U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Token Economy System (From Learning Disabled Delinquent - Issues and Programming, P 128-136, 1981, Joseph A Cox, ed. - See NCJ-88371)

NCJ Number
88378
Author(s)
C M Nowicki
Date Published
1981
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes an educational program designed to help the learning disabled understand the economic system by teaching the basic skills of setting up a token economy based on behavioral principles.
Abstract
There are seven major steps which should be followed when initiating a token system. These steps allow the pupils to acclimate themselves to the idea of such a system. The first three steps involve the use of concrete reinforcers (i.e., praise, recognition, and material rewards). Once pupils no longer need concrete reinforcements, a shaping period will follow with intermittent reinforcements. In the final stages, pupils will be working without thought of material rewards if the setting is positive and enticing. The program introduces the use of tokens as money. Students are taught rules for keeping the money and then introduced to the need for a classroom bank. Savings accounts can be opened as students earn tokens for good work and behavior. Classroom and school jobs paid in tokens are assigned, and weekly paychecks are handed out. Fines and tickets may be used to help manage behavior, and banking services can be extended to include other concepts. Besides educational settings, group homes, mental health clinics, and inpatient units also can use this project. No references are cited.

Downloads

No download available

Availability