From “Me” to “We”: Leveraging Group Contingencies for Classroom Success

Presenter(s)

Event Details

Topic:

autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Format:

lecture

Subject Level:

beginner

Age Span:

kindergarten - grade 6
grades 7-12

Target Audience:

autism specialist
consultant
educator
K-12 administration
special educator

Professional Development Credits

IACET CEUs:

0.01

ACVREP CEs:

1

Presentation Length: 1 hour

Location:

Plaza 5

Description:

In this session, participants will learn how to design and implement effective group contingency interventions to increase positive behavior and engagement across classroom settings. Group contingencies are research-supported strategies that leverage peer influence to motivate both individual and collective behavior change. Educators will explore how to select and tailor group contingencies based on student needs, classroom goals, and instructional contexts. Real-world classroom examples will illustrate how these strategies can be used to promote cooperation, accountability, and prosocial behavior. The session will also highlight common implementation pitfalls and practical troubleshooting strategies. Through brief interactive planning activities, participants will begin developing group contingency systems they can apply in their own classrooms. Attendees will leave with practical tools, templates, and greater confidence to implement group contingencies effectively.

Learning Outcomes:

As a result of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Following this presentation, participants will be able to define and distinguish between dependent, independent, and interdependent group contingencies and explain how each can be applied to support positive behavior in diverse classroom settings.

• Following this presentation, participants will be able to develop a group contingency plan tailored to their own classroom by identifying target behaviors, selecting appropriate reinforcement systems, and establishing clear criteria for group success.

• Following this presentations, participants will be able to identify and apply strategies to address common implementation challenges, including maintaining fairness, promoting student motivation, and preventing unintended negative peer influence when using group contingencies.

Disclosures:

Shannon is employed by Easterseals Serving Chicagoland and Greater Rockford (ECR). I do not have other relevant financial or non-financial relationships to disclose.