DBR as a communication device helps to share information among those key persons in a child’s life (e.g. teacher-child, home-school, teacher-teacher).

How can I use a DBR in communication?

It can be easy, once procedures for completing DBR have been put in place (see DBR in Assessment).

• Select relevant target behaviors, and then when and how ratings will be completed.
• Determine with whom information will be shared, which might include parent(s), teacher, child, and/or counselor.
• Establish how often information will be shared, which might be daily or weekly.
• Decide if you want to simply provide the information (school-home) or if you want to establish a communication loop (school-home-school).
• Don’t forget to follow-through as questions arise!

Note. Applications of DBR for communication are often paired with behavior support programs (see DBR for Intervention).

Who can use a DBR for communication?

DBR can be used by anyone involved with the child! Potential benefits of using DBR for communication purposes include that it can:

• provide immediate and consistent feedback about student behavior
• foster shared responsibility for student welfare
• help establish shared behavior goals across settings and persons
• increase opportunities for positive attention about pro-social behavior