Behavior Management
Strategy
Strategy: Contingency Contracts – Behavior Management
Appropriate Grade Level: 4-12
Procedures/Steps:
The purpose of this strategy is to help students modify their behaviors.
1. Target the behavior.
2. Identify reinforcers for specific behaviors.
3. Collaborate with the student and develop an informal or formal contract using
“if…then” (for example, “If you eat your vegetables, then you can have dessert.”)
4. Explain and review the contract with the student.
Comments and/or tips:

Valued activities (example: computer time) are used to reinforce less valued activities
(example: seatwork).

When writing the contract, use language in which the student can read and
understand.

Praise should be given as soon as the appropriate behavior is demonstrated.

Reprimands should be calm, firm, consistent and delivered immediately after the offtask behavior.
Source:
Garrick Duhaney, L. M. (2003). A practical approach to managing the behavior of
students with ADD. Intervention in School and Clinic, 38(5), 267-279.