Effects on the academic and disruptive behavior of special education pupils after adding a cost contingency to a token reinforcement procedure were examined. Response rates were higher when response cost was added than during either the baseline or token reinforcement contingency. (Author/MV)

Presenting a five-step positive reinforcement model for teachers and prospective teachers wishing to achieve a greater degree of self-management, this article includes discussions: selecting a goal; recording the quantity and circumstances of behavior; changing setting events; establishing effective consequences; and focusing on environmental…

This study reports a successful classroom intervention program which was designed to curb encopresis. It used positive consequences in combination with negative consequences, rather than negative consequences alone. Also it utilized a reversal strategy to evalulate the efficacy of the treatment variables. (Author)

Use of a tangible reinforcer plus social reinforcement was found to be more effective in training a 33-year-old male with profound mental retardation to brush his teeth than social reinforcement alone. Determination of true positive reinforcers and training staff members to carry out such treatment programs are also discussed. (Author/VW)

Off-task and disruptive behavior in two fifth graders decreased rapidly during an intervention in which, working in dyads, they served either as peer monitors or point earners. Peer-monitor and point-earner roles, when alternated on an every-other-day basis, were equally effective in reducing inappropriate behavior. (Author/JW)

Gives teachers insights into how to make their praise statements effective and consistent with early childhood education goals. Discusses reasons why common praise expressions may be at odds with intended early childhood environments. Examines motivation for using praise. Describes effective praise or encouragement and derives guidelines. (BB)

The study assessed the effects of a negative practice contingency plus DRO on the self-stimulatory hand-clapping of three developmentally disabled students, aged 6-9. The procedure was effective in suppressing the behavior, and follow-up observations showed that the occurrence of hand-clapping continued to be low. (Author/JDD)

Five congenitally blind children (ages 5-8) were trained to simultaneously employ appropriate gaze direction and sitting behavior while conversing with an adult. Training consisted of discussion, modeling, physical prompting, feedback, and positive reinforcement. All children reached criterion in 19 to 25 training sessions. (Author/DB)

Suggestions are offered for formulating a classroom management system where students develop social and psychological strengths, responsibilities, and independence in a positive classroom atmosphere. In this classroom, the teacher stresses the positive and is consistent without always being concerned with being "in control." (DF)

Investigates the capacity of intervention, in the form of a modified creative dramatics program, for development of positive self-concepts and creative expression in children. Using institutionalized and noninstitutionalized children, the study indicated the intervention group improved significantly on self-concept and creative expression…

Suggests alternatives in solving the dilemma of the win/lose syndrome for young children participating in sports, games, and other competitive educational activities. Rather than reinforcing the "negative" aspects of competition ("winning is all," lack of participation, elimination), teachers should provide environments that help children to…

Evidence from a Rochester, New York study of high school and college students suggests that, for major student segments, higher education can be a negative product. Students may attend college to get away from family, procrastinate from job-seeking, locate a spouse, or meet higher job and salary requirements. Marketing implications are discussed.…

Kindergarten children (N=90) were given opportunities to report to their class during "sharing time" the cooperative or friendly behaviors of their peers which had occurred during the day. Cooperative behavior increased and aggressive acts decreased when peers reported prosocial behavior to the class. (Author)

This bulletin is intended to share research-based promising practices with educators including family members, teachers, building administrators, and paraprofessionals. Using a question-and-answer format, it discusses the definition of positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) and characteristics of PBIS. Program characteristics include:…

A familiar, reasonable, and superficially successful lesson in report-writing is described (small groups of students edit each other's reports for re-writing), its effect on the student analyzed (demoralization, loss of confidence, defensiveness), and an alternative, positive lesson suggested, in which highlights are circled instead of errors. (AJ)