ACT Matrix for Schools
Complete guide with free PDF download, examples, and step-by-step implementation for school-based behavior analysts
The ACT Matrix is a powerful visual tool that helps students make values-based choices even when experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings. Learn how to use this evidence-based intervention in your school practice.
Acting out
Giving up easily
Trying new things
Being kind to others
Feeling anxious
Fear of failure
Feeling confident
Curiosity about learning
What is the ACT Matrix? (Matrice ACT)
A simple yet powerful tool from Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) for helping students navigate challenges while staying connected to their values
The ACT Matrix is a visual framework from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps students organize their experiences around what matters most to them. Unlike traditional behavior interventions that focus primarily on reducing problem behaviors, the ACT Matrix builds psychological flexibility - the ability to stay present with difficult experiences while choosing actions based on personal values.
Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) in Schools
Acceptance and Commitment Training represents the educational application of ACT principles, specifically adapted for school settings and student populations.
Core Components:
- • Acceptance: Learning to experience difficult thoughts and feelings without fighting them
- • Commitment: Taking action guided by personal values even when it's difficult
- • Training: Building skills through practice and repetition
School Applications:
- • Social-emotional learning curricula
- • Individual behavior support plans
- • Classroom management strategies
- • Student resilience building programs
The Four Quadrants
- →Toward Moves: Behaviors that move students toward their values
- ←Away Moves: Behaviors that move students away from their values
- ✓Helpful Internal: Thoughts, feelings that support values-based action
- ✗Unhelpful Internal: Difficult thoughts, feelings that pull away from values
Key Principles
- ★Values are at the center of all decisions
- ◯All internal experiences are normal and acceptable
- ◆Behavior choices can be values-based regardless of feelings
- ↑Psychological flexibility grows through practice
How to Use the ACT Matrix with Students
A step-by-step process for implementing the ACT Matrix in school settings
Start with Values Exploration
Help students identify what truly matters to them. Common student values include being helpful, learning new things, being kind, showing courage, and building friendships. Values are chosen qualities of action that give life meaning.
Identify Toward Moves
Explore behaviors that move students toward their values, even when it's challenging. For example, if a student values learning, toward moves might include asking questions, trying difficult problems, or seeking help when stuck.
Recognize Away Moves
Help students identify behaviors that move them away from their values in both the short and long term. Away moves often provide temporary relief but don't align with what the student truly cares about.
Map Internal Experiences
Explore the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations that show up when moving toward or away from values. All experiences are normal - the key is learning to choose behavior based on values rather than just feelings.
Practice Daily Choices
Use the completed matrix as a guide for daily decisions. When students face challenges, they can ask: 'What choice moves me toward my values right now?' This builds psychological flexibility over time.
ACT Matrix Examples for Common School Scenarios
Real-world applications showing how the ACT Matrix helps students navigate typical challenges
Student Struggling with Math
- • Skipping math class
- • Not doing homework
- • Distracting others
- • Asking teacher for help
- • Practicing problems
- • Working with study group
- • "I'm terrible at math"
- • Feeling frustrated
- • Fear of looking stupid
- • "Mistakes help me learn"
- • Feeling curious
- • Sense of challenge
Student with Social Anxiety
- • Eating lunch alone
- • Avoiding group work
- • Staying quiet in class
- • Sitting with classmates
- • Joining group activities
- • Offering to help others
- • "They'll reject me"
- • Feeling anxious
- • Racing heart
- • "Others feel nervous too"
- • Feeling hopeful
- • Wanting connection
ACT Values Examples for Students
Common values that guide student behavior and decision-making in school settings
Learning & Growth Values
- • Being curious about new ideas
- • Learning from mistakes
- • Asking questions when confused
- • Trying challenging tasks
- • Seeking feedback to improve
- • Reading and exploring topics
Relationship Values
- • Being kind to classmates
- • Helping others when they struggle
- • Including everyone in activities
- • Listening when others speak
- • Sharing and cooperating
- • Building genuine friendships
Character Values
- • Being honest and truthful
- • Taking responsibility for actions
- • Showing courage in difficult situations
- • Being fair and just
- • Demonstrating perseverance
- • Acting with integrity
How to Use ACT Values Examples
For Students:
- • Choose 3-5 values that feel most important to you
- • Think about how these values guide your daily choices
- • Use values to make decisions when facing challenges
- • Remember values when experiencing difficult emotions
For Behavior Analysts:
- • Help students identify personally meaningful values
- • Connect behavior goals to student values
- • Use values language in intervention planning
- • Encourage values-based choice making
ACT Matrix Explained: Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding each component of the ACT Matrix and how it works in practice
The Four Quadrants Explained
Away Moves (Top Left)
Behaviors that move students away from their values, often providing short-term relief but long-term problems.
