Strengthen the Conditions that Improve Student Behavior Across the District

Student behavior concerns continue to rise even in districts that have invested in evidence-based programs. Teachers report more disruptive incidents and widening gaps in self-regulation and relationship skills. Many superintendents tell us they are seeking approaches that deliver steadier, districtwide improvement—not short-term gains isolated to individual schools.

EAB’s research shows that progress accelerates when districts focus on the core conditions that shape behavior: predictable environments, strong adult–student connections, and routines that reinforce safety and engagement. When a coordinated system is in place to ensure these conditions are met, disruptions decline and instructional time stabilizes.

 This session gave district leaders:

1. A clear view of the forces driving today’s behavior challenges

2. Insight into why common interventions fail to scale across schools

3. Practical steps superintendents and assistant superintendents can use to build districtwide systems that strengthen behavioral conditions

Review what the research shows and what districts are implementing successfully to create more consistent environments for students and staff.