Case Files Slides Case Files
Consultancy Kickoff & Needs Analysis
Phase 1: Discovery Behavioral Intervention Design
The Consultant Mindset
Investigation
Move beyond surface-level behavior. Why is the Request for Proposal (RFP) being issued now?
Precision
Identify behavioral excesses (too much) and deficits (too little) with clinical accuracy.
"A token economy is not a 'fix-all'—it is a precision tool that requires a stable foundation."
— Senior Behavioral Consultant
Decoding the RFP
When reading a Request for Proposal, look for:
Stakeholder Pain Points: What keeps the administration up at night?
Environmental Constraints: Limited staff? Shared spaces? Safety concerns?
Client Demographics: Age, developmental level, and current repertoire.
Non-Negotiables: Legal requirements or ethical standards that must be met.
The Feasibility Audit
Staff Buy-in
Does the current staff have the capacity and willingness to implement?
Reinforcer Density
Can we provide enough meaningful backup reinforcers consistently?
Sustainability
Is this a 2-week "band-aid" or a long-term behavioral ecosystem?
Mission Briefing
Review the assigned RFP Handout for your specific case vignette.
Your task is to complete the Feasibility Audit by the end of today's session. This audit will form the backbone of your final proposal.
"If you fail to plan for the environment, the environment will fail your intervention."
Consulting RFP Handout Consultancy Group
Precision Behavioral Solutions
Document Ref:
RFP-2026-BIP-01
Request for Proposal (RFP)
Project Name: Implementation of a Tiered Incentive System (Token Economy)
Issued by: Metro Integrated Services Administration
Lead Consultant Name
Submission Date
Executive Summary & Case Vignette
We are seeking a comprehensive behavioral intervention for the following setting. Please analyze the data provided and develop a proposal that ensures safety, engagement, and measurable progress.
The Setting: "The Willow Center" - Young Adult Transitional Housing
The Willow Center supports 12 young adults (ages 18-24) with intellectual disabilities and comorbid behavioral disorders. The goal is to prepare residents for semi-independent living.
Current Issues:
Low compliance with daily chores (30% completion)
Verbal aggression during shared meal times
High rate of sedentary behavior/lack of engagement
Property destruction (minor) during transitions
Environmental Context:
4 staff members per shift (1:3 ratio)
Limited discretionary budget ($250/month)
Shared common areas and private bedrooms
Mandatory daily community outings
Required Proposal Components
Your final proposal must address the following critical pillars:
Behavioral Definitions
Reinforcement Schedules
Sustainability Budget
Staff Training Protocol
Evaluation Framework
Fading & Generalization
"Empowering independence through evidence-based behavioral systems."
Feasibility Audit Worksheet Feasibility Audit
Project Discovery Phase | Task 1.2
Consultant Initial Review
Lead Consultant
Case Vignette ID
1. Behavioral Identification
Identify the target behaviors from the RFP. Ensure they are observable and measurable.
Behavioral Excesses (To Decrease)
Behavioral Deficits (To Increase)
2. Environmental Audit
Barrier Analysis
Identify 3 potential environmental obstacles (staff, physical space, schedule) that could impede implementation.
Barrier 01...
Barrier 02...
Barrier 03...
Reinforcer Feasibility Assessment
Potential Category Example in Setting Accessibility (1-5) Tangibles Privileges Social Activity
3. Preliminary Recommendation
Based on this audit, is a token economy appropriate for this setting? Justify your stance.
Proposal Launch Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: Case Files & Needs Analysis
Lesson Objective
Students will assume the role of behavioral consultants, analyzing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine if a token economy is a feasible and ethical solution for a specific client setting.
Key Concepts
Needs Assessment Environmental Fit Behavioral Definition Stakeholder Buy-in
Prep Checklist
Print RFP Handouts
Print Feasibility Worksheets
Review Case Vignette Details
Assign consultant teams
Instructional Flow
The Hook (10 Mins)
Present the Case Files Slides . Frame the course as a high-stakes consulting project. Ask: "Why do most token economies fail in the first month?" (Common answers: staff fatigue, boring rewards, too complex).
