Breaks are Better (BrB) is a modification of check-in/check-out for students who engage in problem behaviors maintained by escape or avoidance from academic activities, task or assignments. Breaks are Better may be especially effective for students who frequently are off-task in class. The intervention builds off check-in/check-out as students:
1. Carry a point card and earn points for meeting school-wide expectations
2. Interact with students prior to and after class
3. Receive frequent feedback on in-class behavior
4. Meet with intervention coordinator before and after school each day
5. Earn incentives for meeting school-wide expectations
The modifications that make BrB different from check-in/check-out are what make it effective for students who are motivated to escape or avoid academics. These modifications include:
1. Expected academic behaviors are defined and reinforced
Students are provided with explicit opportunities to take breaks in an appropriate way