Sometimes the simplest barrier to better student behavior we can address is student motivation. With the right incentive, we can improve a wide range of behaviors. If we use that incentive well.
Behavior contracts set us up to use incentives wisely to maximize student motivation to improve their own behavior. And using a contract to explicitly spell out desired student behavior and contingent rewards is a powerful and practical intervention for the busy teacher. Ready-to-go behavior contract templates make the intervention even more practical.
In this article, I’ll lay out the essentials for an effective student behavior contract, provide some how-to guidance, show you my own set of 12 free Limened Behavior Contract Templates, link out to 16 other template options for different student groups (e.g., elementary students, high school students, students with autism), and share a variety of completed behavior contract examples.
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A behavior contract is a positive behavioral intervention that’s simply a written agreement between a student and teacher to work toward a common goal of student success. The contract lays out exactly what appropriate behavior is expected from the student and one or more reward options for engaging the behavior. (In ABA, behavior contracts are called contingency contracting).
Writing a student behavior contract is a collaborative process and meant to be mutually beneficial. So both teacher and student get a say in the agreement. Using a behavior contract for students can be a connecting and supportive process that promotes student self-advocacy and self-determination as well as improved behavior.
The main behavior contract components to consider are the desired behavior, reward, and monitoring method as well as holding a collaborative meeting with the student to develop the contract together. The goal is to co-create a behavior change contract that actually leads to success.
This is meant to be a positive process focused on fostering student success. You may notice in some behavior contracts on other websites an emphasis mainly on inappropriate behavior and punitive consequences. However behavior contracts are a PBIS strategy that works best when the focus is on reinforcing the appropriate behavior you want to see.
Here are the steps to put behavior contracts into action with your own students:
Limened’s Behavior Contracts Intervention Guide provides greater detail on these steps as well as videos, tips, and other resources.
