Understanding and Trumping Behavioral Concerns in the Classroom

This article describes the critical need for behavioral supports to be implemented across all students. The current inflammatory social and political climate appears to be having a negative effect on student social behavior, something we call the "Trump Effect." The authors advocate for specific ways educators can improve school climate and student behavior through increased beginning teacher training focused on understanding behavior (i.e., internalizing and externalizing behaviors) and the use of evidence-based behavior management strategies (e.g., reinforcement). Descriptions of classroom-level supports including information surrounding free/low-cost resources plus direction to additional resources for students in need of targeted or individualized interventions are provided.