The Trumbull County Educational Service Center (TCESC) Learning Center has introduced an exciting new initiative to foster positive behaviors and create a structured, engaging learning environment for students—the Token Economy System. This program aligns with the ESC’s mission to help students develop valuable life skills, not just for success in the classroom but beyond.
How It Works
In the Token Economy System, students earn tokens, designed to resemble real money, as a reward for demonstrating positive behaviors. These behaviors may include following directions, completing tasks, engaging in appropriate social interactions, and participating in class activities. Teachers and staff provide tokens immediately as positive reinforcement, encouraging students to continue making good choices. To ensure that the tokens don’t get lost or damaged, students are not responsible for handling or storing their earned tokens.
Earning and Spending Tokens
Students have the option to spend their tokens on rewards immediately, or they can save them for larger, more valuable items. This approach introduces students to decision-making, delayed gratification, and even financial literacy while reinforcing the importance of positive behavior.
Each classroom has access to the “Leopards Lair” catalog, a store of available rewards ranging from small prizes to bigger, more desirable items. Students can browse the catalog at any time and set goals for what they’d like to earn.
Order Process and Delivery
When a student selects an item, teachers help them fill out an order form every Wednesday. The completed orders are submitted to the Learning Center office, where Gina, the office manager, prints the forms for the student work group leader.
The student work group, consisting of selected students learning vocational skills, reviews the orders, collects the items, and packages them. These items are delivered to classrooms between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. each Wednesday. Students are then able to use their rewards during school or take them home, depending on their teacher’s discretion.
A Team Effort for Student Growth
The success of the Token Economy System relies on the teamwork between staff, parents, and students. This program reinforces positive behaviors while teaching students essential life skills, helping them become more independent and engaged in the learning process.
Special Thanks to Key Contributors
Several individuals have played pivotal roles in the development and success of the Token Economy System.
Mr. Justin Metheny was instrumental in creating the online order form used by staff to order store items for students. His initiative helped expand on initial ideas, adding a feature to track inventory and monitor the most popular items. This allows staff to gather data on what motivates students and ensures the store remains stocked with desired items.
Mr. Jay Beadle, an MD classroom assistant, has shown exceptional enthusiasm for the Token Economy System. He has taken the lead in identifying students for the work group, working closely with teachers to determine which students will benefit most. Mr. Beadle guides students through the ordering and delivery process, providing support when necessary and helping students take ownership of the tasks.
Zack Baciu, the creator of the Token Economy System, has been a driving force behind its success. He conducted surveys to gather teacher input on what students would enjoy working toward and led professional development sessions for staff. Zack also worked closely with the technology department to streamline the online ordering process and organized the “Leopards Lair” reward catalog. His ongoing feedback and commitment to improving the process have made the system run smoothly and helped students become more independent.
Looking Ahead
The Token Economy System has already proven to be a valuable tool in promoting positive behaviors and teaching important life skills. As the program grows, TCESC is excited to continue refining and expanding the system, ensuring students are well-equipped for success in both the classroom and beyond.
The collaboration between staff, students, and their families is a testament to the dedication and effort that goes into ensuring every student’s growth and development.