Instructional Playbook

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Classroom Adjustment: Group Contingency

Protocol Identify the Target Behavior. Choose one or two observable and measurable behaviors. Example: Raising hand before speaking, beginning work within 1 minute, staying in assigned seat Establish Clear Criteria. Select the type of group contingency that best matches the need. Independent, Dependent, or Interdependent Define what students must do to earn the reinforcement. Examples: Each table group earns a point when all members begin work within one minute. If everyone from the “secret table” turned in their homework today, everyone will receive 5 extra credit points on their assignment. Deliver Reinforcement immediately when criteria are met. Target Students Considerations leveraging peer encouragement, accountability, and shared goals. Group contingency works best when expectations are explicitly taught, positively stated, observable, and measurable. Group contingencies can be implemented with an entire class, small groups, table teams, or specific student groups. They are most effective when expectations are clearly defined, progress is visible, and reinforcement is meaningful to students. Low High Medium Works well with all students, but may be especially helpful for: Students seeking attention - provides frequent positive adult attention Students seeking to escape/avoid something - reinforces engagement and task completion before avoidance can occur. Students with skill deficits - increases awareness of expectations and provides immediate feedback. Students with low motivation - Creates additional incentives for non preferred tasks Avoid public shaming. Never identify a student as the reason the group failed to earn the reinforcement. Focus on earning rewards rather than losing privileges. Avoid creating situations where peers pressure or blame one another. Rewards should be meaningful to the group. Some students may require additional supports to successfully contribute to the group’s goal. A group contingency is a behavior support strategy in which a group of students earns a reward or consequence based on meeting a predetermined behavioral expectation. Group contingencies increase positive behavior by

Level of Teacher Effort