RFP Analysis (15 Mins)
Distribute the Consulting RFP Handout . Have students work in pairs to identify "Hidden Landmines" in the vignette (e.g., the low budget, the high staff-to-student ratio, or the specific aggression types).
The Feasibility Audit (30 Mins)
Students complete the Feasibility Audit Worksheet . Circulate and challenge their behavioral definitions. Ensure they aren't using vague terms like "respectful" or "unproductive."
Debrief (5 Mins)
Exit ticket: Identify one resource missing from the current vignette that would make your intervention 2x more likely to succeed.
Guiding Questions
"Is this behavior actually a priority for the client, or just annoying for the staff?"
"If we don't have money for the store, what 'natural' reinforcers are already in the building?"
Common Pitfalls
Students trying to fix 10 behaviors at once. Remind them to pick 2-3 high-impact targets.
Vague definitions (e.g., "be nice"). Push for observable actions.
Budget Blueprint Slides Budget Blueprint
Resource Assessment & Fiscal Sustainability
Phase 2: Logistics The Cost of Change
The Sustainability Challenge
Most token economies fail not because the science is wrong, but because the resources ran out.
Empty prize boxes lead to extinction.
Overworked staff stop giving tokens.
Boredom reduces reinforcer value.
The "Golden Rule" of Budgeting
P > C
Preference Frequency must always exceed Cost Complexity.
The Three Pillars of Resource
Capital
Cash for "Store" items, tokens, boards, and printing costs. Monthly recurring expenses.
Human Hours
Staff training time, token distribution time, and data entry/analysis hours.
Natural Assets
"Free" reinforcers like choice of seating, music control, or extra break time.
The $0 Reinforcer Hack
Access Rewards
• Controlling the TV remote for 30m
• First choice of seating in group
• Extra 10 minutes of "independent time"
• Borrowing a 'VIP' item (e.g., tablet)
Social Rewards
• "Consultant of the Day" title
• Positive phone call home/to stakeholder
• Choosing the music for the outing
• Co-leading a preferred activity
Fiscal Briefing
You must draft a Sustainability Budget for your intervention.
Constraint: You have exactly $250/month for all physical backup reinforcers. How will you make it last?
"A fancy store that stays closed 6 days a week is a punishment, not a reinforcement system."
Economy Ledger Worksheet ECONOMY LEDGER
Phase 2: Fiscal & Resource Allocation
Consultancy Doc:
RE-2026-FISC
Lead Consultant
Total Monthly Budget
$250.00
1. One-Time Setup Costs (Durable Goods)
Item Description Est. Quantity Est. Cost ($) Example: Physical Tokens / Poker Chips Example: Storage Containers / Prize Chest Example: Lamination / Visual Token Boards
2. Monthly Recurring Reinforcer Budget
Distribute your $250 across three tiers of value to ensure constant motivation.
Tier 1: High-Frequency (Low Cost)
Allocated: $________
Tier 2: Mid-Range (Weekly Goals)
Allocated: $________
Tier 3: VIP (High Cost/Big Wins)
Allocated: $________
3. Staff Time & Training Impact
Money isn't the only resource. How much staff time will this require weekly?
Initial Training Hours
Time needed to get staff ready before Day 1.
Maintenance Hours
Daily time for data entry & token exchange.
Sustainability Check:
If staff are already at 100% capacity, where will this time come from? Identify one existing task that can be streamlined or replaced by the token economy system to "save" staff time.
Reinforcer Value Menu The Reinforcer Menu
Value Engineering & Cost Analysis
Use this catalog of common behavioral reinforcers to populate your Budget Blueprint. Costs are estimated based on bulk purchasing for a setting of 10-12 clients.
Tangible Goods (Tier 1-3)
Item Unit Cost Value Tier Gourmet Snacks/Treats $0.75 - $1.50 Tier 1 Fidgets / Sensory Toys $2.00 - $5.00 Tier 1 Gift Cards ($5 - $10) $5.00+ Tier 2 Branded Apparel / Hoodie $15.00 - $25.00 Tier 3 Electronics (Earbuds/Etc) $20.00+ Tier 3
Access & Privileges ($0.00)
High-Value / Low-Cost Options
A
Choice of Community Outing
Extremely high value; requires 100% attendance and peer-vote rights.
