Special Education

Teaching Students with Learning and Behavioural Differences
A Resource Guide for Teachers

Appendix 13: Incentive Programs

The key to an incentive program is to find what works as an incentive for the student. It begins as an extrinsic reward paired with a goal. You are in fact trying to mold a student's behaviour. Eventually, if successful, the student develops an internal awareness of appropriate behaviour.

Sample Incentives

Special Helper

Allow students to serve as school or peer helpers, ensuring the criteria gives all students a chance to participate. For example, a student might do one of the following:

  • work in another class,
  • assist in the library,
  • help in the school store,
  • work in the physical education equipment room
  • assist in the noon hour lunch program
  • read to other students, perhaps younger children

Bonus marks

For example, award extra marks when students appropriately use a personal planner or set up their pages correctly for lab reports.

Bonus Bucks

Give out "bucks" as a reinforcer in a token economy which can be redeemed for the following:

  • 1 per cent improvement on any given test
  • items at monthly swap meet
  • a place at the head of the lunch line
  • computer time
  • personal time
  • purchase or rent of forgotten text

Working in Hall

Allow students who earn the privilege the responsibility of working outside the classroom.