Utilizing a social learning approach the Georgia Department of Offender Rehabilitation has implemented a performance-based correctional management model based on the assumption that only self-rehabilitation is viable. Earned Time System (ETS) provides resources and motivational opportunities for inmates to assume personal responsibility for their…

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)

This volume considers both the philosophical bases and the practical realities of individualization through the analysis of various approaches to the contract learning process. The first section serves as an introduction to contracting. Chapter 1 develops the concept of contract learning and attempts to set it in perspective within the larger…

The second in a series of four papers describing a variety of methods for individualizing instruction in a graduate library media training program, this paper includes a brief description of the course and its goals, a series of 11 student teacher contracts dealing with the topics/concepts selected for inclusion in the course, and student…

Methods and forms are described that are in use for reporting student progress and performance to parents at a junior high school with varying degrees of individualized instruction in each subject area. For the 8th grade science program, in which all work is performed on individual or group contracts, the teacher records each date of completion…

The concept underlying this performance contract program was based on maximizing the time students spend actively participating in learning activities and providing them with direct and immediate feedback or reinforcement. Continuous diagnosis and prescription were utilized to select materials and give intensified instruction by adjusting the…

Eight guidelines for contract learning-type programs are presented under the headings (1) supplying rationales, (2) focusing on the faculty, (3) assessing faculty performance, (4) assessing student readiness, (5) assessing the costs, (6) students as researchers, (7) how much academic credit, and (8) agents of change. Focus is on the faculty as…

The contract learning laboratory program utilized during the 1974-75 academic year is described, including specially-designed experiments and typical results. A student evaluation of the program is also given. (LBH)

This article presents answers to common questions about use of contingency contracts for behavior management with students needing individualized programs in academic or social-emotional areas. A methodological format for developing contracts, a planning worksheet, and a sample contract are included. (DB)

Describes a middle school science program that emphasizes choices, diverse potential experiences, independent study, and individualization. (JR)

The programs of the College of Environmental and Applied Sciences at Governors State University have competency-based curricula emphasizing individualized and self-paced learning within an interdisciplinary framework. This article describes the instructional programs, student contract procedure, cooperative education venture, intercollege…

Results of exploratory research into learning contract planning at SUNY's Empire State College are described. A paradigm was designed for describing and analyzing conference between mentors and their students focusing on the functional tasks of contract planning and the decision-making process. Case materials are included. (Author/LBH)

In recognition of the fact that there are individual differences and preferences among teachers, the teachers at the Las Posas School in Camarillo, California were given the opportunity to use the methods they found most comfortable. This resulted in a variety of open classroom situations, with alternatives for parents, students, and teachers.…

This manual describes a systematic approach, behavioral prescripting, for dealing with student problem behaviors. Aspects of the behavioral prescripting process are described, including: (1) enlisting the support of parents and teachers; (2) deciding on the problem behaviors; (3) collecting baseline data; (4) building a reinforcement schedule; (5)…