Driving Systemic Change in Education: An OBM Approach to Behavioral Improvement

Navigating the labyrinth of behavioral challenges in educational settings often boils down to one uncomfortable reality: you're expected to be the 'behavioral messiah,' fixing problems in isolation. But let's cut through the euphemism. You can't, and shouldn't, go it alone. Systemic behavioral change is not a solo performance; it's an organizational symphony. And if you've found yourself dissonantly trying to play all the instruments, it's time for a new score— one steeped in organizational behavior science, also known as Organizational Behavior Management (OBM).

Now, don't get me wrong. The problem isn't necessarily a lack of desire or skills on your part. It's a matter of approach. You see, too many folks in our field offer what I like to call 'clipboard solutions'—superficial quick fixes that may check boxes but rarely check the underlying issues. Sound familiar? That's because you need a process that's methodologically robust and organizationally viable. The objective should be to design strategies that don't just solve today's behavioral problems but preempt tomorrow's challenges by creating good educator habits. And let's be real, telling people what to do doesn't create habits. If it did, we'd all be in tip-top shape, wouldn't we?

We're talking about tools and systems here grounded in behavior science. Regardless of your title, whether you're a seasoned professional or you're still wet behind the ears when it comes to improving behavior in schools, updating your behavioral toolbox is non-negotiable. Let's face it, behavioral consulting is complex and high-stakes; why not make your job easier and more effective with proven OBM approaches?

Which brings me to the first course for the Behavioral Toolbox Course: "Ready, Set, Consult." Let's be clear—this isn't a course you take; it's a transformation you undergo. This isn't about adding another certification to your LinkedIn profile. This is about equipping you with an arsenal of OBM-driven tools to accelerate and sustain effective practice across varied situations in educational settings. This course, developed by myself, Anika Costa, and Matt Cicoria, is practically a Behavioral Toolbox on its own as it covers everything from diagnosing performance deficits and assessing educators' needs to values-based strategies for engaging educators in behavior change.

In essence, if you're hell-bent on driving systemic change in behavioral practices within education, consider this your field guide. The endgame? Capacity-building, pure and simple. This isn't just professional development; it's a professional revolution. The question isn't whether you can afford to take this course; it's whether our educational systems can afford for you not to. Are you up for it?

About the Author

Specializing in human performance, coaching, and organizational leadership, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni is a behavior scientist and educator who has worked across education and human services for almost three decades. In this capacity, he has served the needs of children and adults through various positions, including COO, Vice President, Director of School Improvement, Leadership Director, Professor, Assistant Principal, School Turnaround Manager, Clinical Coordinator, Therapist, District Behavior Analyst, and Director of Progam Development and Public Relations at?PCMA. Dr. Gavoni is passionate about applying Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), or the science of human behavior, to make a positive difference in establishing safe, productive, and engaging environments that bring out the best in faculty and staff so they can bring out the best in the learners they serve. He is an active board member of the?Opioid Awareness Foundation?and?World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance.

Known for his authenticity and practical approaches, Dr. Gavoni is the host of the Top 1.5% globally ranked?Crisis in Education Podcast?and a sought-out speaker at various Educational and Behavior Analytic Conferences Internationally. He a the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling co-author of The Scientific Laws of Life & Leadership: Behavioral Karma; Quick Wins! Accelerating School Transformation through Science, Engagement, and Leadership; Deliberate Coaching: A Toolbox for Accelerating Teacher Performance; and MMA Science: A Training, Coaching, and Belt Ranking Guide. Dr. Gavoni is proud to introduce OBM and Applied Behavior Analysis to worldwide audiences through his numerous publications and his work with PCMA to create productive, safe, and positive cultures.

Beyond his work in education and human services, Dr. Gavoni is also a former Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and a highly respected striking coach in combat sports. Coach “Paulie Gloves,” as he is known in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community, has trained world champions and UFC vets using technologies rooted in the behavioral sciences. Coach Paulie has been featured in the books?Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams a the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts, A Fighter’s Way, and the featured article Ring to Cage:?How four former boxers help mold MMA’s finest. He is also an author who has written extensively for various online magazines such as Scifighting, Last Word on Sports, and Bloody Elbow, where his?Fight Science series?continues to bring behavioral science to MMA. Finally, Paulie was also a featured fighter in FX’s highest-rated show at the time, The Toughman, and as an MMA coach in the Lifetime reality series?Leave it to Geege.