Behavior does not happen in a vacuum. What is happening around the student matters.
Key Idea
The same student may respond very differently depending on the task, environment, people, timing, predictability, level of support, physical state, and what has happened earlier in the day.
What This Can Look Like
A student completes math successfully in a small group but regularly disengages during independent math. That difference is useful information. Consider: - Is the task harder independently? - Is help less available? - Is the environment different? - Is the amount of work different? - Does the student know how to ask for support?
✓Try This
- •Instead of asking only, “Why does the student do this?” Also ask: “When is this more likely?” “When is it less likely?” “What is different between those situations?”
Keep in Mind
Context helps us move away from blaming the student and toward changing conditions, teaching skills, and providing effective support.