When students receive reinforcement for exhibiting clearly defined appropriate behaviors, those behaviors occur more frequently. Students who bond with positive people and institutions are less likely to become involved in violence and other behaviors.

Supporting Citation:

Cotton, K. Instructional Reinforcement. Close-Up No. 3. Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Education Laboratory, 1988.

Lewis TJ, Sugai G, Colvin G (1998). Reducing problem behavior through a school-wide system of effective behavior support: investigation of a school-wide social skills training program and contextual interventions. School Psychology Review, 27(3), pp. 446-459.

Metzer, C.W., Biglan, A., & Rusby, J.C. (2001). Evaluation of a comprehensive behavior management program to improve school-wide positive behavior support. Education and Treatment of Children, 24(4), pp. 448-479.

O’Donnell, J., Hawkins, J.D. & Abbot, R.D. (1995). Predicting serious delinquency and substance use among aggressive boys. Journal of Clinical and Consulting Psychology, 63, pp. 529-537.

Phillipps, B.K. (1995). Improving school attendance through an incentive system. NASSP Bulletin, 79, pp. 111-114.

Roberts, M.C. & Broadbent, M.H. (1989). Increasing preschoolers’ use of car safety devices: An effective program for day care staff. Children’s Health Care, 67(2), pp. 157-162.

Sprague, J., Walker, H. & Golly, A. (2001). Translating research into effective practice: the effects of a universal staff and student intervention on indicators of discipline and school safety. Education and Treatment of Children, 24(4), pp. 495-511.