New Jersey Regional Day’s Step up to Success program is used to motivate students to meet individual goals related to behavior, academic, social and emotional growth. A token economy system and a school store where students can make purchases gradually leads students, on an individualized path, to develop the tools and skills necessary for academic achievement and participating successfully within the community.

There are three school-wide goals, attendance, wearing the school uniforms being respectful to others.  Two individualized goals, connected to social and academic achievement are identified for each student. A point sheet is provided for each student, in their mode of communication (example: pictures with words so the students can understand the meaning of each goal). The student has the opportunity to earn points twice a day. The teacher will chart student’s points on their point sheet. On Fridays, the students will count their points earned and visit the school store to purchase a reinforce or bank their points for a desired item.

This program supports students to be great school citizens in a positive way.   If the student earns a point it cannot be taken away and used as a negative reinforcement. We can use this system to also track progress students are making in their social and behavioral goals.