Special Education

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

Appendix 15: Contracts

A student/teacher contract may be used as a technique for improving a student's behaviour. Behavioural contracts can be adapted for use with elementary and secondary school students. Because the studentÕs commitment to the desired change is critical for success and the development of responsibility, the student must be involved in setting realistic goals and in choosing consequences.

Behaviour Contract

Student:    Tim Reynolds    Date:   October 6 to 10

This week's Goal:

I will bring my materials to math class this week.

  1. Math book
  2. pencil and eraser
  3. calculator
  4. binder with paper

Each day I fulfil my contract I will earn a bonus point on my daily assignment.

If I earn five bonus points by the end of the week, Ms. Lewis will call my father and report on my positive progress.

This contract will be renegotiated Friday, October 10.


Student:  ___________________________ Teacher:  ___________________________

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday

Contracts may also be used for individualized learning. Contract learning is a particularly valuable technique because it allows the student to work independently. It also has the advantage of mutual objective setting by the teacher and student. It can help the student organize work activity. A contract may provide an opportunity for personal involvement with the learning and establish a set of evaluation criteria.