This practicum was designed to enhance methods and procedures used with 15 low-achieving, disinterested, and disruptive seventh grade students assigned to a middle school's alternative education program. The primary goal of the practicum was to increase students' responsibility for their own actions and their attention to learning. A secondary goal was to increase parent support and involvement with their child and the school. To achieve these purposes, a programmed behavior management system, called the Student Help and Reinforcement Program (SHARP), which included the use of reinforcement agents and motivational techniques, was developed and implemented during a 12-week period. Employing reinforcement agents and motivational techniques, the program involved treatment contracts, home contingency contracts, daily report cards, and homework records. Results indicated that a systematic behavior management approach incorporating positive reinforcement techniques and parental involvement can be effective in reducing inappropriate behavior and improving academic achievement. Fifteen appendices contain the questionnaire and related materials. (Author/RH)