategies to shape positive behaviors in the classroom.
• Verbal Behavior & Communication: Encouraging functional communication as a replacement for challenging behaviors.
• De-Escalation Techniques: Strategies to recognize early signs of escalation and respond in a way that prevents crisis situations.
• Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches: Teaching replacement behaviors, modifying environments, and reinforcing positive interactions before challenges arise.
• Data Collection & Behavior Tracking: Simple methods for teachers and paraprofessionals to track progress and make informed decisions.

This session will be interactive, incorporating real-life examples, role-playing, and collaborative discussions to ensure participants leave with actionable strategies to implement in their classrooms immediately.