More on Behavioral Contracting!

As a teacher, one is always arranging and rearranging the environment in order to help students be successful in the classroom. However, there are times when informal approaches of delivering rewards and other consequence to manage student behavior are not effective. In situations where clearly defined alternative behaviors need to be monitored and reinforced, behavior contracts are a very effective means for behavior change.

Behavior contracts help the student and the teacher to focus on the desired behavior and receive reinforcement for that desired behavior. According to Hall and Hall (1998), a behavior contract is an agreement between two or more persons that lists specific behaviors the parties will perform and the consequences that will result. Clearly specified behaviors and rewards are the keys to an effective behavior contract.

Behavior contracts are useful in the home setting as well. Parents can set up behavior contracts to make the morning routine run more smoothly. Many parents find behavior contracting very effective with adolescents. According to Hall and Hall (1998), planned ignoring and time out lose their effectiveness after the age of 12. Behavior contracts tend to continue to be very successful for adolescents and adults. The parent and child identified what behaviors that are expected and together they come to a mutual agreement regarding the reward. For example: 3 stickers per day earns 15 minute cartoon or a pack of fruit snacks


Hall, R., & Hall, M. (1998). How to Negotiate a Behavior Contract (2nd edition). ProEd: TX
If you have had success with behavior contracting and would like to share your experience please add to this blog. If you have questions and need help troubleshooting, add it to the blog. Your input is valued.


http://www.interventioncentral.org/htmdocs/interventions/behavior/behcontr.php
This a wonderful site for teachers to find answers to frequently asked questions when implementing a behavior contract. Additionally, sample contracts are provided

http://www.goalforit.com/
This is a great site to recommend to parents. This website provides web based charts to assist parents organize tasks at home.