All behavior is a form of communication. When students display challenging or problematic behaviors, it is often because they lack the skills to cope with the daily academic, social, and emotional demands of school. In this professional learning session, we will explore how student behaviors—especially those connected to dysregulation—can impact teaching and learning. Participants will examine common problem behaviors, define what makes them challenging in the classroom, and uncover the “why” behind the behavior by considering student needs, triggers, and skill gaps. We will connect behavior to students’ emotional and physiological states and discuss how dysregulation can show up across settings and grade levels. Educators will learn practical strategies to help students recognize their zone, build self-regulation skills, and return to a learning-ready state. By the end of this session, participants will walk away with a clearer understanding of behavior as communication, increased empathy for student challenges, and actionable tools to support regulation, reduce disruptions, and get students back on track for success.
