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Reinforcement

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Reinforcement is any consequence that makes a behavior more likely to happen again, such as praise, a preferred activity or a break.

Topic: Behavior and FBA/BIP

In plain terms

Positive reinforcement adds something the student values after a behavior, like praise or points. Negative reinforcement removes something unpleasant, like ending a hard task, which is not the same as punishment. What reinforces one student may not reinforce another, so teams test what actually works. Reinforcement should be frequent at first and then thinned as the skill grows.

How it shows up in an IEP

A BIP describes how replacement behaviors will be reinforced. If a skill is not increasing, a reinforcement problem is a common cause: the reward may come too late, too rarely, or may not matter to the student.

Example

Each time a student asks for help instead of tearing paper, the teacher responds within 10 seconds and gives specific praise. Requests rise from 1 to 6 per day in two weeks.

Related terms

  • BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)A BIP is a written plan, based on an FBA, that describes how staff will prevent a behavior, teach a replacement skill and respond when the behavior happens.
  • Replacement behaviorA replacement behavior is an appropriate skill taught to meet the same need as a problem behavior, so the student no longer needs the problem behavior.
  • PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports)PBIS is a schoolwide, tiered framework for teaching and reinforcing positive behavior and using data to support students who need more.
  • Check-in/check-outCheck-in/check-out is a Tier 2 behavior support in which a student meets an adult each morning and afternoon and gets feedback on a daily point card.
  • Functional communication trainingFunctional communication training teaches a student a simple, effective way to communicate a need that is currently met through problem behavior.

This page describes special education terms and federal rules in general terms and is not legal advice. Our editorial policy explains how IEP Atlas writes and reviews content. Browse all 244 terms.