B
"No Chores" Voucher
One-time exemption from a neutral daily chore. Staff must cover.
C
Late Wake-Up / Extended Curfew
Requires clinical safety approval. High value for young adults.
D
VIP Lunch Room Decor/Music
Creative control over a shared environmental variable.
The Consultant's Pricing Formula
To ensure the economy doesn't "break," use this ratio to set your token costs:
Daily Rate
10 Tokens
Avg. tokens earned per day
Tier 1 Cost
5 Tokens
Can buy 2x per day
Tier 3 Cost
70 Tokens
Requires 1 week of work
Sustainability Audit Teacher Guide Sustainability Audit Guide
Lesson 2: Resource Assessment & Budgeting
Consultant Skill: Resource Management
Lesson Goal
Students will translate behavioral plans into fiscal reality by drafting a comprehensive budget for their token economy, accounting for initial setup, monthly replenishment, and human capital (staff hours).
Logistical Hurdles
The Extinction Gap: When a student earns tokens but the "store" is empty, behavioral progress resets to zero.Staff Cost: If an intervention adds 20 minutes of paperwork per shift, staff will eventually stop doing it.Satiation: If the same stickers are used for 6 months, their value drops. The budget must allow for variety.
Consultant Pro-Tip
"A budget is a clinical document. If the reinforcers aren't funded, the intervention doesn't exist. Tell your students to prioritize 'High Value/Zero Cost' access rewards to keep their fiscal plan resilient."
Classroom Delivery
The "Store" Challenge (15 Mins)
Present Budget Blueprint Slides . Challenge: Give students 3 minutes to list as many $0 items as possible that their client would actually want. Share and record on board.
Menu Engineering (15 Mins)
Distribute Reinforcer Value Menu . Explain the math of behavioral economics. If an item is too cheap, clients get bored. If too expensive, they give up. Find the "sweet spot."
Budgeting Workshop (25 Mins)
Complete Economy Ledger Worksheet . Circulate to check that setup costs (boards/tokens) are accounted for separately from recurring costs (snacks/toys).
Assessment Focus
Look for:
Realistic cost estimates (not guessing)
Balance between Tier 1, 2, and 3 items
Identification of "Human Capital" costs
Red Flags:
Budgeting $0 for setup (unrealistic)
All reinforcers being food (ethical/health concern)
Forgetting to budget for staff training time
Staff Coaching Slides Staff Coaching
Adult Learning & Protocol Design
Phase 3: Human Capital The Bridge to Implementation
The Training Gap
Why Manuals Fail
Too much text / "Wall of words"
No visual decision aids
Passive reading vs. Active practice
If your staff can't explain the system in 30 seconds, they won't run it correctly.
Adult Learning Principles
Principles of Adult Learning (ANDRAGOGY)
Relevance
Staff need to know: "How will this make my shift easier or safer?"
Self-Direction
Adults want choice and problem-solving, not just directives.
Task-Oriented
Focus on *how* to give the token, not just the theory of ABA.
The BST Framework
1
Instruction
Tell them what to do clearly.
2
Modeling
Show them exactly how it looks.
3
Rehearsal
They practice in a safe setting.
4
Feedback
Correct errors and praise success.
Protocol Design Brief
Design a Visual Cheat Sheet and a Role-Play Script for your staff.
The goal: A new hire should be able to deliver their first token correctly after only 5 minutes of training.
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication in behavioral staff training."
Protocol Blueprint Worksheet PROTOCOL BLUEPRINT
Phase 3: Instructional Design & Staff Training
Consultant Task
ID-3.1-BST
Instructional Designer
Target Staff Role
1. Value Proposition for Staff
According to adult learning theory, staff need to know how this helps THEM. Write a 2-sentence "pitch" to a tired staff member.
"This system will help you by..."
2. The "30-Second Token Delivery" Procedure
Break down the act of delivering a token into 4-5 micro-steps. Include the social praise and the physical token handover.
1
2
3
4
5
3. Visual Aid / "Cheat Sheet" Layout
Sketch the layout of your 1-page staff cheat sheet. Where will icons go? What is the one thing they must see first?
[ Sketch Visual Layout Here:
Key Iconography
What symbols will represent the behaviors or the token?
