Use of Behavioral Skills Training with Teachers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Public school teachers often receive training in a professional development seminar or workshop format. These formats may be ineffective for teaching specific skills intended to be used in the classroom due to lack of practice opportunities. Behavioral skills training (BST) has proved to be an effective teaching method with a wide variety of populations and skills; therefore, the use of BST with educators may be ideal for specific skills training. We conducted a systematic review of the literature regarding BST with teachers to summarize the current literature and inform future practice. Studies which included teachers who were exposed to BST were identified and summarized based on teacher characteristics, student characteristics, treatment integrity measures, and quality indicators of design based on the standards of What Works Clearinghouse (WWC). Thirteen studies were identified for the review. Results indicated that BST was used predominately with special education teachers serving students with disabilities. Additionally, most of the studies in this review did not meet WWC standards or met standards with reservations. Needs for future research are discussed.