External reinforcers should not be used to the point of dependency with special education students who need to become more aware of their own internal controls. Student performance contracts are one way of developing this awareness. (CL)

A flexible, point contract system is described which maximizes the advantages of a criterion-referenced contract system while eliminating some of the disadvantages of standard grade contracts. This model has been used by the author in a variety of high school and college courses. (Author/SJL)

Outlines the use of performance contracts in a college course on public relations. (RL)

A field contract is a two-party contractual agreement intended for procuring material and labor from outside contractors. As used in the Burbank California Unified School District, the field contract allows greater flexibility than the formal bidding process. The type of documents and procedures used in the district are included. (MLF)

Describes a contract grading system for classes in freshman composition that is designed to encourage a great deal of revision. (FL)

A research study at Arizona State University reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the contract method and concludes that it can be highly effective. (JMF)

Designed as a follow-up activity for gifted and talented classes that have been using learning centers, this contract directs students in building their own learning centers. Six sections cover choosing a subject, researching, setting objectives for the learning center, developing activities for the center, writing directions and collecting…

The effectiveness of using the school principal for behavior contracting with problem students was studied with nine students (sixth through eighth grade). Implementation of administrator-student behavioral contracting successfully decreased the number of teacher referrals to the principal's office. Suggestions for implementing…

Suggestions for selecting a professional photographer for collegiate publications are given: develop a shooting script that defines your needs; select the photographer skilled in a defined area; negotiate fees carefully; work with the photographer; and be present shooting day to oversee activities. (Author/LC)

The use of independent study contracts as a method of individualizing educational planning for the gifted allows gifted students to pursue in depth a topic or field of study, to use outside resources when appropriate, to make decisions about the mode and media to be used, and to assume some responsibility for their own learning. (SBH)

A discussion of student contracting, a plan whereby a teacher and a student or a group of students make an agreement that a certain amount of work is to be completed in a certain amount of time. (Author/HB)

Briefly presents a rationale for including chamber music performance in the high school music curriculum. Describes a pilot independent study course in which students could earn credit through string quartet performance. The course syllabus, scheduling, and contract grading system are discussed. (SJL)

The use of contracts in individualizing experiential learning programs is explained, its research base outlined, and sample contracts and performance objectives provided. The strategy is encouraged in part as a way for liberal arts faculty to shift roles from transmitter of knowledge to facilitator of self-directed inquiry. (MSE)

Details strategies used by community colleges to successfully manage the financial risk inherent in performance contracting. Compares the results of training under the Job Training Partnership Act and California's Employment Training Panel from the perspective of a college administrator. (AYC)