Authored by nationally recognized scholar and behavioral consultant Dr. John W. Maag, this book focuses primarily on students' observable behaviors and the environmental factors that affect their expression. As Maag points out, behavior management is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts in education. Written in a very accessible style, this book demystifies stereotypical beliefs and misconceptions regarding the use of reinforcement, punishment, and self-control. Maag offers clear, yet detailed descriptions of proven intervention techniques, supplemented by a range of step-by-step guidelines, sample forms, charts, graphs, and illustrations that assist teachers in implementing the techniques. Although the techniques described in the book are based on a sound theoretical and empirical foundation, the author limits the use of technical jargon and infuses real-life examples and case studies that clarify and illuminate the presentation.

Preface.
Acknowledgments.
1. Introduction to Behavior Management.
2. Impediments to Managing Behavior.
3. Theories of Behavior.
4. Basic Principles of Behavior.
5. Counting and Recording Behavior.
6. Graphing Behavior.
7. Functional Assessment of Behavior Problems.
8. Preventative Approaches.
9. Reinforcement Techniques for Increasing Behavior.
10. Differential Reinforcement for Decreasing Behavior.
11. Punishment.
12. Teaching Self-Management.
13. Cognitive-Behavior Modification.
14. Promoting Generalization.
Glossary.
Index.

Authored by nationally recognized scholar and behavioral consultant Dr. John W. Maag, this book focuses primarily on students' observable behaviors and the environmental factors that affect their expression. As Maag points out, behavior management is probably one of the most misunderstood concepts in education. Written in a very accessible style, this book demystifies stereotypical beliefs and misconceptions regarding the use of reinforcement, punishment, and self-control. Maag offers clear, yet detailed descriptions of proven intervention techniques, supplemented by a range of step-by-step guidelines, sample forms, charts, graphs, and illustrations that assist teachers in implementing the techniques. Although the techniques described in the book are based on a sound theoretical and empirical foundation, the author limits the use of technical jargon and infuses real-life examples and case studies that clarify and illuminate the presentation. Examples of technology related to behavior management are integrated throughout most of the book, reinforced by Tech Support boxes that provide useful tips. Topics include using online forms, reinforcing student behavior with ClassDojo, and creating functional behavior assessment (FBA) and behavior intervention forms on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. New chapter-ending activities give students the opportunity to practice skills by asking them to observe a specific action or behavior in a classroom, or to use actual tools -- such as observation charts or interval recording sheets -- discussed in the text. Numbered learning objectives, listed at the beginning of each chapter and correlated with main headings throughout the chapter, guide students as they read. The objectives also make it easy for students and instructors to find key content and understand expected outcomes. New end-of-chapter summaries help students reinforce their grasp of key concepts introduced in the chapter. Maag's discussions of principles of behavior (Chapter 4), techniques for recording behavior (Chapter 6), and methods for graphing behavior (Chapter 7) are infused with compelling examples and jargon-free prose to create a "user-friendly" presentation. Other texts' treatment of these topics is highly technical and dense. The intervention technique chapters (Chapters 8–14) describe in detail how to implement behavior modification techniques. Each chapter includes "how-to" lists, charts, graphs, and illustrations. Maag emphasizes positive and proactive behavior management -- focusing primarily on students' observable behavior and the environmental factors that affect its expression -- as opposed to other texts that assume that behavior can be explained and manipulated through medical, pharmacological, or genetic treatments. The text includes an entire chapter on self-monitoring (Chapter 12, "Teaching Self-Management"). Students and professors alike have praised Maag's personal and friendly approach to implementing behavior management strategies.