Individualized Contingency Contract for Students: A Collaborative Approach (From Promoting Success with At-Risk Students: Emerging Perspectives and Practical Approaches, P 65-87, 1990, Louis J Kruger, ed. -- See NCJ-128388)

• NCJ Number: 128391
• Author(s): L J Kruger
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Individualized contingency contracts can be a powerful intervention for helping at-risk students succeed in regular education.

Abstract

Several issues should be considered relative to developing and implementing the contingency contract. These issues include developing precise definitions of problem behaviors and prioritizing problem behaviors for contract intervention. In addition, activities should be undertaken that facilitate collaboration among special services providers, regular education teachers, students, and possibly parents. Appropriate contract contingencies need to be selected and criteria set at the appropriate level of difficulty. The actual writing of the contract involves the use of language and concepts that are attractive and developmentally appropriate for the student. Contingency contracts are viewed as a flexible intervention for addressing various motivational deficits that may affect a student's academic and social behavior. They offer students considerable input and control. Guidelines for incorporating cognitive interventions into contracts are presented, and contract implementation and generalization issues are discussed. Further research is recommended to evaluate the effectiveness of contingency contracts so that practitioners will have clearer guidelines on how to tailor such contracts for individual students. 21 references and 4 figures