Behavioral Momentum

Description of the Intervention

TIER II, TIER III & SPECIAL EDUCATION INTERVENTION

The use of a series of high-probability requests (what the student enjoys or is able to do easily) followed by a low-probability request (one that the student is less likely to complete with ease). This intervention can be successful with students who exhibit work refusal and who often say no to completing tasks. This intervention is best used for difficult tasks for the student or when the student is choosing not to follow adult directives.

Implementation Procedures

1. Start with using requests that the student enjoys or is easy for the student to complete (high probability requests)

   • i.e. running an errand, giving a high five, writing name on paper

2. After the student successfully completes 2-3 high probability requests, give student the request that he or she is less likely to complete with ease (low-probability request)

Progress Monitoring Tools

Behavior Intervention Tracking Log

Other Useful References

Article: Behavioral momentum in the treatment of noncompliance (Mace et al., 1988)

Article: Effects of high-probability requests on the acquisition and generalization of responses to requests in young children with behavior disorders (Davis, Brady, Williams & Hamilton, 1992)

Behavioral Momentum