Check-in/check-out (CICO) is a Tier 2 behavioral management system in the School-wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS) framework, which is widely used in Western schools. However, this system is not currently used in public schools in mainland China, mainly because of the large class sizes. This study redesigned CICO to facilitate its…

This study investigated whether the use of the color wheel system (CWS) during physical education (PE) classes is associated with a significant decrease in disruptive behaviors among middle school students. Using a multiple-baseline single-case design, we investigated the effects of the CWS on disruptive behavior in nine middle school students…

The Color Wheel System (CWS), a class-wide, rule-based behavioral management strategy, is a successful intervention to reduce off-task behaviors for elementary school students. However, this intervention has rarely been investigated in the middle school setting. The current study implemented the CWS within three sixth-grade general education…

This study evaluated direct and indirect effects of the Family Check-Up Online (FCU-O) across two distinct randomized trials with middle school youth and families. The FCU-O is a digital health adaptation of the Family Check-Up that is delivered in a brief, online format with supportive coaching. The FCU-O was delivered to parents of middle school…

Background: Educators in rural schools are uniquely situated to address youth mental health disparities, yet often face challenges in delivering mental health supports. This paper describes the process of adapting the evidence-based Coping Power program, a small group prevention program for youth with aggressive behavior problems, to be a…

The purpose of this study was to examine how to restore a child's social-emotional well being. As an administrator in a middle school, I have the opportunity to see the natural state that our children are in on a daily basis. I have observed over time, more specifically since COVID-19, that children are struggling to balance their emotions, their…

Objective: Despite evidence-based interventions for the psychiatric disorders that often precede suicidality, suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth. There has been increased interest in whether preventive interventions targeting early risk factors lead to decreased distal risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB). We examined…

Middle school is a cornerstone for success in high school. However, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement of adolescents often decline as they transition from elementary to middle school, resulting in lower school grades and more challenging behaviors, especially for adolescents with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders…

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a number line intervention with supported self-explanation on student understanding of fraction magnitude and quality of explanation. Participants were three U.S. middle school students with significant behavior problems. Participants were given eight lessons containing explicit instruction…

Schools face an unprecedent demand for mental health services. Student mental health problems can be addressed via a continuum of mental health evidence-based practices (EBPs) integrated within school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). However, integrating mental health interventions with PBIS can be challenging. The…

The development of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for the prevention of behavioral health problems is well supported. However, limited data exist on the sustainability of EBIs once initial support has ceased. The current study assessed, at 2 years after initial start-up support: (1) What percent of schools sustained EBI implementation? (2) To…

This study examined the impact of a classroom-level component of The Inclusive Skill-building Learning Approach (ISLA), an instructional and restorative alternative to exclusionary discipline, on student behaviors and school discipline practices in middle schools. Intervention implementation, classroom observations, and all other data collection…

School-based mental health professionals are uniquely positioned to provide equity-based and culturally responsive social-emotional support for refugee students (NASP, 2019; Rumsey et al., 2018; Stewart, 2014). Research on social-emotional interventions for refugee students is limited, and it remains unclear whether these interventions address…

Students with reading difficulties frequently struggle succeeding in middle school courses due to poor early reading and language skills. Research suggests that students with reading difficulties and comorbid behavioral concerns may have difficulties making appropriate gains when exposed to academic instruction. This study examined the extent to…

This study examines the relationship between middle school students' undesirable behaviours and digital game addiction. Undesirable behaviours disrupt teaching, harm peers, compromise safety, and lower teacher motivation. These behaviours, often influenced by family and environmental factors, disrupt classroom order. Digital games, particularly…