ERIC Number: EJ1461648
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023-Jun
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1866-2625
EISSN: EISSN-1866-2633
Available Date: 2022-12-20
Sustaining BEST in CLASS: Teacher-Reported Evidence-Based Practice Use with Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
Melissa Washington-Nortey1; Kristen Granger2; Kevin S. Sutherland3; Maureen Conroy4; Navneet Kaur5; Allyse Hetrick6
School Mental Health, v15 n2 p470-483 2023
There is growing evidence of the efficacy of evidence-based interventions in improving the academic and social outcomes of children who exhibit challenging behaviors during program implementation periods. However, less is known about the extent to which practices learned as part of these interventions are sustained after these projects end, when funding is paused temporarily, and in less-than-ideal conditions. This study used qualitative methods to investigate whether teachers previously trained in the BEST in CLASS-Elementary intervention continued to use the program's evidence-based practices with students 1-2 years after completing the program and in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also examined teachers' perceptions of the impact of practice use on students' academic and social outcomes. Thirteen BEST in CLASS-Elementary teachers from elementary schools in two southeastern states in the USA where the program was implemented completed semi-structured interviews on the topic. Data were coded thematically, and the results indicated that over 50% of teachers reported using "rules," "supportive relationships," and "praise" frequently with their students. However, "precorrection" and "opportunities to respond" were reportedly used less often. Teachers also perceived that their use of these evidence-based practices was linked to increases in their students' academic engagement and academic performance and knowledge, improvements in students' behaviors, their relationships with teachers, and general comfort and self-confidence. The discussion highlights modality-specific patterns noted in the results that might influence sustainment and the implication of these findings for interventions and programs aimed at promoting positive behavioral outcomes for early elementary school students.
Descriptors: Evidence Based Practice, Elementary School Students, Intervention, Behavior Problems, COVID-19, Pandemics, Teacher Attitudes, Program Implementation, Faculty Development, Behavior Change, Program Effectiveness, Academic Achievement, Learner Engagement, Self Esteem, Teacher Student Relationship, Elementary School Teachers, At Risk Students, Emotional Disturbances, Behavior Disorders
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A180182
Department of Education Funded: Yes
Author Affiliations: 1King’s College London, Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, London, UK; 2Vanderbilt University, Department of Special Education, Peabody College, Nashville, USA; 3Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Counseling and Special Education, School of Education, Richmond, USA; 4University of Florida, Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, Gainesville, USA; 5Virginia Commonwealth University, Department of Psychology, Richmond, USA; 6University of Florida, Institute for Child Health Policy, Gainesville, USA