In Universal Behavior Support, we typically use office discipline referrals to determine our expectations and our focus. We use it because it is basically what we have available. Unfortunately, office discipline referrals are based on externalizing behaviors. While these are the most disruptive, there are other behaviors we need to be concerned with in the classroom as they can lead to anxiety, depression, phobias, and more. These internalizing behaviors can also become the trigger for externalized behaviors.

If we can learn to put some proactive strategies in place, we can mitigate the effects of internalized behaviors for most children. The Surgeon General (2022) reports a 50% increase in anxiety and depression since 2020. This training will point out what we can look for and what we can implement at all three levels.