Tough Kids
Classroom-proven tools for managing behavior of our toughest kids
Tough Kids
Featuring content from William R. Jenson’s The Tough Kid Series, this professional development is designed to provide ready- to-use, classroom-tested materials to help motivate and manage even the toughest-to-teach students. Training covers practical, evidence-based strategies for dealing effectively with tough problems like:
- Arguing
- Aggression toward staff and other students
- Noncompliance
- Lack of motivation
- Poor academic performance
Staff will learn:
- What causes Tough Kid behavior
- How to practically assess it
- How to implement proactive strategies to remediate Tough Kid behavior
Tough Kid Training is focused on providing practical and proven strategies to help difficult students manage their behavioral excesses and deficits, and learn appropriate behaviors. Minimize Tough Kid disruptions and maximize learning for all.
Tailored professional development that addresses your school's highest needs
Tough Kids training
Call 1-800-323-8819 to create a plan that addresses your current needs or use our CONTACT US form below.
In addition to tailored Tough Kids training, Safe & Civil Schools can include Tough Kids training as part of schoolwide CHAMPS/DSC training or Foundations training, which guides schools in designing a proactive and positive schoolwide discipline plan that establishes a positive school climate and culture, and addresses all aspects of school safety, student motivation, and academic engagement.
The tools, strategies, and heart behind helping Tough Kids succeed
Teaching the Hardest to Reach
Tough kids can be one of the biggest challenges—and greatest opportunities—a teacher will face. The hallmark of a tough kid is chronic noncompliance. When asked to do something, they typically refuse—often only complying 40% of the time. They may be argumentative, verbally or physically aggressive, and socially behind their peers by up to two years by sixth grade. These social skill deficits often lead to peer rejection, especially in inclusive settings. On top of that, many tough kids struggle academically and work hard to hide it.
For unprepared teachers, one tough kid can consume up to 30% of classroom time. And since tough kids make up about 3% of the student population, educators are likely to encounter at least one every year. Without effective strategies, these students become one of the leading causes of teacher burnout and early career departure.
Tough Kid training from Safe & Civil Schools aims to provide teachers with specific easy-to-use strategies such as Mystery Motivators, Precision Requests, behavioral momentum, and the “Sure I Will” program. Participants learn to use Home Notes, behavioral contracts, and reinforcer systems to encourage desired classroom behavior. They also learn procedures to collect data and track effectiveness of strategies they implement. All of the strategies covered are research-validated interventions that can be quickly and efficiently implemented in any classroom.
The training is supported by Willam R. Jenson's Tough Kid Series, starting with the original The Tough Kid Book. The Tough Kid Book lays the foundation—defining tough kids, explaining their behavior, and outlining positive strategies to support them. From there, The Tough Kid Tool Box offers practical, step-by-step interventions like behavior contracts and home notes. For new teachers, The Tough Kid New Teacher Book is a fast, actionable guide to setting up a proactive, positive classroom.
The series also includes resources for teaching and generalizing social skills, helping parents support behavior change at home, and addressing bullying—both prevention and intervention for chronic bullies.
This training empowers educators to shift from feeling overwhelmed to confident, and most importantly, it changes lives. As many tough kids will later tell you, that one teacher who believed in them—and had the right tools—made all the difference.
Our research-based titles supporting professional development
Tough Kid Resources
These research-based and practical resources from Ancora Publishing support our consultants in helping school leaders develop their skills.
Books and programs in The Tough Kid Series can help you manage and motivate Tough Kids, both in school and at home. William R. Jenson and colleagues have crafted a comprehensive library of practical, research-based strategies that help you deal with a range of behavioral issues. You will learn practical, evidence-based strategies for dealing effectively with tough problems like aggression, noncompliance, lack of motivation, and poor academic performance. Training on the Tough Kid resources is available through Safe & Civil Schools.
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Contact Us Today for More Information
Call 1-800-323-8819 to create a plan that addresses your current needs or use our CONTACT US form below.