Academic and Behavioral Interventions

Are you looking for strategies to help students who are in danger of academic failure? If so, keep reading.

1. Teach and urge the student to practice necessary study skills (e.g., reading for the main point, note-taking, summarizing, highlighting, studying in an appropriate environment, using time wisely, etc.) before taking tests or exams.

2. Assess student performance in an assortment of ways (e.g., have the student give oral explanations, simulations, physical demonstrations of a skill, etc.).

3. Provide shorter tests or exams but give them more regularly. As the student shows success, slowly increase the length of tests or exams over time.

4. Have tests or exams read to the student.

5. Get the student to orally answer tests or exams.

6. Record tests or exams and let the student listen to questions as often as appropriate.

7. Coordinate a time for the student to study with a peer tutor before taking tests or exams.

8. Get the student to take tests or exams in the resource room where the resource teacher can clarify questions, offer explanations, etc.

9. Give the student chances for review before taking tests or exams.

10. Get the student to question anything they do not understand while taking tests or exams.

11. Make sure that the tests or exams measure knowledge of content, not related skills, such as reading or writing.

12. Teach the student test-taking strategies (e.g., answer questions you are sure of first, learn to summarize, check each answer, etc.).

13. Get the student to keep a performance record for each subject in which they are experiencing difficulty.

14. Let the student take tests or exams in a quiet space to lessen distractions (e.g., study carrel, library, etc.).

15. Give an assortment of chances for the student to learn the information covered by tests or exams (e.g., films, visitors, community resources, etc.).

16. Let the student respond to alternative test or quiz questions (e.g., more generalized questions that represent global comprehension).

17. Provide the chance for the student to study daily tasks with a peer.

18. Get the student to take a sample test or quiz before the actual test.

19. Remove the threat of public knowledge of failure (e.g., test or quiz results are not read aloud or posted, test ranges are not made public, etc.).

20. Minimize the emphasis on formal testing by grading the student on daily performance.

21. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.

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Are you looking for genius ways to get students to complete their class assignments? If so, keep reading.

1. Give the student more decision-making chances relative to class learning activities and tasks.

2. Get the student to use electronic reminders to assist them in the conclusion of tasks (e.g., programmable watch, computer programs, voice mail, etc.).

3. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., off-task, failing to finish tasks) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., paying attention to task, finishing tasks sequentially, finishing tasks).

4. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., finish designated project by due date) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

5. Get the student to create a chart to follow that will let them finish all tasks.

6. Make sure the student is paying attention when they are told to do something. Get the student to make eye contact and repeat the information to check for comprehension.

7. Urge the student to take a break while working on monotonous tasks to relieve restlessness and improve concentration. Establish a definite time limit for breaks.

8. Create an environment that is quiet and tidy (e.g., clean, well-lighted, fresh-smelling, and at a comfortable temperature).

9. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for hacks to get students to complete their class assignments? If so, keep reading.

1. Connect clearly with the student about the duration of time they have to finish a task. The student may want to use a timer to finish the tasks within the given period.

2. Praise the student for finishing tasks independently based on the number of times they can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the number of times required for reinforcement.

3. Urge the student to ask for clarification of any directions, explanations, and instructions before starting a task to reinforce comprehension.

4. Provide mobility throughout the classroom to ascertain the student’s attention to the task.

5. Ask the student a question often to urge communication.

6. Get the student to gather all learning materials appropriate to work on a project, task, etc., to lessen the need to search for learning materials.

7. Make sure that the student knows the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., failure to finish tasks independently results in lower grades, less responsibility, etc.).

8. Make sure that tasks given to the student are appropriate for their level of development and capacity and ability.

9. Create an environmental setting for the classroom that promotes optimal individual performance (e.g., quiet room, background music, fresh air, etc.).

10. Provide consistent expectations within the capacity and ability level of the student.

11. Select a peer, friend, etc., who displays the capacity and ability to organize a task prior to beginning it. Get the student to observe that person and try to model the behaviors that let them organize tasks.

12. Talk with the student about the expectations at the beginning of each period so they know what is required.

13. Complete a snippet of the task with the student to serve as a model and start the student on the task.

14. Give the student shorter tasks. As the student shows success, slowly increase the length of the tasks.

15. Manage tasks by dividing them into small segments. Establish deadlines and reward the student after finishing each segment of the task.

16. Create a chart for daily tasks to be finished by the student.

17. Teach the student time-management skills. Get the student to make a daily plan and follow it. Urge the student to avoid becoming distracted by activities, impulses, and moods.

18. Enlist the help of a peer, paraprofessional, parent, etc., to remind the student of tasks.

19. Get the student to use a daily calendar to write down tasks, projects, due dates, etc. Utilize the calendar to create the student’s time management skills.

