Effective Behaviour Management with CICO Templates in the Classroom

Managing student behaviour can be one of the most challenging aspects of teaching, particularly when working with students who need additional support. One effective strategy that has gained traction in both general education and special education classrooms is the Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) intervention. This structured, simple, and highly effective approach helps teachers monitor, support, and guide students toward improved behaviour, creating a positive and supportive environment for learning.

Read on to learn how Online teaching courses in Malaysia can equip educators with the tools needed to effectively implement such behaviour management techniques.

What Is Check-In/Check-Out (CICO)?

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is a behaviour management system commonly used in schools to provide students with structure and individualised support throughout the school day. It’s based on Positive Behavioural Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and is designed to help students who struggle with meeting behavioural expectations.

The system is fairly straightforward and consists of two main components:

• Check-In

At the beginning of the day, the student meets with a designated staff member (often a teacher or counsellor) to review the day’s goals, set positive behaviour expectations, and receive encouragement.

• Check-Out

At the end of the day, the student checks out with the same staff member to review how well they met the behavioural expectations. The staff member provides feedback, reinforcing positive behaviour and suggesting areas for improvement.

The templates help both the student and the teacher monitor how the student is doing in terms of behaviour and goal achievement. This system is particularly helpful for students who have difficulty with self-regulation, impulse control, or following classroom routines.

Why Use Check-In/Check-Out Templates?

Here are some reasons why using CICO templates is beneficial for behaviour support interventions for students:

• Clear Expectations

By setting specific, measurable goals on the template, students have a clear understanding of what is expected of them each day. The check-in session at the beginning of the day provides an opportunity to reinforce these expectations, ensuring that students are prepared and motivated to meet them.

• Daily Monitoring

Templates help track student progress daily, providing immediate feedback on how well students are meeting behavioural goals. This regular monitoring enables teachers to adjust strategies or interventions as needed, making it a flexible and responsive tool.

• Motivation and Reinforcement

When students see their progress documented on a CICO template, it provides a sense of achievement and motivation. Positive reinforcement at check-out encourages continued effort and sets students up for success.

• Consistency

With CICO templates, teachers and staff have a consistent tool to guide the intervention process. This consistency helps students feel secure in their routines, which is particularly important for those with behavioural or emotional challenges.

• Data-Driven Decisions

The data collected on the templates can help teachers assess patterns in student behaviour over time. This data can inform decisions on whether the current interventions are effective or if adjustments need to be made.

How to Implement Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) Templates in the Classroom

Below are the key steps for integrating CICO into your behaviour management strategy:

1. Identify Students Who Will Benefit from CICO

Not every student requires the level of structure and support provided by CICO. This system is most effective for students who:

• Exhibit disruptive or challenging behaviour
• Struggle with self-regulation or impulse control
• Have difficulty adhering to classroom rules and routines
• Need additional motivation to succeed academically and socially

Consult with school counsellors, special education staff, or other educators to identify students who would benefit most from this intervention. The earlier CICO is introduced to students, the more effective it can be in helping them improve their behaviour.

2. Set Clear, Measurable Behavioural Goals

Before using the CICO template, it’s important to define specific, measurable, and achievable behavioural goals. These goals should be aligned with the student’s needs and focus on positive behaviours, such as:

• Completing tasks independently
• Using respectful language with peers and teachers
• Following directions
• Staying focused during lessons

These goals should be realistic and build progressively over time.

3. Create the CICO Template

The CICO template should be simple, user-friendly, and easy to update. The key components of a typical CICO template include:

• Student Name and Date: Identifies the student and the day the data is being recorded.
• Behavioural Goals: A list of specific goals or behaviours to track.
• Rating Scale: A system for rating the student’s performance. This might be a scale of 1-3, where 1 is “needs improvement,” 2 is “met expectations,” and 3 is “exceeded expectations.”
• Check-In Notes: A space for the teacher to set expectations and encourage the student at the start of the day.
• Check-Out Notes: A space for feedback at the end of the day, highlighting successes and areas to improve.

This template should be easy to carry, so it can be brought to the check-in/check-out sessions and reviewed at the end of each day.

4. Conduct the Check-In and Check-Out Sessions

At the beginning of each school day, the student meets with a designated staff member (this could be a teacher, counsellor, or behaviour specialist).

During the check-in, the teacher:

• Reviews the goals for the day
• Reassures the student that they can achieve these goals
• Encourages them to take ownership of their behaviour

At the end of the day, the student checks out with the same staff member to:

• Review how well they met the goals
• Discuss any challenges faced and how to handle them in the future

Offer praise for progress and constructive feedback for areas of improvement

5. Monitor Progress and Adjust Goals as Needed

CICO templates should be reviewed regularly to assess the student’s progress. If a student consistently meets their behavioural goals, the teacher may consider adjusting the goals to make them more challenging.

Conversely, if the student is struggling, the goals can be simplified, or additional support can be provided. The key is to make CICO a dynamic and evolving tool to meet the students’ needs.

Benefits of Using CICO for Student Behaviour Support

The implementation of CICO templates has several advantages for both students and teachers.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Immediate Feedback

CICO provides students with regular, timely feedback on their behaviour, helping them stay on track and make necessary adjustments throughout the day.

• Improved Self-Regulation

By participating in the process of goal-setting, check-ins, and self-assessment, students learn to take responsibility for their actions and develop better self-regulation skills.

• Increased Motivation

Students are more motivated when they have clear, achievable goals and the opportunity to earn rewards or praise for meeting them. CICO creates a structured environment where students can experience success, which in turn encourages continued effort.

• Strengthened Teacher-Student Relationships

The check-in/check-out process provides an opportunity for teachers to build a positive relationship with students. Regular, individualised attention helps foster trust and open communication, which are essential for supporting behavioural change.

Bottom Line

Implementing CICO successfully requires proper training and understanding, which can be gained through programs like the Bachelor of Education in Special Educational Needs. With the right tools and strategies, teachers can use CICO to support students in their behavioural growth, setting them up for success both academically and personally.