3926.55, CODE, Riffel, Free and Low-Cost Reinforcers

Audience: Administrators, All Staff in General and Special Education, Cafeteria Staff, Family, and Transportation Providers.

Age Level: All

Level: Universal

Topic: Based on research conducted since 2014, we interviewed students and asked them this question: “What would mean the world to you? What could someone give you that would let you know you had done a good job; however, it can’t cost any money?”  We wrote down their answers and have since categorized them into age level and overarching themes: Privileges, Attention, Leadership Opportunities, Praise, Assistance, Touch, Escape, and we added school supplies. (No child said they’d like to earn school supplies; however, we work in some very low-income areas where students do not have someone to purchase school supplies for them that they need. We know a hand-out feels bad when you are poor and giving students the opportunity to earn school supplies helps with their self-esteem.

Time: Two hours