ACT for Schools

ACT Tools for School-Based Behavior Support

Free Acceptance and Commitment Therapy tools designed for BCBAs, school psychologists, and behavior teams working with students.

Choose a Tool

Values Card Sort

Help students identify what matters most to them through an interactive card sort activity.

Try it free

ACT Metaphor Creator

Generate age-appropriate ACT metaphors for teaching defusion, acceptance, and values.

Try it free

ACT Matrix Builder

Create a visual ACT Matrix to map student values, barriers, and committed actions.

Try it free

Like this tool? Get unlimited access.

Try Behavior School Pro free for 14 days — all tools, no limits.

Start Free Trial

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps students develop psychological flexibility — the ability to be present, open up to difficult thoughts and feelings, and take action guided by personal values.

In school settings, ACT is particularly effective for students whose behavior is driven by rigid thinking patterns, anxiety, or avoidance. Rather than just targeting surface behaviors, ACT addresses the underlying psychological processes.

Six Core Processes of ACT:

  • Acceptance: Making room for difficult feelings without struggling against them
  • Cognitive Defusion: Seeing thoughts as just thoughts, not literal truths
  • Present Moment: Paying attention to what's happening now
  • Self-as-Context: The observing self — "I am not my thoughts"
  • Values: Identifying what truly matters
  • Committed Action: Taking steps toward values, even when it's hard

ACT in Schools: CalABA 2026 Symposium

Learn how Kings County USD implements ACT-informed FBAs and BIPs for students with internally-mediated behavior.

Get Symposium Materials