The way we describe behavior affects how well we can understand it.
Key Idea
Describe behavior so clearly that another adult could recognize it without needing to know what you think the student intended.
What This Can Look Like
Instead of: “He was disrespectful.” Try: “He said ‘no,’ pushed the worksheet away, and put his head on the desk.” Instead of: “She wanted attention.” Try: “She called the adult’s name six times while the adult was speaking with another student.”
✓Try This
- •Ask yourself: Could a camera record what I just wrote? If yes, it is probably observable. Useful descriptions include: - what the student said - what the student did - what happened immediately before - what happened immediately afterward
Keep in Mind
Words such as defiant, manipulative, attention-seeking, lazy, and naughty are interpretations, not descriptions. Observable language reduces assumptions and helps teams look for patterns more accurately.