Maximizing Effectiveness Using
Positive Behavior Support Methods
in the Classroom:
Reward Systems
Objectives
• Understand why it is important to develop a
classroom reward system
• Identify the guidelines for developing a classroom
reward system
• Understand different types of reward systems and
how they to align them with the school-wide reward
system
• Develop a classroom reward system
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Why Develop a
Classroom Reward System?
• Increases the likelihood that desired behaviors
will be repeated
• Focuses staff and student attention on desired
behaviors
• Fosters a positive climate
• Reduces the need for engaging in time
consuming disciplinary measures
• Supports efforts of school-wide system
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Reward System Guidelines
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Keep it simple
Reward frequently in the beginning
Reward contingent on desired behavior
Refrain from threatening the loss of rewards and/or
taking earned items away as a strategy for motivating
desired behaviors
• Students are ALWAYS eligible to earn rewards
• Keep ratios of reinforcement to correction high (4:1)
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What Are the Challenges?
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Remaining focused on the positive
Keeping rates of reinforcement high
Taking time to reward students
Keeping the system simple
Providing meaningful rewards
Maintaining consistency
Consider the school-wide reward system
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Reward Systems
• TIPS for using tangible tokens:
– Ensure an adequate supply
– Take steps to prohibit counterfeiting
– Develop a system for “spending” tokens
– Establish an efficient system of record keeping
• Advantages:
– Works like money (use as an immediate reward, but
actual “prize” is purchased later)
– Takes less time
– Less expensive
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Meeting Token System
Challenges
• Use tokens that students can “cash in” for back
up reinforcers
• Change the color and/or design of tokens
frequently to discourage counterfeiting.
• Ensure an ample supply of tokens
• Ensure all students have fair chance of earning
rewards.
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Meeting Reward System
Challenges
• Provide visual prompts in all settings
• Include information and encouraging messages on
daily basis
• Select criteria for earning that is based on data
already being collected (e.g., attendance, grades)
• Continue school-wide efforts and align your classroom
rewards system with the school-wide system
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Reward Systems
Independent/Individual
Small Group
Group
Congratulations!!!
Number 1 Student
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Reward System
• Independent/Individual
– Each student’s behavior determines
independently, whether he/she receives a
reward.
– Each student receives the same consequence
for stated behavior.
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Reward System
• Small Group
– The reward is given to all members of a group.
– Individual performance can effect the entire
group.
(Members must perform at or better than a
specified level to receive a reward and are
competing with other groups in the class.)
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Reward System
• Group
– The entire class is considered one group and
work together towards a goal.
– An individual’s inappropriate behavior affects
the reward for the entire class.
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Example: Individual System
Mrs. Robinson gives Tommy a token for
appropriate classroom behavior. If he earns
10 tokens, he may participate in the
“Spelling Bee Challenge” or the “Who
Wants To Be A Millionaire” game at the end
of the day.
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Individual System Considerations
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Doesn’t utilize peer influence
Data collection may be difficult
Promotes peer comparison
Low performing children may not succeed
Array of rewards needed for students
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Example: Small Group System
Mrs. Robinson’s class is divided into 4 groups.
Ex. A Members of the group help earn tokens for their group.
Groups that earn at least 20 tokens by the end of the day
are admitted to compete in the “Spelling Bee” or “Who
Wants To Be A Millionaire” game.
Ex. B Mrs. Robinson’s class is divided into 4 groups. Each
member must earn 5 tokens each day in order for the
entire group to participate in the game (receive a
reward).
Ex. C The 2 groups receiving the highest number of tokens for
the day participate in the game (receive a reward).
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Small Group System
Considerations
• Team competition promotes higher
interest and participation
• Can promote unhealthy competition
• Group may not have equal chance for
success (may need to change the
groups periodically)
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Example: Group System
Ex. A If the class earns a total of 30 tokens
collectively, there will be a “Spelling Bee”
or “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire” game
at the end of the day.
Ex. B If each member of the class earns 5 tokens,
the class is rewarded with participation in a
“Spelling Bee” or “Who Wants To Be A
Millionaire” game at the end of the day. If
anyone does not earn 5 tokens, the class
does not play. (More advanced level)
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Group System
Considerations
• Promotes team work
• Uses peer influences to correct
inappropriate behavior
• May result in conflict within the classroom
• Good opportunity for modeling/role playing
and teaching class wide appropriate
behavior (embedding skills)
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Aligning Classroom and
School-wide Reward Systems
• Use the same tokens as the school-wide system
• Students can receive rewards in class for
“earning” tokens, and continue collecting tokens
for use in the school-wide reward system, where
they are actually “cashed-in” or spent
• Supplemental rewards for academic
achievement/participation can also be used in
addition to the token system in the classroom
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What Other Teachers Have
Found to be Effective
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Punch-Out Card
Good Behavior Lotto
Chart Tracking (use points or checks)
Compliance Matrix
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Low Cost Strategies
• Positive parent telephone contacts with students
present
• Coupons (purchased with established numbers of
tokens) for the following:
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Extra P.E.
Extra art
Extra music
Earned activity period for a preferred activity
Early release pass
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School-wide Reward System
Example
Monthly
Tim earns tokens (Bronco Bucks) throughout
the school day from all staff members that he
can spend once a month to purchase items at
the school store.
9-Weeks
For each dollar Tim spends at the store, his
name is entered in a drawing for a chance to
win a bicycle.
Random
Occasionally, other incentives such as student
dances, jean day, etc. are introduced randomly.
Students gain admittance by using “Bronco
Bucks”.
Classroom Reward System
Example
Daily
If Tim earns 2 “Bronco Bucks” he can
participate in the review game/get a
positive note sent home
Weekly
Everyone that received 2 (or other set #)
daily rewards during the week receives
preferred activity time at the end of the week
Monthly
If the entire class reaches their goal of
earning a specified amount of “Bronco Bucks”
by the end of the month, the class gets to
watch a movie.
9-Weeks
There is a competition between all of
Mr. Smith’s classes. The class earning
the highest number of “Bronco Bucks”
earns a pizza/ice cream party
Activity: Reward System
Self-Check
Use the self-check provided in your packet and evaluate
your current classroom reward system
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The system is simple to use
Clearly defined criteria for earning rewards
Ongoing opportunity to earn rewards
Flexible enough to meet the needs of diverse students
Aligned with the school-wide reward system
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Activity: Reward System
Self-Check (cont.)
• Supportive of and aligned with the data collection
system
• Supportive of behavioral and academic success
• Meaningful back-up reinforcers
• Varied to maintain student interest
• Age-appropriate
• Hierarchical: Small increments of success are
recognized with small rewards
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Activity: Creating A Classroom
Reward System
• Brainstorm ideas and begin planning your
classroom reward system
• Use the Self-check items to determine
strengths and weaknesses of the plans
• Generate ideas for strengthening the plans
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