Using the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Model to Engage Even the Most Disengaged Students

Many teachers and schools face the ongoing challenge of supporting students who are disengaged, oppositional, or struggling with behavior. Traditional disciplinary approaches often rely on enforcing rules and consequences, which can escalate conflicts and deepen disengagement. Dr. Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model offers an alternative that focuses on understanding and solving the problems that underlie challenging behaviors — and it’s increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for educators.

What is the Collaborative & Proactive Solutions Model?

Developed by clinical psychologist Dr. Ross Greene, CPS is based on the premise that kids do well if they can. Challenging behaviors arise not from willful defiance, but from lagging skills in areas like flexibility, frustration tolerance, or problem-solving. Rather than punish or control behaviors, CPS encourages adults to collaborate with students to identify the specific challenges causing difficulties and work together on practical solutions.

The model is proactive because it addresses problems before they escalate, and collaborative because it involves genuine dialogue with the student — valuing their perspective and input.

How Schools and Teachers Can Adopt CPS

1. Shift the Mindset

   Move away from a punitive mindset (“enforce rules, impose consequences”) toward one of curiosity and partnership. Believe that behavior is a form of communication about unmet needs or skill deficits.

2. Identify Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems

   Use direct observation, conversations, and reflection to understand the specific skills the student needs to develop and the exact situations that trigger difficulties.

3. Engage the Student in Problem-Solving

   Through Collaborative Problem Solving conversations, teachers and students brainstorm mutually satisfactory solutions to problems, ensuring the student’s concerns are heard alongside the teacher’s expectations.

4. Train Staff and Build Consistency

   School-wide professional development can help embed the CPS approach, so all staff members understand and apply its principles consistently.

5. Monitor and Adjust

   Regularly revisit solutions, track progress, and adapt strategies collaboratively with students and families.

   
   

Why CPS is Especially Effective for Disengaged Students

Disengaged students often resist traditional top-down strategies because they feel unheard, misunderstood, or powerless. CPS empowers students by:

• Giving them a voice in decisions affecting them

• Focusing on solving problems instead of punishing behaviors

• Building essential skills for flexibility, communication, and self-regulation

• Creating stronger student-teacher relationships based on trust and respect

Benefits of CPS Over Traditional Approaches

Traditional Model	Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS)
Focuses on compliance and rule enforcement	Focuses on skill-building and problem-solving
Uses punishment or consequences to control	Uses collaboration to understand and resolve issues
May escalate conflict or disengagement	Reduces conflict by addressing root causes proactively
Students often feel powerless or alienated	Students feel heard, valued, and part of the solution
Short-term behavior compliance is the goal	Long-term skill development and relationship building

Conclusion

The Collaborative & Proactive Solutions model is transforming the way schools support challenging students. By partnering with students to solve problems before they escalate, schools can foster engagement, improve behavior, and create a more inclusive and respectful learning environment. For teachers grappling with disengagement or challenging behaviors, adopting CPS is a promising step toward lasting, positive change.

If you want to learn more about implementing CPS in your school or classroom, Innerbloom Psychology offers training and consultation tailored for educators. For more information about Dr Ross Greene, the CPS model and how to get started, visit the Lives in the Balance website.