20. Get the student to schedule independent working times when they are most likely to keep attention (e.g., one hour after medication, 45 minutes after dinner, first thing in the morning, etc.).

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for ways to encourage students to complete their class assignments? If so, keep reading.

1. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.

2. Train the student in thinking through instructions before starting a task.

3. Train the student on ways to lessen distracting learning activities that interfere with their duties (e.g., turn off the TV when it is time to finish tasks, do not let friends come over when it is time to do homework, etc.).

4. Show the student that work not done during work time will have to be done during other times (e.g., break time, leisure time, after school, etc.).

5. Support the student in writing an agreement for themselves designating a time to finish a task and avoid procrastination.

6. Urge the student to reward himself/herself (e.g., a ten-minute break, speak briefly with a relative, telephone a friend, etc.) for concentrating on a task for a specific length of time.

7. Give the student step-by-step written instructions for tasks.

8. Indicate what is to be done for the conclusion of a task (e.g., indicate definite starting and stopping points, indicate the minimum requirements, etc.).

9. Do not give instructions to the student from across the room. Go to the student, get their full attention, and tell them what to do.

10. Praise the student for finishing tasks independently: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, free homework pass, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

11. Let the student perform alternative tasks. As the student shows success, slowly present more components of the regular tasks until those tasks are routinely performed.

12. Get the student to keep a chart/graph representing the number of tasks performed independently.

13. Connect with the student and show interest in their success.

14. Get the student to review and update their task calendar daily. Urge the student to prepare in advance for tasks, due dates, etc.

15. Connect with parents, agencies, or appropriate parties, to tell them about the problem, identify the cause of the problem, and discuss potential solutions to the problem.

16. Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., place the student in the front row, give a carrel or quiet space away from distractions, etc.). This is to be used as a means of reducing stimuli, not as a form of punishment.

17. Let the student set a timer to finish tasks in a sensible period.

18. Create challenges in tasks to increase interest and motivation (e.g., problem-solving, and creative/critical thinking rather than drill/repetition, etc.).

19. Stress to the student that they are a worthwhile individual.

20. Show tasks in the most exciting manner possible.

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble completing assignments independently? If so, keep reading.

1. Create classroom rules: • Remain on-task. • Complete assignments quietly. • Request assistance when needed. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

2. Establish time limits for finishing tasks.

3. Praise the student for performing tasks independently.

4. Get the student to prioritize tasks by importance (e.g., task A must be done today, task B can be done today, and task C can wait until tomorrow).

5. Organize their surroundings to enable task conclusion (i.e., make sure the student’s tasks are on their capacity and ability level, be sure that instructions are clear, and keep frequent interactions with the student to enable success).

6. Urge parents to set aside and enforce a consistent period at home for the student to finish homework. All family members should work on tasks (e.g., correspondence, balancing accounts, reading, etc.) during this time.

7. Give the student structure for all academic learning activities (e.g., specific instructions, routine (schedule) format for tasks, time limits, etc.).

8. Praise the student for beginning, working on, and finishing tasks.

9. Make sure that directions, explanations, and instructions are delivered on the student’s capacity and ability level.

10. Assess the appropriateness of giving the student tasks that require copying if the student’s capacity and ability level make it impossible for him/ her to finish the task.

11. Let the student have additional time to finish tasks when working independently.

12. Give the student a selection of tasks and require them to select a minimum number of tasks to perform independently (e.g., present the student with 10 academic tasks from which 6 must be finished that day).

13. Explain your expectations to the student for the successful conclusion of tasks.

14. Give a written list of instructions for a long-term task.

15. Plan leisure activities at the end of the day. Make participation in these learning activities dependent upon the conclusion of tasks.

16. Connect with the student’s parents to disseminate information about their child’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for finishing tasks independently.

17. Assess the degree of task difficulty concerning the student’s capacity and ability to perform the task.

18. Be firm, fair, and consistent, expecting the student to finish tasks. Do not let the student fail to finish designated tasks one time and expect tasks to be finished the next time.

19. Praise those students in the classroom who finish tasks independently.

20. Urge the student to follow a less desirable task with a more desirable task. Make the conclusion of the first appropriate to perform the second.

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for ways to motivate students to finish their homework? If so, keep reading.

1. Establish a homework system for the student (e.g., 2 days a week, work with drill flash cards; 3 days a week, work on bookwork sent home, etc.). This will add some assortment to the student’s homework.

2. Make sure that the student knows the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., forgetting to finish homework will result in a low grade).

3. Repeat instructions to increase the student’s likelihood of comprehension.

4. Make sure the student has learned the ideas presented at school. Homework should be a form of practice for what has been learned at school.

5. Get the student to create a specific time each evening to work on homework tasks.

6. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., to finish a task at home.