The "Mistake" Protocol
What should staff do if they forget to give a token or if a client argues? Write one clear "Error Correction" rule for the cheat sheet.
4. BST Training Plan (Brief)
Modeling Scenario
Describe how you will demonstrate the correct delivery...
Feedback Method
How will you correct staff without discouraging them?
Training Script Template Staff Role-Play Script
Training Exercise Template
ID: BST-SCRIPT-2026
"Modeling and rehearsal are the most critical components of Behavioral Skills Training. Use this template to script a 2-minute scenario that trains staff on the correct versus incorrect way to deliver tokens."
Phase 1: Character & Setting
Setting the Scene
(e.g., During the dinner transition, client is refusing to sit...)
Character: The Client
Describe behavioral state...
Character: The Staff Member
Describe training level...
Phase 2: The Scripts
Scenario A: The Common Mistake
Script a scenario where the staff uses the token as a 'bribe' or fails to provide praise.
STAFF: __________________________
CLIENT: __________________________
STAFF: __________________________
Scenario B: The Protocol Match
Script the scenario following your protocol exactly (Behavior -> Praise -> Token).
STAFF: __________________________
CLIENT: __________________________
STAFF: __________________________
Phase 3: Feedback Points
Observed Trainer Checklist
Immediate Praise?
Eye Contact?
Token Visible?
Adult Learning Teacher Guide Adult Learning Teacher Guide
Lesson 3: Developing Staff Training Materials
The "Consultant Reality"
"In undergraduate programs, we focus heavily on the behavior of the client. This lesson pivots to the behavior of the staff. If the people running the intervention don't understand it or find it too difficult, the intervention fails regardless of how scientifically sound it is."
Instructor Objectives
Andragogy
Explain the 4 pillars of adult learning and apply them to instructional design.
BST Framework
Apply Behavioral Skills Training (Instructions, Modeling, Rehearsal, Feedback).
Visual Aids
Critically evaluate visual clarity in procedural 'cheat sheets' and manuals.
Classroom Flow
The "Wall of Text" Challenge (10 Mins)
Show a dense, 5-page manual (fake one) vs. a 1-page flowchart on a slide. Ask students which one they'd use if a crisis happened right now. Use this to hook them into the Staff Coaching Slides .
Protocol Design (20 Mins)
Distribute Protocol Blueprint Worksheet . Ensure students are writing steps that an 18-year-old with no prior training could follow.
Scripting & Rehearsal (25 Mins)
Use the Training Script Template . Have teams act out their "Common Mistake" scenario. This usually results in laughter but highlights the 'why' behind the protocol.
Guiding Questions
"If the staff forgets a token, should the client be able to remind them? How do you script that?"
"Does your cheat sheet use too many colors? (Cognitive overload concern)"
The "Secret Sauce"
Tell students that the best training isn't a lecture—it's the feedback loop. Every protocol must include a way for staff to ask questions or suggest changes. This builds Buy-in .
Impact Analysis Slides Impact Analysis
Program Evaluation & Success Metrics
Phase 4: Accountability Proving Effectiveness
The Success Paradox
Metric A
Clinical Outcome
"Did the behavior actually change in the desired direction based on the data?"
Metric B
Social Validity
"Do the staff and clients actually LIKE the system and feel it's fair?"
If A happens but B fails, the system will be abandoned.
How do we know it's working?
Frequency
Reduction in verbal aggression by 50% over a 30-day period.
Latency
Reduction in time between instruction and chore start (under 2 mins).
Satisfaction
90% of staff report that the system "improves my daily workflow."
The Audit Calendar
W1
Fidelity Check
Are staff actually following the protocol?
M1
Preference Review
Are the reinforcers still motivating?
Q1
Trend Analysis
Is it time to fade the tokens or move to a higher tier?
Accountability
"Data without a schedule for review is just paper."
Evaluation Design
Design your Evaluation Framework and a Staff Satisfaction Survey.
You must prove to the board that your intervention is worth the $250/month and the extra staff training time.
"The best proof of a successful system is a staff member who says: 'Don't you dare take this away.'"
