School-wide Rewards Systems

Good Behavior Game

According to a longitudinal study started by Dr. Kellam in 1985, conducted in Baltimore of more than 1,000 in 41 first grade classes, students from a range of demographics were less likely to abuse drugs if they participated in the Good Behavior Game (GBG) in first and second grades (NIDA, 2010).

How to play:

• Teams of 3-4 students are assigned to tables
• At the start of each transition time (i.e. math, reading, science, etc.) a short list of behaviors are identified (using kind words, taking turns, staying seated, etc.).
• During the instruction time the teacher notices the target behaviors and students get points to turn in for prizes.
• As students get used to playing the game, the time limit will last all day and a teacher can keep points on their own, sharing with students the points at the end of the day.
• Target behaviors can be modified as needed.

School wide implementation:

• Schools can create a student store where points can be traded in for items, once a week or month, depending on the site need.
  • Items for trade:

Pencils

Erasers

Books

Food- healthy options!

Gift Cards (Itunes, STEAM, Amazon)

Stickers

Markers

School gear (shirts, sweat shirts, etc.)

Toys- cars, dolls, yo-yo's, fidget spinners

Kites

Tips:

Common reasons for difficulties with school-wide success can be from teacher and student buy in. Administrators who are looking to implement a school-wide PBIS strategy should look to their teachers to begin with for ideas. Listen to what common complaints related to student behavior are and elicit a team to come up with some ideas for a school-wide reward program. Many times if teachers feel they are the ones coming up with the ideas, they are more likely to participate.

Want to track which teachers are participating? Create tickets with teacher names on them and give each teacher a set amount each month. As students use the tickets (or money) they can be tracked.

Students are also a great resources for prize ideas. Administrators can look around on the playground for fashion trends, games students like to play, and even ask them what they would want as prizes.

High School Student Store Success

High school might seem like a lost cause for a school wide reward system, but according to Ramirez and Rosario (2018), offering high school students a store to purchase items with their behavior rewards has proved to be successful. Their school served a population of students where 85% qualified for free and reduced lunch. These students often purchased items for their family for holidays, were able to attend after school functions like dances and football games, and were excited to wear gear with their school's mascot.

How it works:

• Catch students exhibiting good behaviors. Start with a few behaviors; proper dress code, turning in homework, being on time to class.
• Start small; take teacher volunteers to begin piloting the program. Each teacher can choose one class period a day to try out.
• Gain feedback from pilot teachers, increase buy in from other teachers and include all staff.
• Students can buy items at the student store

Student Store:

• Provide items that students want, such as clothing with school logos on them, dance and sporting event tickets, as well as gift certificates to local stores and online retailers. Food is also a great item for this age group. Check in with your students to see which foods they prefer that aren't available in their cafeteria.

Middle School Adaptation- Lounge Area

To give middle school students an incentive, create a lounge area. Consider hooking up a video game console and having kids buy time on a game, offer them computers to play online games of their choice, and have board games available for use. You could also let them use their phones or other devices to listen to music, read, or play games.

Talk to your IT department for creating a WiFi network that is only accessible by students using a password for specific amounts of time, on specific days.