🛡️ Become a Certified PCM Instructor or an EveryDay BehaviorTools Instructor – Reserve Your Seat Today! 🛡️
Looking to improve behavior and safety culture in your organization? Or maybe you're ready to expand your impact and generate more income by training others? Either way, PCMA has you covered!
✅ Become a PCM Instructor – Equip yourself with the skills to enhance crisis management and behavioral safety within your organization or as an independent trainer.
✅ EveryDay BehaviorTools Instructor – Fully remote certification that can be delivered online, hybrid, or in person to future practitioners.
February's courses are booking up FAST – only a few seats left! But don’t worry, we’ve got courses scheduled throughout the year. Check out the latest training schedule and reserve your spot today!
🔗 Sign up now at https://www.pcma.cc/training/scheduletraining.aspx or reach out to [email protected] if you have questions!
#PCMA #BehaviorTools #CrisisManagement #InstructorTraining #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #SafetyCulture
The Truth About Prone Restraints: Not All Are Created Equal
When tragic incidents happen, we must learn and improve. Let's ban approaches and restraints that are harmful, but lumping all approaches and restraints into the "do not use" category because they share a common name and some features is not the answer.
The case of Max Benson in California was devastating. A prolonged, unsafe prone restraint was used for nearly two hours, restricting breathing and leading to his death. That type of restraint should absolutely be banned—just like the Ford Pinto, which exploded when hit from behind. But should we ban all cars because of one faulty model? Of course not. And yet, that’s exactly what’s happening with prone restraints.
The unintended consequences of banning all prone restraints:
❌ More injuries to individuals and staff
❌ Increased law enforcement involvement
❌ Greater reliance on medical restraints and sedation
❌ Fewer services for individuals with severe behavioral challenges
❌ Hiding and underreporting prone restraint out of fear of retribution, reducing oversight and accountability
❌ People making up their own procedures (e.g., the case of Max Benson)
For over 40 years, PCMA has provided safe, evidence-based crisis management training. PCMA is the only fluency-based, prevention-focused crisis management system in the world, prioritizing skill-building, relationships, and de-escalation before any intervention is considered.
PCMA is dedicated to providing multiple safe intervention strategies, including:
✔️ Prevention first—teaching skills, building relationships, and reinforcing positive behavior
✔️ Verbal de-escalation and personal safety
✔️ Standing & vertical immobilizations when movement control is needed
✔️ Two options of horizontal immobilization:
1) Supine (face-up) and 2) Prone (face-down) only where permitted by law, organizational policy, and clinically warranted
PCMA’s system is built on a wide range of e
New Quick Behavior Byte is live!
Today’s topic: Redirection with Choice. 🎙️
When emotions run high, direct demands can fuel resistance and escalate situations. Instead of forcing compliance, structured choices provide a sense of control while still guiding individuals toward the desired behavior.
For example, if a student refuses to start an assignment, instead of saying, “Do your work now,” try, “Would you like to start with the first problem or pick one you feel comfortable with?” This shifts the focus from resistance to engagement.
Procedure for Redirection with Choice:
1️⃣ Identify the Desired Outcome – Determine what you need the individual to do.
2️⃣ Offer Two Acceptable Options – Both should lead toward the goal while giving them some control.
3️⃣ Keep it Simple & Neutral – Avoid power struggles by delivering choices calmly.
4️⃣ Reinforce the Choice – Acknowledge their decision and encourage follow-through.
5️⃣ Stay Consistent – Make choice-giving a regular strategy to encourage problem-solving and cooperation.
By using structured choices, you can reduce defiance and encourage cooperation without escalating the situation.
Are you interested in becoming a certified Professional Crisis Management or EveryDay BehaviorTools instructor so you can learn and teach more strategies like this? If so, email [email protected].
