Instructional Playbook

T

Classroom Adjustment: Token Economy

Protocol Identify the Target Behavior Define 1–3 specific, observable behaviors to increase. Examples: Raises hand before speaking, Begins work within 1 minute of instruction, Remains in assigned area during independent work. Establish the Token System Determine what will serve as the token (points, stickers, tickets, etc.). Decide how many tokens will be earned for each target behavior. Create a Reinforcement Menu Develop a menu of rewards or privileges. Allow student choice whenever possible. Examples: First in line,Teacher helper, Preferred seating, Extra technology time, Classroom job. Teach the System Explicitly explain: Target behaviors, How tokens are earned, How tokens are exchanged, When exchanges occur. Reinforce Consistently Immediately provide tokens when the target behavior occurs. Pair every token with specific praise. Target Students Considerations A Token Economy is a positive reinforcement system in which students earn tokens for demonstrating specific target behaviors and exchange those tokens for preferred rewards or privileges. Tokens may include points, stickers, stamps, chips, punch cards, tickets, or other tangible representations of success. Token economies help increase motivation, provide immediate feedback, and make behavior expectations more visible and attainable. For best results, token economies should be paired with clearly defined behavioral expectations and a menu of meaningful reinforcers selected with student input.

Level of Teacher Effort

Low High Medium

Works well with all students, but may be especially helpful for: Students seeking attention as it provides frequent positive adult attention Students seeking to escape/avoid something, it reinforces engagement and task completion before avoidance can occur. Students with skill deficits, it increases awareness of expectations and provides immediate feedback. Students with low motivation, it creates additional incentives for non preferred tasks

Keep expectations clear and achievable. Ensure the student values the available reinforcers. Use immediate reinforcement whenever possible. Focus on rewarding desired behaviors rather than punishing inappropriate behaviors. Avoid making token systems overly complicated. Regularly review and adjust reinforcers if motivation decreases. Review student progress to determine when goal needs to be adjusted.