The effects of fixed-time escape on inappropriate and appropriate classroom behavior

Few studies have explored the effects of fixed-time (FT) reinforcement on escape-maintained behavior of students in a classroom setting. We measured the effects of an FT schedule on the disruptive and appropriate academic behaviors of 2 junior high students in a public school setting. Results demonstrated that FT escape from tasks resulted in a substantial decrease in disruptive behavior and an increase in time engaged in tasks for both participants. Key words: escape-maintained behavior, fixed-time reinforcement schedules, function-based interventions, noncontingent reinforcement _______________________________________________________________________________ The delivery of reinforcement on a fixed-time (FT) schedule (sometimes referred to as non-contingent reinforcement or NCR) has been shown to reduce rates of disruption, aggression, and self-injury, primarily with individuals with significant cognitive impairments (Carr et al., 2000). Kodak, Miltenberger, and Romaniu