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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.