7. Get the student to ask a friend to call them at night or in the morning to remind them to bring tasks to school.

8. Provide instructions in an assortment of ways to enable the student’s comprehension (e.g., if the student fails to understand oral instructions, present them in written form).

9. Teach the student time-management skills. Get the student to make a daily plan and follow it. Urge the student to avoid becoming distracted by activities, impulses, and moods.

10. Let the student have additional time to turn in homework tasks.

11. Create a learning center at school where professional educators are available to help with homework tasks before school begins, the last hour of each school day, etc.

12. Get the student and a peer who has the same task to do their homework together (e.g., right after school at one home or the other, during study hall, etc.).

13. Praise those students in the classroom who finish their homework tasks and return them to school.

14. Send homework tasks and learning materials home with someone other than the student (e.g., brother, sister, neighbor, etc.).

15. Give the student a selection of tasks, requiring them to select a minimum number from the total (e.g., present the student with 10 academic tasks from which they must finish 6 that day).

16. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for hacks for encouraging students to complete their homework? If so, keep reading.

1. Coordinate with the student’s parents to pick up homework each day if the student has difficulty “remembering” to it home.

2. Create a timeline for finishing a project. Expect the student to meet each deadline to finish the project on time.

3. Do not use homework as a punishment (i.e., additional work should not be assigned as a consequence of unacceptable behavior at school or as a consequence of not preparing for school tasks).

4. Urge the parents to set aside quiet time each night when the family turns off the TV, radio, etc., to read, do homework, write letters, etc.

5. Get the student to keep sample letters, reports, forms, etc., as references for finishing homework tasks.

6. Urge the student to create a routine (schedule) for themselves. Get the student to create a weekly schedule and a weekend schedule. Get the student to create a chart for daily homework tasks to be finished.

7. Connect with the student’s parents by sending home explanations of Learning Interventions: Strategies to Help their child with homework if it is appropriate for the student to receive help.

8. Get the student to create problem-solving skills: • Find the problem (e.g., not finishing homework, not returning finished homework to school). • Find the goals and objectives. • Create a strategy/plan for action. • Carry out the plan. • Assess the results.

9. Plan the student’s time at school so that homework will not be appropriate if they take advantage of the school time provided to finish tasks.

10. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., finishing homework tasks and returning them to school) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

11. Assess the appropriateness of giving the student tasks that require copying if the student’s capacity and ability level makes it impossible for them to finish the task.

12. Conference with parents to discuss appropriate ways to help the student with homework.

13. Urge the parents to give the student a quiet, comfortable space and sufficient time to do homework.

14. Urge the parents to reward the student for following homework rules. Possible rewards include oral praise (e.g., “Thank you for finishing your homework before going to the mall.”), a kiss on the cheek, a hug, staying up late, watching a favorite TV show, renting a video, etc.

15. Select a peer to help the student with homework.

16. Assess the appropriateness of assigning the student homework if their capacity and ability level or circumstances at home make it impossible for them to finish and return the tasks.

17. Create a task sheet for the student. Talk with the student’s parents so they are aware of the task sheet and the work that should be finished each night. Ask the parents to sign the task sheet so the teacher is aware that the parents reviewed it.

18. Ask the parents to review the student’s homework duties after school so the student knows what they are expected to do that evening.

19. Make sure the student has all the learning materials appropriate prior to beginning a task to lessen unnecessary distractions.

20. Get the student to ask for help when they need it.

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for ways to ensure that students complete homework tasks? If so, keep reading.

1. Make sure the student knows that homework not finished and turned in on time must still be finished and turned in.

2. Get the student to orally repeat the homework task to reinforce the student’s understanding of the task.

3. Get the student to prioritize tasks by importance (e.g., task A must be done today, task B can be done today, and task C can wait until tomorrow).

4. Find a tutor (e.g., a volunteer in the community, one of the student’s classmates, etc.) to help the student finish homework.

5. Get the student to set a timer to finish tasks in a sensible period.

6. Provide instructions orally to increase the likelihood of the student’s comprehension of homework tasks.

7. Urge the student to follow a less desirable task with a more desirable task. Make the conclusion of the first appropriate to perform the second.

8. Provide consistent expectations within the capacity and ability level of the student.

9. Urge the student to set time limits for finishing homework tasks. Urge the student to be aware of time constraints when working on projects.

10. Urge the student to say a mantra to themselves when they bring work home (e.g., I will finish, I will finish, I will finish).

11. Reinforce all measures of improvement.

12. Connect with the student’s parents about the need to create homework rules at home (e.g., start homework upon arriving home from school, finish homework before watching TV or talking on the phone, ask for help when appropriate, etc.).

13. Urge the student to lessen the number of visual distractions around them (e.g., move their work area away from windows, doors, kitchen, TV, etc.).

14. Urge the student to put finished homework tasks in a designated place to be taken to school (e.g., in front of the door, at the bottom of the stairs, etc.).

