Introduction: The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) reviews rigorous research on educational interventions with a goal of identifying "what works" and making that information accessible to educators and policymakers. In rating the quality of causal research, the WWC has historically prioritized internal validity over external validity. One…

Background: A large evidence base suggests that without effective early intervention, young children who exhibit persistent challenging behavior often face a host of long-term social and academic challenges (Bulotsky-Shearer & Fantuzzo, 2011; Hauser-Cram & Woodman, 2016; Kazdin, 1995; Lane et al., 2008; Miller et al., 2017). Challenging…

Background: Implementation quality is a significant factor in determining whether a program has its intended impact (Durlak and DuPre, 2008; List et al., 2021). Therefore, when studying a program's efficacy, researchers must ensure that the program is implemented as intended to estimate its impact. To evaluate whether a program is being…

Background: Among the most contested topics within special education research concerns racial disparities in students identified with disabilities. This phenomenon, referred to as disproportionality in special education placement, is historically rooted in concerns surrounding the overrepresentation of Black students in special education across…

Background: Computational thinking (CT) is a way of thinking that helps children solve problems and complete tasks in more organized ways, using computer science skills. Prior research indicates that promoting CT skills in young children can support the acquisition of general problem solving (PS), executive function (EF), and social emotional…

Background: In fourth grade, students must solve single- and multi-step word problems during classroom instruction and on standardized tests. The majority of mathematics items on high-stakes assessments are word problems; thus, word-problem proficiency is necessary to demonstrate successful mathematics performance. However, many students are…

Background/Context: Math education remains a critical focus for national education improvement. As a solution, districts in the U.S. are investing in math education technologies. Research has demonstrated the potential of these technologies to close achievement gaps (e.g., Pape et al., 2012; Roschelle et al., 2016). Student math achievement is…

Background: Students who do not acquire social and emotional skills are at risk for a range of negative outcomes that include emotional and behavioral disabilities, lower school achievement and school failure, peer rejection, substance abuse, and school dropout (Downer & Pianta, 2006; Riggs et al., 2006 Quinn & Poirier, 2004). Tools for…

Background/Context: The proposed paper will share findings from a dissertation study examining mindfulness as a tool to reduce the impacts of educator bias on school discipline disparities. Teachers are the single most important factor in determining student achievement compared to any other aspect of schooling, yet studies are finding that the…

Background/Context: Childhood trauma can increase preschooler's risk for behavioral problems, poor student-teacher relationships, and expulsion (Loomis, 2020; Zeng et al., 2019). Efforts have been undertaken to address the gaps in knowledge and confidence of ECE teachers by integrating trauma-informed approaches into ECE settings, who by virtue of…

The national high school graduation rate reached its highest level in U.S. history--82 percent--during the 2013-14 school year (Kena et al., 2016)--but dropout remains a persistent problem in the Midwest and nationally. Early warning systems that use research-based warning signs to identify students at risk of dropping out have emerged as one…

Research shows correlations between children's problematic behaviours and reduced academic performance, stressed teacher-child relationships, poorer peer interactions, higher involvement in deviant behaviours, lower school adjustment, and increased chances of dropping out of school. Problematic behaviour is a source of stress for teachers and…

Professional development for teachers has historically been fairly didactic in nature (Garet et al., 2001; Rose & Church, 1998), which is believed to limit effectiveness and translation to teacher practice change (Fixsen, Naoom, Blase, Friedman, & Wallace, 2005). One well-established program with a more active, collaborative training…

Numerous authors have reviewed research to determine which skills are considered fundamental to successful academic and social outcomes for students (Hattie, Briggs, & Purdie, 1996; Masten & Coatworth, 1998; Wang, Haertel, & Walberg, 1994; Zins, Weissberg, Wang, & Walberg, 2004). These skills include: (1) cognitive and…

School refusal behavior, affecting between 1% and 5% of school-age children, is a psychosocial problem for students characterized by severe emotional distress and anxiety at the prospect of going to school, leading to difficulties in attending school and, in some cases, significant absences from school (Burke & Silverman, 1987; Elliot, 1999;…