At certain times assignments create so much anxiety, push-back and procrastination that the student is risking failure above and beyond what parents believe appropriate. At these times successful contract negotiations may break down. Postponing the negotiation to a specifically agreed upon time may prove successful.
If other contracts are unsuccessful, the One-Way Contract may be unilaterally established by parents in order to explicitly define goals, expectations and rewards:
All work on the following assignment (describe assignment):
Assignment must be complete by:
When assignment is complete and ready to be taken to school the following privileges will be earned:
Parents agree that the responsibility for the student's success ultimately resides with the student. Special assistance may be requested. However, unless parents are specifically asked to assist they will refrain from helping and from criticizing.
In order to discourage waiting-until-the-last minute, special assistance from parents, special trips to the store for materials, props., etc., must be requested by the following time:
Additional stipulations and ways in which privileges may be earned:
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Parent(s) or Guardian(s) signature and date
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Child's signature and date
Contracts © 2001 by Rory Donaldson,
Donaldson Learning, www.brainsarefun.com. In order to combat academic
failure and encourage success, permission to photocopy for non-commercial
use is granted.