15. Create homework task rules: • Remain on-task. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

16. Urge the student to select exciting or stimulating learning activities as a reward for finishing less exciting learning activities (e.g., finish homework before going to the mall).

17. Get the student to keep a chart or graph representing the number of homework tasks finished and returned to school.

18. Urge the student’s parents to check over their child’s homework when they are finished so the student can be sure that everything is finished.

19. Connect the student to other resource persons who may be of help in performing homework tasks (e.g., librarian, special education teacher, other staff members with expertise or time to help, etc.).

20. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for returning finished homework to 21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

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Are you looking for ways to support students who have trouble finishing homework tasks? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge the student to create an understanding of the consequences of their behavior by writing down or talking through problems that may happen due to their failure to finish homework tasks (e.g., if they do not finish the homework task, their grade may drop, then they may not be able to take part in extracurricular learning activities ).

2. Give the student a book bag, backpack, etc., to take homework tasks and learning materials to and from home.

3. Give a reinforcing learning experience at the beginning of the day/class period, contingent upon the conclusion and return of homework tasks.

4. Get the student to organize tasks by dividing them into small segments. Get the student to set deadlines and reward themselves after finishing each segment of the task.

5. Get the student to create a chart to follow that will let them finish all tasks.

6. Create an environmental setting for the classroom that promotes optimal individual performance (e.g., quiet room, background music, fresh air, etc.).

7. Urge the parents to make positive remarks about school and the importance of finishing homework.

8. Give time at school for homework conclusion when the student cannot be successful in performing tasks at home.

9. Indicate what is to be done for the conclusion of the homework task (e.g., indicate definite starting and stopping points, indicate the minimum requirements, etc.).

10. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, or instructions not grasped.

11. Let logical consequences happen for failure to finish homework tasks (e.g., students who do not finish their homework will not take part in more desirable learning activities ).

12. Give the student written instructions for doing homework tasks.

13. Provide the parents with information appropriate for them to help the student with homework (e.g., what the tasks are and Learning Interventions: Strategies to help with the tasks).

14. Urge the student to reward themselves (e.g., a ten-minute break, speak briefly with a relative, telephone a friend, etc.) for concentrating on a task for a specific length of time.

15. Let the student perform a highly desirable task when homework has been turned in to the teacher.

16. Get the student to place notes in highly visible areas (e.g., refrigerator door, bathroom door, front door, etc.) to remind the student to return homework tasks to school.

17. Let the student perform alternative homework tasks. As the student shows success, slowly present more components of the regular homework task until the tasks are routinely performed and returned to school.

18. Make sure the student knows that homework tasks not finished and turned in to the teacher will have to be finished during other times (e.g., break time, leisure time, before/after school, etc.).

19. Complete a few problems of the homework task with the student to serve as a model and start the student on the task.

20. Get the student to enlist the help of a relative, friend, etc., to remind them of homework tasks.

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.

Are you looking for ways to support students who do not complete classroom tasks? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the student for finishing tasks during the time given based on the duration of time, the student can be successful (e.g., every 5 minutes, I0 minutes, etc.). As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

2. Plan essential learning activities /tasks/meetings at times when the student is most likely to keep attention (e.g., one hour after medication, 45 minutes after lunch, first thing in the morning, etc.).

3. Get the student to keep a chart/graph representing the number of class tasks finished.

4. Get the student to create a chart to follow that will let them finish all tasks.

5. Get the student and a peer who has the same task do their classwork together.

6. Praise those students in the classroom who finish tasks during the time given.

7. Establish time limits for finishing classroom tasks so that the student knows how long they have to work and when to be finished. Urge the student to be aware of time constraints when working on projects.

8. Allow some free time between classwork tasks if the student appears to need a break.

9. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.

10. Assess the degree of task difficulty in comparison with the student’s capacity and ability to perform the task.

11. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, and instructions they do not understand.

12. Create classroom rules: • Remain on-task. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task requirements. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

13. Get the student to repeat the instructions orally to the teacher.

14. Make the student begin each task within a specific duration of time (e.g., three minutes, five minutes, etc.).

15. Talk with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., not finishing tasks) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., finishing tasks during class).

16. Give the student structure for all academic learning activities (e.g., specific instructions, routine (schedule) format for tasks, time limits, etc.).

17. Make it pleasant and positive for the student to ask questions about things they do not understand. Praise the student by assisting, congratulating, etc.

18. Urge the student to ask for clarification of instructions for classroom tasks.

19. Give alternatives to the traditional format of instructions (e.g., record instructions, summarize instructions, peers give instructions, etc.).

20. Minimize the number of instructions in each step (e.g., give the student each additional step after the conclusion of the prior action).

21. Consider using an education app to help the student sharpen their organizational skills. Click here to view a list of apps that we recommend.