Motivating Elementary Students to Self-Monitor and Regulate Their Behavior

Self-monitoring is a key life skill that can be beneficial for everyone—especially children struggling with behavior challenges—to learn and improve. This practical manual presents the Self-Monitoring And Regulation Training Strategy (SMARTS), a motivating and engaging Tier 2 or 3 behavior support program for grades K-5. The authors are prominent experts who explain the conceptual and empirical rationale for SMARTS and provide everything needed for implementation. Unlike traditional interventions that rely solely on teacher assessments, SMARTS actively involves students in their own behavioral improvement process, reinforcing their sense of agency and competence. In a convenient large-size format, the book includes a structured yet flexible curriculum and numerous reproducible and downloadable tools.

This book is in The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series, edited by Sandra M. Chafouleas.

Author Biography

Aaron M. Thompson, PhD, MSW, MEd, is Professor and Director of the School of Social Work at the University of Missouri, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Missouri Prevention Science Institute. Prior to becoming a professor, he worked as an adventure therapist, juvenile court counselor, school social worker, and public school principal. Dr. Thompson is the primary developer of the Self-Monitoring and Regulation Training Strategy (SMARTS) program. He has authored over 100 publications on interventions and reducing risk factors in schools and has been recognized with the Gary Lee Shaffer Faculty Award from the School Social Work Association of America and the Faculty Award from the University of Missouri Alumni Association, among other honors.

Keith C. Herman, PhD, is Curators’ Distinguished Professor in School Psychology at the University of Missouri, where he codirects the Missouri Prevention Science Institute. Previously, he worked as a school psychologist in an Oregon school district. A member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, Dr. Herman presents nationally and has published over 190 peer-reviewed articles and chapters, as well as several books. Much of his research and applied work focuses on using motivational interviewing with students, teachers, and families to promote effective environments for youth. Wendy M. Reinke, PhD, is Curators’ Distinguished Professor in School Psychology at the University of Missouri, where she codirects the Missouri Prevention Science Institute. Previously she worked in a variety of school consultation settings, including as a school psychologist in an elementary school. Dr. Reinke developed the Classroom Check-Up, an assessment-based classwide teacher consultation model. Her research focuses on the prevention of disruptive behavior problems in children and increasing school-based implementation of evidence-based practices. She presents nationally, has published over 140 peer-reviewed articles, and has coauthored several books. Dr. Reinke is Director of the National Center for Rural School Mental Health.