School-Based Behavioral Consultation: Delivering Treatment for Children's Externalizing Behavior in the Classroom

Abstract

This study examined the efficacy of school-based behavioral consultation as a method of delivering treatment for children with externalizing behavior problems. Behavioral consultation was conducted with teachers of 3 general education students identified as exhibiting clinically significant externalizing behavior in the classroom. An A-B design with replication across participants and a follow-up phase was used to analyze the effectiveness of consultative treatment on students' disruptive behavior. Direct observation and behavioral checklist data indicated a significant decrease in externalizing behavior from baseline to treatment. Teachers indicated satisfaction with consultation services and viewed the treatment plan as appropriate, fair, and reasonable for their students. The results are taken as general support for the effectiveness of school-based behavioral consultation as a method of delivering treatment for children with significant behavior problems. Limitations, implications for consultation practice, and future research are discussed.