Examples:
- • Avoiding difficult assignments
- • Acting out to escape demands
- • Withdrawing from social situations
Unhelpful Internal (Bottom Left)
Difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations that can trigger away moves but are normal human experiences.
Examples:
- • "I'm not smart enough"
- • Anxiety about failing
- • Fear of being judged
Toward Moves (Top Right)
Behaviors that move students toward their values, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable.
Examples:
- • Asking for help when stuck
- • Trying new challenges
- • Being kind to others
Helpful Internal (Bottom Right)
Thoughts, feelings, and sensations that support values-based action and psychological flexibility.
Examples:
- • "I can learn from this"
- • Feeling curious
- • Sense of purpose
Key Principles of the ACT Matrix
1. Values Are Central
All decisions and behaviors are evaluated based on whether they move toward or away from what truly matters to the student.
2. All Feelings Are Normal
Difficult thoughts and emotions are part of human experience. The goal isn't to eliminate them but to act on values despite them.
3. Choice Is Always Available
Even in difficult moments, students can choose behaviors that align with their values rather than just react to emotions.
4. Flexibility Over Control
Instead of trying to control internal experiences, focus on developing flexibility to act on values regardless of how you feel.
Why Use the ACT Matrix in Schools?
Evidence-based benefits for both students and school-based behavior analysts
Builds Intrinsic Motivation
Students learn to make choices based on personal values rather than external rewards, leading to more sustainable behavior change.
Improves Emotional Regulation
Students develop psychological flexibility - the ability to experience difficult emotions while still choosing helpful behaviors.
Easy to Implement
Simple visual format that students understand quickly. Can be used in individual sessions, group work, or classroom settings.
Download Your Free ACT Matrix Resource Pack
Get instant access to printable ACT Matrix worksheets, implementation guide, and real school examples. Perfect for BCBAs, school psychologists, and counselors.
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Frequently Asked Questions About the ACT Matrix
Common questions from school-based behavior analysts and other professionals
What is the ACT Matrix?
The ACT Matrix is a visual tool from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that helps students organize their experiences around values-based living. It has four quadrants: behaviors toward values, behaviors away from values, helpful internal experiences, and unhelpful internal experiences. The matrix helps students make choices based on their values rather than just avoiding difficult feelings.
How do you use the ACT Matrix with students?
Start by helping the student identify their core values (what matters most to them). Then explore behaviors that move them toward these values (toward moves) and behaviors that move them away (away moves). Finally, map the internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, sensations) that show up in each quadrant. Use this visual guide to help students make values-based choices in challenging situations.
What are some ACT values examples for students?
Common student values include: Being helpful to classmates, learning and growing, being honest and authentic, showing courage when speaking up, being kind to others, working hard toward goals, building friendships, being responsible, showing creativity, and being fair. Values are personally chosen qualities of action that give life meaning and purpose.
How is the ACT Matrix different from traditional behavior interventions?
Traditional behavior interventions often focus on eliminating problem behaviors through external rewards or consequences. The ACT Matrix focuses on building psychological flexibility - helping students choose behaviors based on their values even when experiencing difficult thoughts or feelings. This approach builds intrinsic motivation and long-term resilience rather than just compliance.
Can the ACT Matrix be used with younger students?
Yes! The ACT Matrix can be adapted for students as young as elementary age. Use simpler language, visual aids, and concrete examples. For younger students, focus on basic concepts like 'what matters to you' and 'choices that help or hurt.' The visual nature of the matrix makes it accessible across age groups.
How long does it take to complete an ACT Matrix with a student?
An initial ACT Matrix session typically takes 30-45 minutes, but this varies based on the student's age and complexity of their situation. The matrix is often revisited and refined over multiple sessions as students develop greater self-awareness and psychological flexibility.
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