Tier 2 · Targeted
Behavior contract
A written agreement between the student and adults that spells out a goal, what the student will do, and what they’ll earn.
How to do it
- Pick one or two specific behaviors to target, stated positively.
- Meet with the student (and family if possible) to write the contract together.
- Set a clear, achievable goal and how it will be measured.
- Choose rewards with the student using a reward menu.
- Everyone signs the contract, and each person gets a copy.
- Track progress daily and review the contract weekly. Renegotiate when the goal is met.
Why it works
- Makes expectations and rewards concrete
- Involving the student increases buy-in
- Easy to review and adjust
When to use it
- With students old enough to understand the agreement (usually from about age 7)
- For one or two specific, measurable behaviors
- When Tier 1 praise and reminders haven’t been enough
Tips and pitfalls
- Early success matters. Make the first goal easy to reach.
- Deliver rewards exactly as promised.
- Avoid adding penalties to the contract. Keep it focused on what the student earns.
Templates for this strategy
Behavior contract
A student-friendly agreement with a clear goal, supports, rewards, and signatures.
Behavior contract.docxReward menu
Build a menu of rewards with the student, including free social and activity rewards, with point costs.
Reward menu.docxFrequency tally sheet
Count how often a behavior happens each day and period. Good for behaviors with a clear start and end, like calling out or hitting.
Frequency tally sheet.docxHelps with
Not working after a fair trial?
Check that it’s been used consistently for 4–6 weeks and that your data shows the pattern. If so, look at the next tier of support for this behavior.
Tier 3 · Intensive