Program: Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment
Audience: All Staff
Dates: 11/17/2025
Meeting Times: 3:30 - 4:30
NewTraditional approaches to behavior often focus on compliance, control, and correction,
frequently overlooking the underlying needs, communication differences, and context driving a
student's actions. This session invites educators, leaders, and support staff to reframe how we
understand behavior by applying the neurodiversity paradigm: one that recognizes behavior as
communication and centers the experiences and needs of neurodivergent students.
Participants will explore how bias and ableism can show up in behavior expectations and
response systems, and why commonly used approaches, like sticker charts or zero-tolerance
policies, can unintentionally harm or exclude. Through practical examples, reflection, and tools
for change, this session offers a path forward for creating learning environments that are
responsive, supportive, and rooted in belonging and trust. Together, we'll examine what it looks
like to shift from managing behavior to understanding, supporting, and partnering with students
in affirming, strengths-based ways.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
● Differentiate between traditional behavior compliance models and
neurodiversity-affirming approaches rooted in regulation and support.
● Identify examples of ableism in common behavior policies, expectations, and language.
● Describe environmental and relational factors that reduce behavioral stress and promote
co-regulation.
● Apply strategies that respect student autonomy, honor communication differences, and
support nervous system needs.
The registration fee for employees of TST Region districts (Candor, Dryden, George Jr. Republic, Groton, Ithaca, Lansing, Newfield, Trumansburg, and South Seneca) is $0.
The registration fee for all other participants is $100.