Behavior Contracting

What is Behavior Contracting?:

Behavior contracting is a structured, collaborative strategy used to support positive behavior change in students. A behavior contract is a written agreement between a student and one or more adults (such as a teacher, counselor, or administrator) that outlines specific behavioral expectations, goals, and rewards or consequences. At PaTTAN, we support tools like behavior contracting that promote student accountability, build trusting relationships, and reinforce positive behaviors in a proactive, student-centered manner.

Why is it important?

Promotes Self-Management: Encourages students to take ownership of their behavior and progress.
Strengthens Relationships: Creates a shared understanding between students and adults, fostering trust and open communication.
Supports Tier II Interventions: Ideal for students needing more targeted support within a PBIS or MTSS framework.
Increases Motivation: Reinforcement strategies linked to the contract can boost student engagement and goal-directed behavior.
Encourages Consistency: Provides a clear, consistent plan for behavioral expectations across settings and staff.

Critical Features:

Clearly Defined Expectations: Describes specific, observable behaviors the student is expected to demonstrate.
Student Involvement: Developed collaboratively with the student to increase buy-in and commitment.
Achievable Goals: Sets realistic, measurable goals that match the student’s developmental level and support needs.
Reinforcement Plan: Identifies meaningful, timely rewards or consequences tied directly to behavior.
Monitoring System: Includes a plan for tracking progress (e.g., daily check-ins, point sheets).
Review and Adjustment: Built-in review dates to adjust the contract based on progress or changing needs.

Implementation Tips:

Use Data to Identify Students: Target students who show patterns of behavior that require more support than Tier I strategies alone.
Co-Create with Students: Involve the student in creating the contract to ensure it reflects their voice, goals, and motivations.
Align with Existing Supports: Integrate behavior contracts into your Tier II interventions or Check-In/Check-Out systems.
Train Staff: Ensure staff are equipped to implement contracts consistently and with fidelity.
Involve Families: Share the contract with families and invite them to support the behavior goals at home when appropriate.
Celebrate Success: Recognize progress regularly, even if it’s small. Positive reinforcement builds momentum and self-efficacy.

Citations:

Helpful Links:

Professional development and conference presentations on evidence-based practices in learning environment and engagement.

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PaTTAN resources for implementing evidence-based practices in learning enviornment and engagement.

Tools to support implementation of evidence-based practices in learning enviornment and engagement.

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Videos, podcasts, and recorded sessions that bring key learning enviornment and engagement topics to life.

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