Batavia Local Schools 
Gifted Education

Learning Contracts

Contracts are useful tools to use in conjunction with compacting.  A contract is an agreement between the student and the teacher that sets a plan for what the student will learn, when they will learn it, the time frame in which the learning will take place, and how they will be evaluated at the end of the project.  Student made learning centers and independent research projects are good alternative activities for gifted children.

How to Use the Learning Contract

1.  Collect enrichment materials that extend the subject matter.

ü       Check the teacher’s manual for ideas.

ü       Ask parents to help create materials.

ü       Provide answer keys.

2. Design a master contract for each chapter.

ü       List page numbers or concepts.

ü       List alternative activities with space for students to record their progress.

ü       Write the agreed upon working conditions.

3. Make a pre-assessment for each new chapter.

4. Correct assessments.  Give contracts to those students who demonstrate mastery of the subject matter.

5. Prepare contracts for students who qualify.

ü       Check concepts they have not mastered and others you want them to do.

ü       Tell the students they are not allowed to work on the checked items until you teach them to the whole class.

ü       Explain that they will work on alternate activities while the class is learning the things they have already mastered.

6. Write a list of alternative activities on the contract.

ü       Start with one or two options.

ü       Always include several Free Choice options.

7. Meet with all students given a contract.

ü       Explain contract procedures.

ü       Explain that students may choose from these activities on days they are excused from regular classroom activities.

ü       Demonstrate the alternative activities.

ü       Show students how to record the work they do.

ü       Explain the working conditions.

8. Continue to meet with the students working on contracts.

9. Evaluate the contracted work.

ü       Alternative activities should not be averaged into students’ grades.

ü       Find alternative methods of assessment.

Click Here to print off a Learning Contract Form