Researchers used four token reinforcement systems--tokens only, descriptive praise, self-reinforcement, and a combination of all three--and observed the effect on the problem solving performance of fourth-grade reading students. Only students using the combination reward system maintained their progress after tokens were withdrawn. (Authors/PP)

A study involving four children (ages 4-7) with developmental disabilities and severe opposition behaviors found that use of reinforcement for compliance in isolation was ineffective in bringing about significant improvement in child compliance. The addition of a graduated request hierarchy appeared to be associated with substantial changes in…

The role of archival data in planning intervention priorities is examined and efficacy research focusing on the three types of positive behavioral support (PBS) is evaluated: schoolwide (universal), specific setting, and individual student levels. Overall, findings were positive across all types of PBS, validating implementation of these…

Examines the influence of type of behavioral program and program outcome on 230 university students' perceptions of a hypothetical 17-year-old boy with mental retardation who exhibited severe self-injury. A positive program was viewed as more acceptable and effective than were other programs, such as aversive strategies. (Author/CR)

Choice-making produces were used to identify response-reinforcer relations during assessment and treatment phases with two children (ages 4-6) with pervasive development disorders who displayed severe behavioral problems. Results were used to develop preliminary treatment packages in which access to positive reinforcement was contingent on…

A study explored 40 Mexican teachers' perceptions and attributions about student behavior and management strategies they use in their primary classrooms. Teachers' preferred management strategies were talking with parents and increasing positive reinforcements to increase/maintain appropriate student behavior. They used talking with students and…

Preschool children (n=32) were evaluated in an unstructured play session, matched for levels of appropriate or inappropriate social behavior, and assigned to a treatment or control condition. The treatment group conditions involved positive reinforcement, modeling, rehearsal, feedback, and time out. Although prosocial behaviors were successfully…

A point system was developed to reinforce appropriate study habits and behaviors of secondary students with learning disabilities and behavior disorders. The system functioned as a bank, with students depositing their points and earning weekly interest on points saved. Students could also use points to conduct financial transactions at the…

Eight public school adolescent students with mild mental retardation and severely disruptive classroom behaviors participated in a cooperative behavior management intervention in which student teams were rewarded for appropriate classroom behavior. Rewarding both teams and individuals was most successful in decreasing inappropriate behavior in all…

Provides examples of programs that teach children positive behavior skills for success in life rather than resorting to traditional punishment. Looks at the Positive Education Program, Boys Town, the Westerly School District, and the New Opportunities Program. Such programs help children learn appropriate skills that replace problem behaviors.…

This article reports on aspects of an evaluation of Team-Teach--a "whole setting, holistic" approach to behaviour management in a range of childcare environments. A distinctive feature of Team-Teach is that it includes training in both de-escalation skills and physical interventions, known as "positive handling strategies". The…

Results of prior studies (e.g. [J. Appl. Behav. Anal. 32 (1999) 285]) showing that participants chose alternative behavior (compliance) over escape-reinforced destructive behavior when this latter response produced escape and the former response produced positive reinforcement may have been due to (a) the value of the positive reinforcer…

This paper provides the outcomes of Project IMPROVE, a pilot study that examined the effectiveness of a workshop designed to train educators in foundational strategies and concepts for effective social skill training. Twenty-two educators participated in a one-day work-shop focusing on teaching social skills and appropriate replacement behaviors…

This study employed a multiple probe design to evaluate the effectiveness of a school-based lunchtime oral-sensory/oral-motor/positive reinforcement program on food acceptance behaviors of three youth with multiple disabilities. Overall dramatic gains in food acceptance behaviors of all participants indicated that trained school personnel were…

Positive behavioral support (PBS) refers to the application of positive behavioral interventions and systems to achieve socially important behavioral changes (Sugai et al., 2000). Implementation of PBS at the classroom level involves all stakeholders--those with interest and experience in that setting (e.g., teachers, paraprofessionals, students,…