Supporting Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-Tiered Models of Prevention in Schools

Abstract

We report findings from a statewide survey of 365 site-level administrators developed to (a) learn about the extent to which schools across the state were implementing components of multi-tiered systems of support and (b) determine the areas in which these schools might need professional development or resources to support them. At least half of the administrators indicated a high level of implementation for all Tier 1 features, with the exception of instruction in school-wide behavioral expectations. Tier 2 and Tier 3 behavioral and social supports were reportedly less fully implemented than those focused on academic domains. Most differences between elementary and secondary schools existed in Tier 1 features, with implementation occurring more fully in elementary schools. More than half of the administrators indicated a high level of implementation of the 15 research-based educational practices and supports examined, with a statistically significant relation between administrators’ ratings of currently implemented practices and the desire for support for all educational practices and supports except for increasing behavior-specific praise. In terms of potential venues for professional development and learning, in-district, during-school workshops and practices guides were rated most favorably. We discuss avenues for supporting schools with implementation.