1. Student Learning Contracts
An agreement
between
teacher and
student(s).

2. Learning Contracts Are:
Written agreements
between teachers &
students that outline:
what students will learn
how they will learn it
the time period for the learning experience
how they will be evaluated

3. CONTRACTS---
help students learn to make decisions about their learning
help students learn to manage their time
may involve the student in curriculum planning
can be used to support students with learning difficulties
can be used to facilitate learning for other students
help the teacher manage group work, individual projects or
investigations, learning centers or curriculum compacting

4. Types of Contracts Structured Partially Structured Mutually Structured
Unstructured

5. Contract Components OUTCOMES RESOURCES LEARNING ALTERNATIVES
REPORTING ALTERNATIVES & ASSESSMENT

6. Components of Contracts:
1. Outcome(s) - specify what is to be accomplished, the conditions
under which learning will be demonstrated, and the level of
proficiency required to meet the outcome.
2. Resources - including print, media, and human
3. Learning Alternatives - include reading, writing, viewing, creating,
interviewing, and other activities the student experiences to
accomplish the outcome.
4. Reporting Alternatives and Assessment - should provide evidence
as to whether the outcomes have been accomplished. Conferences,
tests, projects, presentations, real world products, portfolios of
work are examples of reporting alternatives.

7. Contract Do’s & Don’ts DO: explain the role & function of contracts
start small (1 or 2 day) contracts
negotiate contracts with students whenever possible
help set realistic deadlines
renegotiate the contract if it isn’t working
solicit student feedback on process
gradually involve students in contract development

8. Contract Do’s & Don’ts Don’t: expect all students to use contracts
effectively at the beginning
expect all students to like contracts.
assume contracts can take the place
of regular instruction
use contracts without a good management
system

9. Some Thoughts about Learning Contracts:
Contracts provide efficient means of prescribing for students, based on assessed needs, strengths, or interests.
Contracts are usually negotiated between the teacher and the student and sometimes the parent.
Both the teacher and the student(s) share responsibility for the
completion of the terms of the contract.
A contract may require a student to use certain resources or to contact other people in the school or in the community.
A contract may have certain prerequisites as conditions that the
student has to meet before beginning a study or investigation.