What Is a Behavior Contract

Make it a group effort. Everyone should sign the conduct contract. In this way, it allows the contribution of students and parents and gives all participants an active role in promoting results. It is not uncommon – especially when a behavioral contract is introduced for the first time – for the teacher and student to have honest disagreements about the interpretation of its terms. In this case, the teacher will probably want to hold a conference with the student to clarify the language and meaning of the contract. On occasion, however, students may continue to discuss with the teacher about an alleged injustice in the teacher`s performance of the contract – even after the teacher has tried to clarify the terms of the contract. If the student becomes too antagonistic, the teacher may simply decide to suspend the contract because it does not improve the student`s behavior. Or the teacher may instead include a behavioral goal or penalty clause in the contract that the student does not discuss with the teacher about the terms or performance of the contract. Q: How can I react if the student starts arguing with me about the terms of the contract? A behavioral contract can help make your child more accountable for their actions. Here`s what you need to know about behavioral contracts.

Behavioral contracts can be useful if the student has behavioral problems in school settings other than the classroom (e.B. art room, cafeteria). Once a behavioral contract has proven effective in the classroom, the instructor can meet with the student to extend the terms of the contract over multiple hires. Adults in these other schools would then be responsible for assessing the student`s behaviour during the period the student is with them. Children with certain differences in learning and thinking may have difficulty controlling their behavior at school. If your child often gets into trouble because they perform or don`t follow instructions in class, a behavioral contract might help. Your child`s teacher can suggest one. Or you can share the idea with the teacher if you think it would be useful. Provide all the information the student needs to correct their behavior. Specify the negative behavior, the replacement actions, the result if the negative behavior is used, and the result of participating in the replacement behavior.

This leaves no doubt about what will happen in each situation. Also, design the contract with positive incentives for surrogate behavior, rather than focusing on negative behavior. For example, don`t use “I haven`t completed all the work assigned to me.” Instead, use “I`ve done all the work assigned to me for the day” and leave room for a checkmark, smiley, or sticker. A behavioral contract could benefit any student who needs to improve their behavior at school. It could be helpful for children with ADHD who may have problems with impulsivity, inattention, or hyperactivity. A behavioral contract can work well for children who have problems organizing and completing work. They could also be useful for children who often have tantrums, or for those who engage in oppositional behavior. The teacher meets with the student to create a behavioral contract. (Other school staff, and perhaps the student`s parents, may also be invited to participate.) Then, the teacher meets with the student to create a behavioral contract. The contract should include the following: If you want your behavioral contract to be successful, you should think carefully when developing the document for each student.

It may be beneficial to have a discussion with the parents before describing the contract so that you can make more informed decisions. A behavioral contract can help your child improve their self-monitoring skills. Make behavioral contracts visual and easy to understand. Especially with young students, it is very important that they clearly understand the system and expectations. If you make it visual with stars or add graphic elements, understanding will help you. Charts, tables, and other structured elements are also useful elements that can be integrated. It can be used (and customized) over time. A driving contract can be drawn up at any time during the school year. You don`t have to wait for an intervention or an IAP meeting. Once a contract has been created, it can be changed at any time as long as you, your child and the teacher agree to the new terms.

And if a behavioral contract works, it can go on year after year when everyone is on board. For example, if your child has trouble remembering to raise their hand in class, the contract may include a goal they call less than three times a day. If homework delivery is a problem, the contract could stipulate that it gives him at least 90% of the time. 3. Choose a manageable number of behaviors you want to focus on. In the lower classes, you can only start with 2-3 behaviors that need to be changed. The upper classes may have a little more. Choosing too many behaviors to change can make it overwhelming for the student who feels defeated before even starting the contract. This can make your child more responsible for their actions.

Even the word “contract” seems formal. And a contract of conduct is a written agreement that is easy to resort to in case of confusion. (This can be helpful if your child says something like, “Oh, I forgot it was in there.”) If your child complies with the terms of the contract, they will receive a reward set out in the contract. A reward could be, for example, extra computer time. And a week of good conduct in class could mean a family movie night at home or a weekend evening. .