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Reinforcement-Based Practice

Behavior & Social-Emotional Support

Applying reinforcement principles — functional reinforcement, replacement behaviors, schedule thinning — to build new behavior rather than just suppressing unwanted behavior.

At a glance

Build the behavior you want — don't just stop the one you don't

When: You're trying to reduce an unwanted behavior.

Ask what the behavior gets the student — escape, attention, an item, sensory input.
Teach a replacement behavior that meets the same need acceptably.
Reinforce the replacement immediately and often at first.
Thin the reinforcement gradually as the new behavior takes hold.

Remember: Suppressing a behavior without a replacement leaves the need unmet. Match the function.

See it done

What strong practice looks like — and why.

Practice Library Guides

Local

In-depth guides written specifically for paraprofessionals — no login required.

Instructional Practice

Reinforcement Basics

You use reinforcement every day — and the difference between great reinforcement and "bribery" is whether you know what you're doing.

Behavior Support

Reinforcement Based Interventions

You're being asked to run DRO, DRA, DRI, or NCR — and you need to know what those mean and where most paras get it wrong.

Behavior Support

Attention Maintained Behavior

A student's behavior is fueled by adult or peer attention — and ignoring it alone isn't going to work.

Try it

Recall is where it sticks — a few quick scenarios.

Quick check: try a few scenarios in Behavior & Social-Emotional Support

Reading is useful, but recall is where it sticks. Three short scenarios, low-stakes, no scoring — about 3 minutes. You can stop any time.

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