Secondary students (n=110) with disabilities rated 90 potential reinforcers. Results indicated that, although student preferences represent a range of reinforcers within existing reinforcement hierarchies, the sample group tended to prefer less intrusive higher level reinforcers, with the overwhelming majority preferring academic or activity…

Briefly reviews the research literature concerning the overjustification effect. The effect describes the situation where positive reinforcement reduces one's intrinsic motivation for a behavior, thereby decreasing the probability that the behavior will be repeated. Notes the limitations of this explanation and recommends a broader representation…

To reduce problem behaviors in the classroom, teachers should emphasize the desired behaviors they want students to exhibit, through differential reinforcement of zero rates of behaviors, incompatible behaviors, lower rates of behavior, and communicative behaviors. This paper discusses the advantages of differential reinforcement, potential…

Presents a collection of inexpensive, nonsugary rewards for students who demonstrate extra effort and fine achievement. They include a skip-a-spelling-test pass, a skip-homework pass, special lunches with the teacher, first place blue ribbons, big-goals celebrations, and a special, comfortable chair that students can use on a rotating basis. (SM)

Describes the efforts of the Sara Lee Corporation in adopting an urban Chicago high school in order to encourage good grades. Professional football player Willie Gault's role as academic team "captain" is discussed. Program elements such as business education class speakers, peer tutors, scholarships, faculty support programs, and…

The music teacher must have regard for the self-concept of each student. Enthusiasm and positive encouragement yield the desired outcome more quickly than negativism. The way a teacher perceives himself or herself is also important. Teachers with positive self-concepts can more easily aid students build positive and realistic self-concepts. (RM)

The Bama Bookworm Program, developed by a university remedial reading summer school program, encourages parents of remedial readers to listen to their children read and to ask comprehension questions four nights a week for a month. The program provides incentives (pizzas and t-shirts) and was enthusiastically received by parents and children. (DB)

Research was conducted to determine: (1) what school districts and schools do to encourage teachers to gain proficiency and use microcomputers in their teaching; (2) how teachers' microcomputer-based teaching practices respond to the actions of districts and schools; and (3) which district and school activities have the greatest incentive value…

This article defines, provides a rationale for, and describes the implementation of a classroom management level system in a middle school program for students with severe behavior disorders. The system is a motivational plan for behavioral improvement based upon a graduated series of levels with increasing student responsibility and privileges.…

This three-part pamphlet presents 52 ideas contributed by 19 administrators at California community colleges for boosting the morale and performance of college administrators and staff. Following a list of contributors, the first part provides 39 suggestions for acknowledging contributions and encouraging staff members, including writing short…

Research was conducted to assess the role of staff development in improving the quality of computer-based instruction in grade K-12 schools. The sample consisted of contact persons in 171 districts and interviews were completed with 155 (91%). Results indicate 80% of these districts currently provide inservice computer training to teachers; the…

This booklet is intended to help teachers, aides, and parents of preschool-age children to establish desirable behaviors and eliminate inappropriate behaviors in their children. Following a list of definitions, the booklet discusses how to discriminate between different types of behavior and how to choose the appropriate level of response. Major…

Information in this guide is based on published research concerning effective strategies in dealing with at-risk youth. It was written for those communities invited to develop proposals under the Annie E. Casey Foundation's New Futures Initiative in an attempt to alleviate problems that compromise American children's futures. Each of three…