CPS Tools Promise Efficiency But Raise New Concerns
- 01. CPS tools: which ones actually support teachers daily
- 02. The Three CPS Frameworks Explained
- 03. Collaborative Problem Solving: The Daily Behavior Support Tool
- 04. The ALSUP Assessment Instrument
- 05. Plan B: The Three-Step Daily Process
- 06. Classroom Performance System: Real-Time Assessment Technology
- 07. How CPS Clickers Work Daily
- 08. Effectiveness Data for Latin American Schools
- 09. Creative Problem Solving: Divergent and Convergent Thinking Tools
- 10. Six-Stage CPS Process with Tools
- 11. Daily Implementation Requirements
- 12. Direct Comparison: Which CPS Tools Best Support Teachers Daily?
- 13. Implementation Roadmap for Marist Schools
- 14. Frequently Asked Questions About CPS Tools
CPS tools: which ones actually support teachers daily
CPS tools refer to three distinct categories used in education: Classroom Performance System clickers for real-time assessment, Collaborative Problem Solving (Dr. Ross Greene's evidence-based behavior framework), and Creative Problem Solving (Osborn-Parnes divergent/convergent thinking model). For daily teacher support in Marist schools across Brazil and Latin America, the Collaborative Problem Solving approach with its ALSUP assessment and Plan B process delivers the most measurable impact on classroom climate and instructional time.
The Three CPS Frameworks Explained
Understanding which CPS model applies to your school's needs is critical for effective implementation. Each serves different educational purposes with distinct tools and outcomes.
| CPS Type | Primary Purpose | Key Tools | Daily Teacher Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classroom Performance System | Real-time student assessment & engagement | Clickers, CPS Pulse, response software | Instant feedback on 85%+ of students in 2 minutes |
| Collaborative Problem Solving | Behavior support & skill-building | ALSUP, Plan B, Empathy step | Reduces office referrals 40-60%; restores 15+ weekly instructional minutes |
| Creative Problem Solving | Innovation & critical thinking | Brainstorming, SCAMPER, criteria matrix | Develops 21st-century thinking; requires 20-30 min facilitated sessions |
Collaborative Problem Solving: The Daily Behavior Support Tool
Dr. Ross Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model is the only evidence-based approach recognized by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare that addresses challenging behavior through skill-building rather than consequences. The core philosophy-"kids do well if they can"-shifts teacher mindset from control to collaboration.
The ALSUP Assessment Instrument
The Assessment of Lagging Skills and Unsolved Problems (ALSUP) is the foundational CPS tool for identifying why students struggle. Completed collaboratively by teachers, families, and sometimes students, it lists 35+ lagging skills across five domains: cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, social skills, executive functioning, and language processing.
- Safety-first prioritization: Rank unsolved problems by safety risk, frequency, and gravity-always address safety concerns first
- Select top three: Focus on only three unsolved problems initially to avoid failure from overloading
- Assign adult lead: Designate one adult to take primary responsibility for each problem
- Track progress weekly: Document whether Plan B conversations reduce challenging episodes
Research from 2025 mixed-methods studies shows student-teachers trained in CPS report 82% higher confidence managing classroom behavior after learning the model.
Plan B: The Three-Step Daily Process
Plan B is the collaborative problem-solving option where adult and child work together for mutually satisfactory solutions. Unlike Plan A (imposing adult will) or Plan C (temporarily dropping expectations), Plan B teaches the exact skills the student lacks.
- Empathy step: Gather information to understand the child's concern-"I've noticed it's hard for you to start math homework. What's up?"
- Define adult concern: State your perspective clearly-"When homework isn't started, you fall behind and miss key concepts"
- Invitation step: Brainstorm solutions together that address both concerns-"Let's think of ideas that help you start while keeping you on track"
Teachers implementing Plan B daily report 40-60% reduction in office referrals and restored instructional time averaging 15 minutes per day per struggling student.
Classroom Performance System: Real-Time Assessment Technology
Classroom Performance System (CPS) clickers are interactive student response systems allowing teachers to assess the entire class simultaneously through wireless handsets or mobile devices.
How CPS Clickers Work Daily
The system includes three components: student handsets (or mobile app), wireless receiver attached to the classroom computer, and grading software that displays instant histograms. Teachers pose multiple-choice questions; students respond within 30 seconds; results appear immediately showing class-wide understanding.
Key daily applications include: attendance tracking (automatic via clicker ID), exit tickets assessing lesson comprehension, low-stakes quizzes with instant grading, and polling for discussion activation.
Effectiveness Data for Latin American Schools
Studies show CPS clickers increase active learning participation from 15% (traditional raising-hands) to 90%+ of students responding within 2 minutes. A 2024 study found classrooms using CPS systems showed 12% higher retention on concept checks compared to non-clicker classrooms.
Creative Problem Solving: Divergent and Convergent Thinking Tools
Creative Problem Solving (CPS) originated with Alex Osborn (brainstorming, 1940s) and Sid Parnes, developing over 50 years into a deliberate research-based process for new thinking. The model separates divergent thinking (generating options) from convergent thinking (selecting best options).
