The use of extinction procedures or the discontinuation of reinforcement following a behavior targeted for reduction is often used to enhance the efficacy of behavioral interventions. Unfortunately, the application of extinction procedures is associated with several side effects that can produce potentially harmful and counterproductive outcomes.…

Presented is a list of reinforcers appropriate for use in contingency management systems with secondary-level students with disabilities. The reinforcers are organized into the following categories: edible reinforcers, tangible reinforcers, activity reinforcers, social reinforcers, and group reinforcement. Suggestions are provided for using the…

The paper presents guidelines for training staff to implement positive reductive procedures to decrease undesirable behaviors of their retarded students and clients. Considerations relevant to all reductive procedures are briefly discussed in the first portion of the paper, while guidelines indigenous to positive reductive procedures are discussed…

The newsletter describes the development of a therapeutic recreation program for the severely and profoundly retarded using a recreational programing hierarchy approach. Sections address the following areas: identifying the habits and habit systems of the retarded individual as they relate to the interactional process of the family system,…

This article reviews general classes of variables which help to maintain aberrant behavior including attention seeking, sensory and perceptual consequences, and access to materials or activities. Suggestions for a methodology providing a comprehensive functional analysis are offered which include descriptive analysis, hypothesis forming,…

An academician and a physical education teacher present a guide for controlling elementary students. They identify the need for established structure in the gymnasium and offer exercises to achieve it, noting the key is planning and practicing of rules, behaviors, and procedures with active monitoring and early teacher intervention. (SM)

When used correctly, timeout is a successful discipline technique for children who are exhibiting hurtful or destructive behaviors. The paper describes essential elements for an effective timeout and explains how some timeouts do not work because of elements that parents have added or neglected. (SM)

Ten papers contributed by school psychologists or university educators working with school psychology programs review psychological theory and research on behavioral strategies for psychological intervention. Following an overview on the effective use of behavior modification in the school, nine behavior change methods are examined in terms of…

This bulletin describes a set of general guidelines for developing contingency plans that prepare school systems to cope with expected and unexpected disruptions in the educational process. Typically, contingency plans are prepared to anticipate consequences of school desegregation, natural disasters, bomb threats, or mass demonstrations. The…

Twelve papers by Iowa school psychologists reflect the profession's focus on assessment and intervention. The following titles and authors are presented: "What to Do When the Whole Swim Team Is Referred" (S. DeKrey); "An Alternative Technique for Reducing a Self-Injurious Behavior in a Profoundly Retarded Male Child" (G. Robinson); "Severe…

Contingency packages can be incorporated into classroom management techniques for reluctant learners (who may have already experienced failure in education) to encourage enthusiasm and motivation for learning. Suggestions are provided for implementing programs using a robot or football concepts. (CB)

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…

Ways that preschool environments can be organized to avoid behavior problems are discussed, along with the implications of these arrangements for students with disabilities who are making the transition from preschool to elementary school settings. Also noted is the relationship between environmental arrangement and direct contingency management…

This guide describes methods to help parents and others reduce the unacceptable behaviors of children with multiple sensory impairments and replace those behaviors with acceptable ones. The guide recommends that the behavior change program begin with simple changes so that both the parents and the child gain experience in changing behavior. The…

Parents can help their children with learning and/or behavior problems adjust to junior high school by implementing a home-school contingency plan in which certain privileges are made contingent on good social or academic behavior at school. Suggestions are offered for establishing, implementing, and terminating (or continuing) a successful plan.…