Why We Recommend Dr. Ross Greene’s Methodologies to Our School Partners
When schools succeed at meeting the behavioral and emotional needs of students, everyone wins—students, teachers, administrators, and communities alike. One approach we highly recommend at Global Link Advisors is Dr. Ross Greene’s “Collaborative & Proactive Solutions” (CPS) model. Dr. Greene’s evidence-based framework offers fresh perspectives and practical tools for understanding and supporting children, especially those with behavioral challenges. Below, we’ll explore the big ideas behind Dr. Greene’s work and why it’s a game-changer for schools aiming to create positive, nurturing environments.
Kids Do Well If They Can
The cornerstone of Dr. Greene’s philosophy is that “kids do well if they can”—meaning children generally want to succeed and behave appropriately. When a child struggles, it’s usually because they’re missing the skills or conditions to meet the expectations placed on them. By embracing this idea, educators shift from seeing a child as “difficult” to recognizing a lagging skill or unsolved problem that needs addressing.
Quick Humor Note: Think of it this way: if a student could do algebra flawlessly by just wishing it so, they absolutely would. No one wants to struggle or cause trouble on purpose!
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions in Action
Dr. Greene’s CPS model revolves around collaboration—engaging the child in identifying the root cause of a problem and brainstorming solutions together. Rather than waiting for conflicts to bubble over, the approach encourages educators to:
Identify Lagging Skills & Unsolved Problems
Pinpoint moments or tasks causing frustration and determine the specific skill gaps (e.g., flexibility, frustration tolerance, problem-solving) that might be making it hard for the student to succeed.Empathize & Gather Information
Use empathy to understand why the student is having difficulty. Listen actively to their perspective—it often reveals insights that help you craft a workable solution.Brainstorm Solutions Collaboratively
Work with the student to propose ideas and agree on a plan that addresses both the teacher’s and student’s concerns.
Encouraging Tone: Engaging the student in the solution-making process empowers them—rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all approach, they become co-pilots in their own success.
Why Schools Benefit
Reduced Conflicts & Discipline Issues
When students feel heard and have the right supports in place, they’re far less likely to have outbursts or resort to disruptive behavior.Stronger Relationships
A collaborative approach fosters trust and respect between educators and students, improving the overall classroom culture.Proactive Skill-Building
By identifying lagging skills early on, teachers can integrate targeted interventions—like social-emotional learning (SEL) or executive function coaching—to help students thrive.Inclusive Learning Environment
Dr. Greene’s model aligns perfectly with inclusive and trauma-informed practices, ensuring that every child, regardless of background or ability, feels supported.
Practical Tips for Implementation
Train Staff School-Wide: Consistency matters. Providing CPS training to teachers, administrators, and support staff ensures a unified approach.
Start Small: Pick one classroom or grade level to pilot the approach, gather feedback, and refine your strategies before scaling.
Monitor & Adjust: Regularly check in with students, parents, and staff. Collaborative solutions are dynamic—adjust them as needed to fit real-world changes and challenges.
Celebrate Wins: When a previously frustrated student successfully navigates a tough moment, share the success story. Positive momentum fuels broader adoption.
Forward-Thinking Tip: Integrating Dr. Greene’s methods with other school initiatives (like PBIS, SEL programs, or restorative justice) can create a seamless support system that drives long-term culture change.
Our Recommendation for School Partners
At Global Link Advisors, we’re committed to guiding educational leaders toward the strategies that best serve their unique communities. Dr. Ross Greene’s methodologies stand out because they prioritize empathy, skill-building, and proactive problem-solving—practices that lead to measurable improvements in student behavior, academic engagement, and overall school climate.
Empathetic & Encouraging Close: If you’re ready to transform the way your school addresses behavioral challenges, Dr. Greene’s CPS model could be the key. It’s not about quick fixes or punitive measures; it’s about teaching, learning, and growing together, one meaningful conversation at a time.
