One such tool is the sticker chart, a type of behavior-modification system in which children receive stickers in exchange for desired behaviors like brushing their teeth, cleaning their room ...

Now, being a psychologist, one would think I would appreciate the power of behavioral modification – but I’ve got to confess that I thought this whole star chart thing wouldn’t really work.

With each new school year come shiny new behavior management systems decorating the walls of elementary classrooms. From sticker charts to clip charts to color cards, teachers choose bright and ...