Structuring Classrooms Through Levels Systems

Abstract

The implementation oflevels systems has recently increased in public school programs for students with behavioral disorders. These systems, emerging from residential and treatment programs for students with complex behavioral disorders, have been applied with adolescents involved in substance abuse (

Classroom Management

“…As noted by Fantuzzo, Polite, Cook, and Quinn (1988), higher degrees of student self-management are related to greater treatment effects. As students progress through the levels, the teacher's role becomes less directive and more facilitative (Bauer & Shea, 1988). Also, level systems direct a student toward greater degrees of mainstreaming and self-discipline as they progress to higher levels.…”

“…In addition to regular levels that students will progress through, Bauer and Shea (1988) also have suggested that a disciplinary level be determined. Students having particular difficulty over a short period of time can be removed temporarily from their present level and be placed on a more restrictive disciplinary level.…”

“…Students having particular difficulty over a short period of time can be removed temporarily from their present level and be placed on a more restrictive disciplinary level. Bauer and Shea (1988) have suggested that a transition level be included in the system. When students have met specific criteria for transition into the mainstream, they are placed on the transition level with shared responsibility between the general and special education teachers.…”

“…In other programs, students enter the system at the level that best matches their current functioning. Bauer and Shea (1988) have recommended either an assessment level for entering students or a behavior expectations checklist. At the assessment level, students are observed and assessed to determine how their current behavior matches the expectations at each level and to decide their proper placement.…”

Social Maladjustment: Definition, Identification, and Programming

“…The best behavior management system for these purposes is a structured management program based on behavioral principles (Center, 1989a;Center & McKittrick, 1987;Kazdin, 1977). An important part of such a program is a levels system (Bauer & Shea, 1988) to facilitate weaning the student from the imposed structure, increase delay of gratification, enhance self-evaluation skills, and promote control by natural reinforcers.…”