Metric Master Worksheet Metric Master
Phase 4: Program Evaluation Framework
Accountability Doc
EVAL-2026-KPI
1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Define exactly what "success" looks like for your case vignette. Be precise.
The Metric Target Goal Measurement Method Example: Goal Compliance 80% completion of daily chores... Daily chore checklist audit... Behavioral Metric 1: Behavioral Metric 2: Social Validity Goal:
2. Evaluation & Audit Schedule
Who is responsible for checking the data and when?
Weekly Check-In
Focus: Protocol Fidelity
Monthly Review
Focus: Budget & Progress Trends
Quarterly Pivot
Focus: Fading & Generalization
3. Failure Mode Analysis
What is the specific "Plan B" if the data shows no improvement after 30 days?
Common Failure Point
Staff are no longer delivering tokens because the client is "doing well anyway."
Correction Protocol
Client Failure Point
Client is hoarding tokens and not exchanging them for backup reinforcers.
Correction Protocol Satisfaction Survey Template Stakeholder Satisfaction Survey
Social Validity Assessment Tool
Purpose of this Template
"A behavioral intervention is only as good as its social validity. Use this template to design the questions you will ask the staff and administrators to ensure they feel the system is sustainable, ethical, and effective."
Dimension 1: Usability & Feasibility
Draft 2 Likert-scale questions (1-5) focused on how easy the system is for busy staff to run.
1
Question text here...
2
Question text here...
Dimension 2: Perceived Effectiveness
Draft 1 question about the perceived change in client behavior and 1 about the 'fairness' of the rewards.
3
Question text here...
4
Question text here...
Dimension 3: Qualitative Feedback
Prompt Design:
Write an open-ended prompt that encourages staff to suggest one change to the 'store' or the 'tokens' without feeling they are criticizing your design.
"Without social validity, we are simply implementing procedures on people, not collaborating with them."
Accountability Audit Teacher Guide Accountability Audit Guide
Lesson 4: Designing the Evaluation Plan
The Evaluation Ethos
"Students often treat evaluation as a 'post-hoc' task. This lesson challenges them to build evaluation INTO the intervention from Day 1. The essential question is: If the behavior doesn't change, is it the student's fault, the staff's fault, or the design's fault? Accountability metrics tell us the answer."
Evaluation Pillars
Procedural Fidelity
The degree to which the plan is implemented as intended. (Are staff actually giving tokens?)
Social Validity
The social significance of the goals, the appropriateness of the procedures, and the importance of the effects.
Guiding Prompt
"If the behavior changes but the staff hate the system, is it a success?"
Encourage a debate. Usually, students say 'yes' (it's clinical). Challenge them: 'If they hate it, will they do it tomorrow? Next month? When you aren't watching?'
Classroom Delivery
The "Board Meeting" Hook (10 Mins)
Use Impact Analysis Slides . Imagine the board says: "The tokens are too expensive, and we're cutting the budget." How do you use data to defend the budget?
KPI Workshop (20 Mins)
Distribute Metric Master Worksheet . Students must define measurable goals for their case vignette. Avoid "do better" or "be good."
Survey Design (20 Mins)
Use Satisfaction Survey Template . Remind students that surveys should be SHORT. No staff member wants to fill out a 20-question survey after a 12-hour shift.
KPI Red Flags
• KPIs that don't match the behaviors identified in Lesson 1.
• No plan for what to do if the intervention fails.
• Measurement methods that are impossible for busy staff (e.g., "count every blink").
Gold Standard
• Includes a fading plan (moving from tokens to natural rewards).
• Survey questions are neutral, not leading.
• Evaluation schedule is realistic and specific.
Pitch Perfect Slides Pitch Perfect
The Boardroom Simulation
Final Phase: Professional Advocacy Intervention Launch
The "Shark Tank" Protocol
Your Mission
You have 7 Minutes to present your proposal. You must convince the "Board of Directors" (your peers & instructor) to fund your plan.
5min
Pitch
2min
Q&A
"Data tells the story. You just have to be the narrator."
The Winning Deck Structure
01
The Need
Briefly define the behavioral pain point and its impact.
02
The Solution
Your token system, reinforcers, and the 'free' tier rewards.
03
Sustainability
Your budget and staff training protocol (The Cheat Sheet).
