The author urges wider use of positive reinforcement theories in helping emotionally disturbed and mentally handicapped children. Underlining the influence of environment on behavior, he also notes that behavior modification programs utilize fewer trained personnel more effectively and, like Tennessee's Re-Education Treatment, allow for therapy in…

Stimulated by current interest in performance contracting and accountability, the authors summarize relevant research on the use of incentives to influence student performance. (VW)

The adolescent behavior traditions are normal functioning of their society and academic achievement reward structures. It is suggested that a combination of material inducements with a reward structure emphasizing peer group attainment can provide an effective strategy for motivating lower-class adolescents. (Author/DB)