Teacher Acceptability and Preferences for Praise and Reprimand Across Grades (K-12): A Preliminary Investigation

The purpose of this study was to expand the praise literature by examining K–12 teachers’ preferences for praise and whether their acceptability for praise as a behavior management tool declines as grade level increases. Teacher acceptability and preferences for praise and reprimand were collected through the Teacher Praise and Reprimand Preference Survey (TPRPS), which is a survey adapted from the previously existing Adolescent Preference for Praise Survey (APPS). One hundred forty teachers from rural, suburban, and urban school districts in the U.S. completed the TPRPS survey. Results showed that as grade level increased, teachers reported praising students less frequently for academic work and appropriate behavior. Significant differences were found between elementary and secondary teachers’ preferences for praising students’ work and behavior. Compared with high school teachers, elementary teachers preferred to praise students out loud for doing their work, and elementary and middle school teachers preferred to reward students (out loud and quietly) with points, tickets, or token economies for work. This study provides insight into teachers’ acceptability and preferences for praise and reprimand, and results may help consultants support teacher praise, especially among secondary teachers.