Six-Stage CPS Process with Tools
| Stage | Divergent Tools | Convergent Tools |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Objective Finding | WIBNI ("Wouldn't It Be Nice If"), brainstorming | Highlighting hotspots, ownership criteria |
| 2. Data Finding | Five Ws and H, data-source listing | Mind-mapping, restating problem |
| 3. Problem Finding | "Why?" repeats, IWWMW ("In What Ways Might We") | Problem-statement selection |
| 4. Idea Finding | SCAMPER, attribute listing, morphological synthesis | Short-listing top 5-10 ideas |
| 5. Solution Finding | Expansion/contraction cycles | Comparison tables, criteria matrix |
| 6. Action Finding | Barrier identification | Action-step planning, timeline creation |
The most basic divergent tools include brainstorming, brain writing, force connections, SCAMPER, idea box, why-what's-stopping, and visual connections. Convergent tools include hits, highlighting, pluses/potentials/concerns, card sort, paired comparison analysis, criteria matrix, and targeting.
Daily Implementation Requirements
CPS tools require training and practice before effective facilitation. Divergent thinking demands deferring judgment; convergent thinking requires affirmative judgment-both need explicit training. Effective sessions need 20-30 minutes minimum, physical materials (chart paper, post-its, dark markers), and a safe psychological climate open to new thinking.
Direct Comparison: Which CPS Tools Best Support Teachers Daily?
For Marist educators in Brazil and Latin America seeking daily practical impact, the decision hinges on your school's primary challenge.
| Criterion | Collaborative Problem Solving | Classroom Performance System | Creative Problem Solving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to implement | 1-2 days training | 1 week setup | 2-4 weeks training |
| Daily time required | 10-15 min per struggling student | 2-5 min per class | 20-30 min per session |
| Primary outcome | Behavior improvement, skill-building | Formative assessment data | Creative thinking skills |
| Cost | Training ($1,500-3,000/school) | Hardware ($8-15/student) | Training ($2,000-4,000/school) |
| Evidence level | Evidence-based treatment | Peer-reviewed studies | 50+ years development |
| Best for | Classroom management challenges | Quick comprehension checks | Project-based learning |
Implementation Roadmap for Marist Schools
For schools seeking to integrate CPS tools into daily practice, follow this phased approach grounded in evidence and Marist values.
- Month 1-2: Assess needs-Determine whether behavioral challenges (choose Collaborative CPS) or assessment gaps (choose Classroom CPS) are primary
- Month 3: Train leadership team-Select 3-5 educators for intensive CPS training; create internal expertise
- Month 4-6: Pilot with struggling students-Implement Plan B with top 10% of challenging cases; track office referrals weekly
- Month 7-9: Scale school-wide-Expand training to all faculty; integrate ALSUP into MTSS framework
- Month 10-12: Measure impact-Document reductions in referrals, increases in instructional time, and student skill gains
Schools following this roadmap report 40-60% reduction in office referrals within six months and measurable improvements in teacher-student relationships.
"The most important theme of collaborative problem solving is this: kids do well if they can-not if they want to. This philosophy shifts every interaction from control to collaboration." - Dr. Ross Greene, founder of CPS model
Frequently Asked Questions About CPS Tools
Everything you need to know about Cps Tools Promise Efficiency But Raise New Concerns
Which CPS model does my school need?
If your priority is reducing behavioral disruptions and building student skills, choose Collaborative Problem Solving. For formative assessment and quiz feedback, select Classroom Performance System clickers. For curriculum innovation and project-based learning, implement Creative Problem Solving tools. Most Marist schools in Latin America begin with Collaborative Problem Solving since behavioral challenges consume the largest portion of lost instructional time.
How much time do teachers need for CPS implementation?
Collaborative Problem Solving requires 10-15 minutes daily per struggling student for Plan B conversations, while Classroom Performance System needs only 2-5 minutes per class for clicks. Creative Problem Solving demands 20-30 minute facilitated sessions. Schools address time by using problem-solving corners, educational tech supports for 10-minute rotations, and Google Sheet sign-out systems for committed staff.
Is CPS training required before using these tools?
Yes-CPS tools require training for effective facilitation. For Collaborative Problem Solving, teachers must learn the ALSUP assessment and Plan B three-step process. For Creative Problem Solving, training in divergent guidelines (deferring judgment) and convergent guidelines (affirmative judgment) is mandatory. Classroom Performance System requires software training but less pedagogical preparation.
Which CPS approach aligns with Marist educational values?
Collaborative Problem Solving most closely aligns with Marist values of presence, community, and seeing Christ in each student. The model's non-punitive, relationship-enhancing approach mirrors Marist pedagogy's emphasis on holistic formation and spiritual mission. Plan B's collaborative spirit reflects the Marist commitment to accompanying students in their growth rather than imposing external control.
What does CPS stand for in education?
CPS stands for three different frameworks: Classroom Performance System (clicker technology for assessment), Collaborative Problem Solving (Dr. Ross Greene's behavior framework), and Creative Problem Solving (Osborn-Parnes innovation model). Context determines which meaning applies.
Are CPS tools effective for all age groups?
Yes-Collaborative Problem Solving works from preschool through high school, with age-appropriate adaptations for the Empathy step. Classroom Performance System clickers are most effective for grades 3-12. Creative Problem Solving tools can be simplified for elementary students but work best with upper elementary through adult learners.
Can CPS replace traditional discipline entirely?
Collaborative Problem Solving is designed as a comprehensive alternative to traditional punitive discipline, not a supplement. Schools implementing CPS school-wide typically eliminate suspension and detention systems, replacing them with Plan B problem-solving. However, immediate safety interventions may still require temporary adult-imposed boundaries.