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
#QuickBehaviorBytes #RedirectionWithChoice #BehaviorTips #CrisisPrevention #PCMA #PositiveInteractions #ABA #BehaviorScience
Reinforcement is one of the most powerful tools in behavior science, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume all positive reinforcement is good and all negative reinforcement is bad, or that reinforcement works the same way for everyone. But the truth is that reinforcement is complex, and its effectiveness depends on how it’s used and what it’s applied to.
Think about this: Positive reinforcement can build confidence and healthy habits. For example, someone might feel motivated to exercise regularly because they enjoy the boost in energy and the compliments they get from friends. But if the focus shifts to excessive external validation, it could lead to unhealthy behaviors, like overtraining or ignoring the body’s need for rest.
Now, let’s talk about negative reinforcement. Imagine taking Tylenol to get rid of a headache. It removes the discomfort, making it more likely you’ll take it again the next time you’re in pain. That’s negative reinforcement in action, and it works well for reducing stressors. But what happens when this principle is misapplied? Consider someone who starts using substances not to feel good, but to avoid feeling bad. Over time, they might spiral into a cycle of dependency, driven by the desire to escape discomfort rather than build something positive.
The same applies to performance: Have you ever worked hard just to avoid being reprimanded? Maybe you stayed late at work, not to excel, but to avoid your boss’s criticism. Did it push you to do your best, or just enough to avoid the consequences? If this became the norm, how did it impact your motivation, confidence, or even your well-being? When fear becomes the main driver, it might get short-term results, but it rarely leads to lasting, meaningful success. And it often leads to burnout or resentment.
Reinforcement explains so much about our behavior. Not just why we avoid challenges, but also why we go above and beyond to succeed. Often, behaviors
Despite decades of scientific evidence supporting positive reinforcement, even well-known best-selling authors like Daniel Pink and Alfie Kohn have mischaracterized it, fueling myths that undermine its value. These misconceptions can discourage educators from leveraging one of the most effective tools for improving student behavior and outcomes. Let’s set the record straight:
❌ Myth: Positive reinforcement is bribery.
✅ Reality: Reinforcement happens after the behavior to strengthen it - it’s not about bribing students, but teaching and encouraging desired actions.
❌ Myth: You need expensive rewards for positive reinforcement to work.
✅ Reality: The best reinforcers are often free - praise, attention, privileges, and preferred activities. It’s all about what matters to the student.
❌ Myth: Positive reinforcement takes too much time.
✅ Reality: Investing in reinforcement now saves time later by reducing disruptions and fostering cooperation.
💡 Want to learn how to use positive reinforcement effectively in your classroom?
🔗 Subscribe to PCMA’s Behavioral Brief series for actionable strategies and insights on using positive reinforcement and more to transform classroom behavior!
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
#PositiveReinforcement #BehaviorScience #ClassroomManagement #TeacherTools #PCMA #BehaviorBriefs
🎙️ New Episode Alert!
Building Assent, Fun, and Trust: Supporting Teachers and Students in Special Education with Steve Ward
Are you looking for better ways to engage students and gain learning buy-in? 🎧 This episode of PCMA's The Crisis in Education Podcast is focused on supporting special needs students, but the concepts are generalizable to all classrooms and learners!
Dr. Paulie sits down with brilliant behavior analyst, author, and education expert Steve Ward to share practical strategies that help teachers and parents create trust, confidence, and engagement—even in challenging situations.
Key Takeaways Include:
✅ How to observe, measure, and teach assent to ensure students feel heard.
✅ Tips for honoring a learner’s right to say “no”—and reintroducing expectations to rebuild trust.
✅ Why fun and social connection can transform learning outcomes.
✅ Actionable tools to turn novelty and unpredictability into growth opportunities.
Whether you’re working with students who have special needs or looking for strategies to improve engagement in any classroom, this episode delivers actionable insights that drive results.
👉 Listen to the soundbite now and check out the full episode!
