The initiative, which was announced in Balls' speech to the Labour party conference, is designed to improve discipline and behaviour in schools.
But the National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) believes schools are expected to fulfil an "endless" list of demands, such as tackling teenage pregnancy, wiping out obesity and providing health and social care.
Mick Brookes, general secretary of the NAHT said: "Schools must not be expected, single-handedly, to establish and maintain the behaviour norms for the whole of society."
Mary Bousted, general secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) warned that the Behaviour Challenge must support teachers and parents, and "not put teachers under more pressure nor turn them into scapegoats."
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