04
Evaluation
How you will prove it works and when you will fade tokens.
Handling the Board
Common Shark Questions:
"Why are you paying for headphones but not snacks?"
"What if staff refuse to carry tokens?"
"How is this different from a bribe?"
Consultant Pro-Tip:
Don't be defensive. Use your Ethics and Clinical Research to ground your answers.
Boardroom Schedule
Consultancy Team A "The Willow Group"
Consultancy Team B "Metric Mavens"
Consultancy Team C "Behavioral Allies"
GOOD LUCK, CONSULTANTS.
Stakeholder Rubric Guide Stakeholder Scoring Rubric
Intervention Proposal Evaluation
Document Ref:
BOARD-SCORE-2026
Instructions for Evaluators
Assess the proposal based on clinical soundness, fiscal sustainability, and professional delivery. A score of "4" indicates a ready-to-launch intervention, while "1" indicates significant safety or design flaws.
Criteria Score (1-4) Evidence / Observations Clinical Accuracy
Are target behaviors defined precisely and observably? Is the token schedule appropriate?
| / 4 | |
|
Fiscal Sustainability
Is the budget realistic ($250 limit)? Are 'free' tier reinforcers utilized to prevent bankruptcy?
| / 4 | |
|
Training Design
Does the visual cheat sheet promote ease of use? Is the protocol simple enough for non-experts?
| / 4 | |
|
Pitch & Defense
Did the team handle boardroom questions with clinical ethics and confidence?
| / 4 | |
Board Verdict
REJECTED
REVISE
Approved
Critical Feedback for the Team:
"Innovation in behavioral science requires both a sharp mind and a steady hand."
Peer Feedback Card Peer Review Card
Consultant ID: ________
Presenting Team
The "One Big Idea"
What was the most creative part of their token economy?
The "Consultant Challenge"
Write one question you would ask them as a stakeholder.
PITCH PERFECT 2026
Peer Review Card
Consultant ID: ________
Presenting Team
The "One Big Idea"
What was the most creative part of their token economy?
The "Consultant Challenge"
Write one question you would ask them as a stakeholder.
PITCH PERFECT 2026
Peer Review Card
Consultant ID: ________
Presenting Team
The "One Big Idea"
What was the most creative part of their token economy?
The "Consultant Challenge"
Write one question you would ask them as a stakeholder.
PITCH PERFECT 2026
Peer Review Card
Consultant ID: ________
Presenting Team
The "One Big Idea"
What was the most creative part of their token economy?
The "Consultant Challenge"
Write one question you would ask them as a stakeholder.
PITCH PERFECT 2026
Final Boardroom Teacher Guide The Boardroom Guide
Lesson 5: The Proposal Pitch
Final Simulation Phase
The Facilitator's Role
"Your role today is not just to grade, but to play the part of a skeptical administrator or a stressed funder. Push the students to justify their decisions. If they can defend their clinical choices under pressure today, they will advocate effectively for their clients in their professional careers."
Final Competencies
Synthesis
Integrate clinical data, budget constraints, and training plans into one cohesive narrative.
Professionalism
Present complex behavioral concepts to non-experts (Board Members) without jargon.
Ethics
Defend the use of tokens and backup reinforcers against 'bribery' misconceptions.
Classroom Delivery
Setting the Stage (5 Mins)
Rearrange the room into a boardroom layout. Project the Pitch Perfect Slides . Play corporate 'waiting room' music to set the mood. Distribute Peer Feedback Cards to non-presenting students.
The Pitches (45-60 Mins)
Each team has 5 minutes. Use a strict timer. Use the Stakeholder Rubric Guide to score live. Encourage the "Board" (peers) to ask 2 questions per team.
The Verdict (10 Mins)
Convene as the 'Executive Board.' Provide a final verdict on each proposal. If rejected, provide one 'Must-Fix' revision point.
Guiding the Q&A
If the boardroom is too quiet, ask: "This looks great, but where do we get the staff to laminated 50 tokens?" or "How do you know the clients won't just steal the tokens from each other?"
The "Post-Game" Reflection
Ask students: "What was the hardest part to defend?" (Usually the budget). Use this to bridge to the reality of professional practice.
