Compliance Strategies Handout

1. Positive Reinforcement Techniques

• Specific, Timely Praise
Give descriptive feedback immediately after the desired behavior occurs.
• Token Economy Systems
Award tokens or points that can be exchanged for preferred items or privileges.
• Behavior-Specific Feedback
Clearly state which behavior earned reinforcement (e.g., “I like how you raised your hand quietly.”).
• Reinforce Successive Approximations
Reward small steps toward a larger goal to build compliance gradually.

Your notes on positive reinforcement:

2. Structured Routines

• Visual Schedules
Use pictures, icons, or written lists to outline the sequence of activities.
• Transition Cues
Implement auditory (timer), visual (countdown cards), or verbal signals before switching tasks.
• Consistent Routines
Follow the same pattern each day to create predictability and reduce anxiety.
• Student Roles & Jobs
Assign simple responsibilities (e.g., line leader) to increase engagement and ownership.

Your notes on structured routines:

3. Reflection & Application

1. Strategy I plan to implement in my small group:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Steps I will take to set up this strategy:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How I will track and measure student compliance:
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Use these cards in triad role-plays. One participant acts as the teacher using prompts and reinforcement, one as the student exhibiting the described behavior, and one as the observer with the Behavior Tracking Sheet.

Card 1: Refusal to Begin Work

Scenario: It’s the start of a small-group math activity. The teacher says, “Please open your workbook to page 12,” but the student sits silently with arms crossed and does not respond.

Student Behavior: Passive refusal to follow the initial direction.

Desired Behavior: The student opens the workbook and looks at the page.

Card 2: Off-Task Chatting

Scenario: During a group discussion, the teacher instructs everyone to share one strategy. The student continues whispering to a neighbor instead of waiting their turn.

Student Behavior: Engaging in side conversation and ignoring the group cue.

Desired Behavior: The student stops chatting, listens, and contributes when called on.

Card 3: Incomplete Directions

Scenario: The teacher gives a two-step direction: “Line up, then quietly walk to the reading corner.” The student lines up but then runs ahead to the corner, disrupting others.

Student Behavior: Following part of the instruction but skipping the ‘quietly’ cue.

Desired Behavior: The student lines up and transitions quietly as instructed.

Card 4: Task Avoidance Through Questions

Scenario: When given a writing prompt, the student repeatedly asks, “What do I write?” and “Can I go to the bathroom?” instead of starting the work.

Student Behavior: Using questions and requests to avoid the task.

Desired Behavior: The student begins writing on topic without excessive prompts.

Card 5: Slow Compliance

Scenario: The teacher says, “Put away your markers.” The student reluctantly begins, but only puts away one marker every 30 seconds, slowing the group down.

Student Behavior: Delayed and minimal compliance.

Desired Behavior: The student puts all markers away promptly after the cue.

Card 6: Emotional Outburst

Scenario: After a correction (“Please try that problem again”), the student crumples their paper, raises their voice, and says, “I hate this!”

Student Behavior: Expressing frustration through paper-crumpling and loud comments.

Desired Behavior: The student takes a new sheet and calmly begins to correct their work.

Cut apart the cards and distribute one per ‘student’ in each triad. Rotate roles and scenarios to practice a variety of prompting and reinforcement techniques.

Behavior Tracking Sheet

Observer Name: ___________________________ Date: ____________________ Scenario Card #: __________

Use this sheet to record each prompt or strategy delivered, the student’s response, any reinforcement provided, and your observations.

Additional Notes:

Action Plan Template

Participant Name: __________________________ Date: __________________________

1. Context & Student Profile

Describe the group setting, student needs, and any relevant background information.

2. Target Behavior

Clearly define the compliance behavior you want the student(s) to demonstrate.

3. Strategy Selection

☐ Positive Reinforcement ☐ Structured Routine ☐ Other: _______________________

Provide a brief rationale for your choice.

4. Implementation Steps

List each action step, responsible person, and any materials needed.

1. Step 1: ____________________________________________________________
   Materials/Resources: _________________________________________________
   Timeline: __________________________
   
   
   
   
2. Step 2: ____________________________________________________________
   Materials/Resources: _________________________________________________
   Timeline: __________________________
   
   
   
   
3. Step 3: ____________________________________________________________
   Materials/Resources: _________________________________________________
   Timeline: __________________________
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Data Collection & Monitoring

How will you track student compliance (e.g., frequency counts, checklists)? Specify tools and schedule.

6. Review & Adjustment Plan

When and how will you review progress? What criteria will prompt you to adjust your approach?

7. Success Criteria & Desired Outcomes

Define measurable goals and how you will know the strategy is working.

8. Reflection & Next Steps

After implementing, reflect on what went well and outline next steps for sustaining or expanding the plan.