Combating Work Refusal Using Research-Based Practices

Academic expectations are often antecedents for various types of inappropriate classroom behavior for students with challenging behavior. Effective interventions for managing these behaviors must involve techniques that combat academic refusal. Addressing the underlying issues of resistance or refusal to perform academically in school using research-based, antecedent strategies can successfully prevent many passive or disruptive classroom misbehaviors. This column provides specific examples of applying research-proven practices of differentiated instruction, mediated scaffolding, opportunities to respond, choice making, Premack's principle, and behavioral momentum to improve academic participation.