Don’t miss this one. ⬇️ 🎧
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
#SpecialEducation #Assent #StudentEngagement #BehaviorScience #ClassroomStrategies #TeacherSupport #CrisisInEducation #BehaviorAnalysis #EducationMatters #EdLeadership #InclusiveEducation #EducationPodcast #FunInLearning #TeacherTips #StudentSuccess #PositiveLearningEnvironments #GrowthMindset #BehaviorChange #BuildingTrust #LearningBuyIn #PCMA
Merry Christmas from All of Us at PCMA!
As the holiday season fills the air with joy and celebration, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and dedication to creating safer, more compassionate environments.
This Christmas, may your days be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones. Whether you're taking a well-deserved break or reflecting on the positive impact you've made this year, we hope you find peace and inspiration for the year ahead.
Thank you for being a part of our PCMA family. We look forward to continuing this journey together in the coming year—making a difference, one behavior at a time.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
– The PCMA Team
New Quick Behavior Byte is live!
Today’s topic: Behavioral Momentum. 🎙️
Learn how starting with simple, low-pressure tasks can help students who are frustrated or uncooperative. In just under a minute, we’ll show you how this strategy reduces resistance, prevents escalation, and fosters smoother interactions.
Take a quick listen, and if you want to learn more about Professional Crisis Management, just shoot an email to [email protected].
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
#QuickBehaviorBytes #BehavioralMomentum #Deescalation #BehaviorTips #PCMA #StudentSupport
Engagement Isn’t Just Important—It’s Essential
Students come to class with diverse experiences, interests, and needs, and too often, traditional approaches to education miss the mark. But when learning connects to what matters most to students, it becomes meaningful, engaging, and powerful.
Engagement is the cornerstone of effective teaching. Research shows that engaged students learn more and are less likely to engage in off-task or challenging behavior. It’s the first and best line of defense against classroom disruptions, creating an environment where curiosity thrives and problems fade into the background.
Think about it: Would you want to sit through a training that didn’t connect to your goals or interests? Of course not. The same is true for our students.
In this minute soundbite of the Crisis in Education Podcast, Christopher Hull shares how he’s rethinking education to ensure students feel connected to their learning—and why engagement is the key to unlocking their potential.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform to hear the entire episode titled "Making Data Matter: Christopher Hull on Stakeholder Engagement in Education."
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
#CrisisInEducation #StudentEngagement #EducationLeadership #ClassroomManagement #K12Innovation #PCMA #Data #ClassroomLeadership
We’re honored to have our latest article featured on the cover of Behavior/Braina Magazine!
At PCMA, we’re deeply committed to fostering positive, safe, and effective environments across education and human services. This article dives into an OBM-driven framework that’s reshaping how schools manage challenges and create lasting change.
Curious to learn more? Check it out here: Managing Mayhem in Education: The OBM-Driven Framework Schools Desperately Need
https://www.behaviorbrainmagazine.com/post/managing-mayhem-in-education-the-obm-driven-framework-schools-desperately-
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
New Quick Behavior Byte is live!
Today’s focus: Respecting Personal Space. 🎙️
Learn how your body language and proximity can make or break interactions with someone in distress. We’ll show you how to adjust your approach to reduce tension and de-escalate potential crises—all in less than a minute.
Take a quick listen and discover the power of mindful interactions. For more strategies, email [email protected].
[Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association]
#PCMA #crisismanagement #behaviormanagement #ABA #personalspace
New Quick Behavior Byte is live!
Today’s topic: Positive Replacement Behaviors. 🎙️
Discover how teaching and reinforcing positive behaviors as alternatives to crisis behaviors can prevent escalation and empower individuals. In just under a minute, you’ll learn why this approach works and how to implement it effectively.
Take a quick listen, and if you want to learn more about Professional Crisis Management, just shoot an email to [email protected].
#CrisisManagement #CrisisIntervention #CrisisPrevention #PCMA #PCM #BehaviorManagement
PCMA Board Certified Behavior Analysts are leaders in the field and have the skills and experience to help your organization and the people you serve succeed!
