Behavior contracts are used in classrooms to either encourage students to continue behaving in positive ways or to discourage students from behaving in negative ways. Changing and resolving behavioral problems vis-a-vis a behavior contract also aids in making classroom discipline less personal in nature because all of the students are familiar with the teacher's rules and the consequences for violating those rules before problems occur.
Behavior contracts can be written in various ways according to a teacher's preferences and goals for her classroom and students, but all behavior contracts share some commonalities. Standard terms include the time period during which the contract is to be enforced and clear behavioral guidelines (e.g., raising your hand and being called on before answering a question, turning in homework on time). Behavioral contracts also state clearly how positive behaviors will be rewarded (e.g., earning a prize) and any consequences that will apply to negative behavior (e.g., losing playground time).
A behavior contract is signed by three parties: the teacher, the student and the student's parent(s). By bringing parents into the equation, the teacher ensures that the classroom rules are reinforced by another authority figure, sending a clear and consistent message about which behaviors will be tolerated and which will not be allowed. A behavior contract is also helpful when interacting with parents who feel that their child is unfairly being picked on by the teacher. Because the same rules apply to all students, a teacher can easily explain that she is not making an example of any one child.
Behavior contracts should be written with specificity and generalizations should be avoided. For example, instead of stating that each student will be allowed to use a computer for a reasonable amount of time per week, the contract should indicate the exact number of hours a student can use a computer and on which days computer usage is permitted. Specific details paint a clear picture for both students and parents about what they can expect in the classroom.
Behavior contracts can also be used at home to provide structure and stability in your household.