Compliance Strategies Handout

This handout outlines three evidence-based strategies to foster student compliance. Use the examples and space provided to reflect and plan how you will implement these strategies in your classroom.

1. Positive Reinforcement

Description:
• Acknowledge and reward desired behaviors immediately.
• Use verbal praise, tokens, privileges, or group rewards.

Examples:

• Verbal praise: “Thank you for waiting your turn!”
• Token system: Collect five tokens for extra recess time.
• Privilege: Line leader of the day.

Your Notes:

Exercise 1.1: List two reinforcement methods you currently use and two new ideas you’d like to try (refer to Positive Reinforcement Ideas Poster).

• Current Method 1: ________________________________
  
  
  
• Current Method 2: ________________________________
  
  
  
• New Idea 1: ________________________________
  
  
  
• New Idea 2: ________________________________
  
  
  

Exercise 1.2: Choose one scenario from Case Study Scenarios. Identify a behavior to reinforce and describe how you'll deliver the reinforcement.

Scenario: _________________________________________







Reinforcement Plan:

2. Clear Expectations

Description:
• Define 3–5 positively worded rules or norms.
• Use student-friendly language and visuals.
• Post and review expectations daily.

Examples:

• “Raise your hand before speaking.”
• “Walk quietly in the hallway.”

Your Notes:

Exercise 2.1: Draft three clear classroom expectations using student-friendly language (use Classroom Expectations Template if helpful).

2. _________________________________________



3. _________________________________________

Exercise 2.2: For each expectation, note how you will teach, model, and review it during the first week.

• Expectation 1 Instruction Plan:
  
  
  
  
  
• Expectation 2 Instruction Plan:
  
  
  
  
  
• Expectation 3 Instruction Plan:
  
  
  
  
  

3. Consistent Routines

Description:
• Establish predictable patterns for transitions, tasks, and materials.
• Teach and model routines explicitly.
• Reinforce routines until they become automatic.

Examples:

• Morning entry routine: Hang up coat, lunch count, morning work.
• Transition to reading: Signal, quiet voices, sit ready.

Your Notes:

Exercise 3.1: Identify one classroom routine you will establish or refine. Describe each step and how you will teach it.

Routine Name: ________________________________



Steps:

2. _________________________________________



3. _________________________________________



4. _________________________________________

Exercise 3.2: Plan how you will reinforce this routine until it becomes automatic (include prompts, practice opportunities, and reinforcers).

Reflection & Next Steps

1. Which one strategy (reinforcement, expectations, or routine) will you implement first?

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2. What is your first concrete action step to get started?

3. What potential challenge do you anticipate, and how will you address it?

Keep this handout as a reference as you pilot these strategies. Celebrate small successes and refine your approach based on student feedback and outcomes. Good luck on your journey to becoming a Compliance Champion!

Case Study Scenarios

Use these scenarios in small groups to identify compliance challenges and brainstorm applications of positive reinforcement, clear expectations, or consistent routines. Record your ideas on chart paper and prepare a 2-minute share-out.

Scenario 1: Morning Transition Mayhem

Ms. Rivera’s first-grade class struggles each morning when they enter the room. Students shout out, leave backpacks in the doorway, and wander while she takes attendance and collects lunch counts. Noise levels spike, and instructional time is lost while she repeatedly reminds students to follow the entry routine.

Scenario 2: Hands-Up or Out!

In Mr. Chen’s fifth-grade classroom, students frequently call out answers without raising hands. A few eager students monopolize discussions, while quieter students remain disengaged. Mr. Chen’s reminders to raise hands are met with blank stares or immediate re-offending.

Scenario 3: Packing-Up Pandemonium

At the end of Art class, Mrs. Patel’s third graders take 15 minutes to pack up—scissors left open, paintbrushes wet, supplies strewn on tables. Students drift to the door before cleaning up, and the next teacher’s class begins without a smooth hand-off.

Scenario 4: Technology Turn-On Troubles

Mr. Gomez’s sixth-grade students are asked to power on their 1:1 devices and log into the reading app. Half the class clicks around aimlessly, chatting, while the other half finishes in seconds and becomes distracted. The lesson can’t begin until everyone is ready.

In your group:

1. Identify the core compliance challenge in your assigned scenario.
2. Select one strategy (positive reinforcement, clear expectations, or routine) and outline how you would apply it.
3. Prepare to share your plan, including specific language, visuals, or reinforcers you would use.

Positive Reinforcement Ideas Poster

Use this poster to spark ideas for acknowledging and rewarding positive student behaviors. Select from these categories or combine them to fit your classroom culture.

Social Reinforcers

• Verbal Praise (“Great job staying on task, Alex!”)
• High-Fives or Thumbs-Up
• Handwritten Positive Notes to Students
• Public Recognition (“Shout-out” board or morning announcements)
• Phone Call or Email Home to Share Success
• Peer Recognition (student-to-student praise)

Tangible Reinforcers

• Stickers, Stamps, or Badges
• Tokens or Points toward a Class Store
• Small Prizes (pencils, erasers, bookmarks)
• Certificates or “Star Student” Badges
• Treat Coupons (extra computer time, snack pass)

Activity-Based Reinforcers

• Extra Recess or Game Time
• Choice of Classroom Job or Leadership Role
• Sit-by-a-Friend Privilege
• Lunch with the Teacher
• Music or Brain Break Session

Natural Reinforcers

• Special Task Completion (helping with opening activity)
• Selection of Classroom Book or Puzzle for the Day
• Positive Peer Tutoring Opportunities
• Access to Classroom Technology (iPad, interactive whiteboard)

Tip: Pair immediate social praise with longer-term tangible or activity reinforcers for maximum impact. Rotate reinforcers to maintain student interest and make them meaningful.

Classroom Expectations Template

Use this template to define and visually display 3–5 clear classroom expectations. Write each expectation in student-friendly language and include a space to sketch a visual reminder or icon.

Expectation 1

Statement:

Visual Cue (draw or paste image):

Expectation 2

Statement:

Visual Cue (draw or paste image):

Expectation 3

Statement:

Visual Cue (draw or paste image):

Expectation 4 (optional)

Statement:

Visual Cue (draw or paste image):

Expectation 5 (optional)

Statement:

Visual Cue (draw or paste image):

Tip: Post these expectations prominently in your classroom and review them daily. Use student-created icons or colors to increase ownership and engagement.

Exit Ticket

Before you leave, please complete this quick reflection to solidify your learning and plan next steps.

1. Which one compliance strategy will you commit to implementing next week?

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2. Briefly outline your first action step to put this strategy into practice.

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3. What question or challenge would you like to explore further in a follow-up session?

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Thank you for your commitment to becoming a Compliance Champion!