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Schoolwide Behavior Incentive: Compliments

2/27/2019

4 Comments

 
Lots of people think PBIS and they think tickets/dollars/dojos with school stores and big huge individual reinforcement initiatives.   Guess what? Nobody has time for that. I mean, I guess they do, but I was never up for it. At the schools where I've worked, we've implemented Class Compliments.
Recently, I've been hearing a lot of push back on the idea of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) as a framework for tiered behavior support. I was kind of curious, because really, if you are implementing MTSS, you aren't far from being a "PBIS school." So I asked around. The biggest complaint? Reinforcers. Lots of people think PBIS and they think tickets/dollars/dojos with school stores and big huge individual reinforcement initiatives. 

Guess what? Nobody has time for that. I mean, I guess they do, but I was never up for it. At the schools where I've worked, we've implemented Class Compliments. Just like it sounds, classes can earn compliments for any whole-class behavior that happens outside of their classroom: walking in the halls, time in specials, cafeteria, playground, etc. When the class earns 100 compliments, they earn a reward like pajama day, extra recess, or lunch outside. Easy peasy.

To introduce, we had the counselors and administrators go to each room for a "kick off." We explained the system, gave each class a compliment card, and hyped up the rewards. The compliment cards changed through the years but always had 100 squares/stars/circles that could be colored in when the class returned to the classroom. Anytime the class was out and about, they could earn compliments. To help you out, I've included one at the bottom of this post (may not be visible on mobile). 

We also had to hype up the program with our staff. Compliments are only fun if you earn them! We had to get in the habit of saying "Mrs. Atkins, your class is walking so nicely down the hall." We wanted the compliments to be specific to the positive behavior. In specials, classes could earn up to 4 compliments each class. All of the specialists had different procedures for how this was handled. My favorite was to have a compliment for four specific behaviors and give the compliments specifically for those behaviors. For example, cooperating with your classmates. 

Over the years we got creative! We had a bulletin board that had a football field. For every 100 compliments, your team player would move to the next yard line. Classes that reached 1000 compliments would have their jersey retired. The jerseys were cut out of poster board, had the class' photo on it and all the students got to sign it. About 4-5 classes out of 41 had their jerseys retired each year so it was a big deal! I sure wish I had a picture of it for you, it was super fun.

​How do you support schoolwide behavior at your school? I'd love to hear some new ideas!
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Lots of people think PBIS and they think tickets/dollars/dojos with school stores and big huge individual reinforcement initiatives.   Guess what? Nobody has time for that. I mean, I guess they do, but I was never up for it. At the schools where I've worked, we've implemented Class Compliments. Free Download!
4 Comments
Michelle Hooper
3/14/2019 01:05:45 pm

I love the compliments idea. We have a full fledge PBIS program at our school. We award Liberty Loot to individuals who show the Liberty way - respectful, responsible, cooperative and kind ( we say this in our pledge everyday). Once a week we let two students from each class pick out a prize. Its not a bid deal, the kids love it and it keeps the students motivated. My principal does not mind spending money on incentives.
Our classroom incentive is similar to your except you earn a paw for complements. Once they earn ten they receive a class reward, once they get 50 they get a pizza party.

Lately there has been a backlash that PBIS does not leave room fro discipline. We encourage positive behavior but if a student picks up a chair and throws it at the teacher, there is a major consequence. In some schools that is not happening. They are only focusing on giving rewards.

Just my two cents. Thanks for sharing.

Reply
Rebecca Atkins
3/14/2019 01:18:50 pm

What great insight, thanks! I haven't heard the discipline comment from our area. We have minors/majors and most schools have designated what major referrals will result in an office discipline referral + consequence. Great work on your positive behavior response!

Reply
Timothy Rodriquez link
10/2/2020 05:01:03 am

Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful info with the how-to’s!!!! It is so appreciated!!!

Reply
Rebecca Atkins
10/26/2020 05:48:38 am

Thanks Timothy!

Reply



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    Rebecca Atkins

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