Behavioral Outcomes For Students Research Articles

The Academic and Behavioral Impacts of an Autism Health Insurance Mandate: Evidence from Massachusetts

Abstract Today, all 50 states have enacted mandates requiring some level of insurance coverage for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In this paper, I examine the impact of Massachusetts’ mandate, ARICA (An Act Relative to Insurance Coverage for Autism) on the academic and behavioral outcomes of students with ASD in the state. Using administrative data on Massachusetts public school students, I use a triple difference strategy to estimate impacts on special education setting, attendance, suspensions and achievement. I find that ARICA increased inclusion for students with ASD; they were 4 percentage points more likely to be fully included after the reform. Further, days suspended decreased by about 26 percent, and the likelihood of receiving a suspension decreased by about 2 percentage points. I find that improvements in student outcomes were larger for students in grades 6–8 (versus elementary students). While I find no statistically significant improvement in test scores for students with ASD overall, math (English language arts) achievement increased by 0.09 (0.13) standard deviation for students in middle grades.

Examining the Role of Student Responsiveness in Treatment Effects of a Tier 2 Program Targeting Reductions in Problem Behavior.

Student responsiveness's role in promoting intervention outcomes for students who exhibit problem behavior is understudied. Due to the relational nature of many interventions delivered by teachers that target social, emotional, or behavioral outcomes of students in classrooms, it is essential to assess how responsive students are to teachers' attempts to engage them in the intervention, particularly for students with problem behaviors that may impede teachers' attempts to engage these students in intervention effectively. In the current study, we combine samples from four randomized controlled trials to examine the relationship between student outcomes and teacher attempts to deliver BEST in CLASS, a Tier 2 intervention, via student responsiveness. Delivery of BEST in CLASS and student responsiveness were assessed through direct observations and teachers' reported measures. Results suggest that teacher adherence and competence in delivering BEST in CLASS practices was associated with reductions in problem behavior from pretest to post-test via student responsiveness. Limitations of the current study and implications for future research are discussed.

The effects of being racially, ethnically, & socioeconomically different from peers

Classroom diversity in observable characteristics has been shown in prior literature to have different effects on the educational and behavioral outcomes of students with observable characteristics that differ from their peers. Given that similarity in observable characteristics plays a critical role in social interactions (homophily), students may experience social costs to being racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically very different from their peers. We test these implications using reduced form regressions on Add Health data, where identification comes from exogenous variation in the demographic composition of grades within a school. Empirical findings suggest that students who are more socioeconomically different from same-gender peers are less happy, feel less socially accepted, and do worse academically, particularly in low diversity environments. However, racially different students put forth more effort by participating in extracurricular activities when diversity is low. High diversity environments generate more nonconformity (e.g., altercations with other students) among racially different students, although academic outcomes improve. The results highlight the complexity and importance of considering group composition when weighing policy initiatives that alter the distribution of student types across high schools.

Do Teachers’ Perceptions of High Cultural Responsiveness Predict Better Behavioral Outcomes for Students?

Teachers’ perceptions of high cultural responsiveness in the classroom may be related to positive behavioral outcomes (e.g., higher academic engagement, lower social risk), but little research has explored this possibility. This article addresses this research gap by building upon findings from a preliminary paper in which these relationships were evidenced. Specifically, we present two interrelated follow-up studies. Study 1 examined the relationship between ratings of 20 U.S. teachers on a measure of cultural responsiveness, the Double Check Self-Refection Tool, and students’ observed classroom behavior. Results from multilevel modeling indicated that higher Double Check scores significantly predicted higher academic engagement and lower disruptive behavior for 454 students observed. Study 2 investigated the relationship between ratings of 30 U.S. teachers on the Double Check Self-Refection Tool and ratings of 622 students’ risk on the Social, Academic, and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SAEBRS). Results indicated higher Double Check scores were associated with lower ratings of students’ social and emotional risk. Findings also indicated identification as a Black student and a student with a disability predicted teachers’ perceptions of higher risk, consistent with previous research. As results remain preliminary, implications include recommendations for additional research and high-quality professional development to promote teachers’ cultural responsiveness.

Self-Talk Monitoring: A How-to Guide for Special Educators

Self-monitoring has successfully been used to improve academic and behavioral outcomes of students with learning disabilities. Despite the frequent use of self-monitoring interventions and their accompanying benefits in the field of education, more information is needed concerning the efficacy of student awareness relevant to their self-talk. The addition of individualized self-talk to self-monitoring interventions provides a method to shift from compliance-based interventions to those rooted in student voice and autonomy. This article outlines a step-by-step process for teachers to explicitly teach students with learning disabilities how to monitor their self-talk when working toward individualized, student-created goals.

Positive Self-Talk: An Emerging Learning Strategy for Students With Learning Disabilities

Self-monitoring has proven to be an effective strategy for improving academic performance for students with learning disabilities (LD). In addition to academics, these interventions have improved actions such as task completion, engagement, and on-task behaviors. As a supplement to self-monitoring, self-talk strategies have similar effects in exercise psychology, with added benefits such as improved self-confidence, task accuracy, persistence, and self-awareness. This column highlights the effects of positive self-talk, the addition of self-talk to self-monitoring interventions, and the importance of translating these interventions into classroom settings to improve academic and behavioral outcomes of students with LD.

Instructor strategies to aid implementation of active learning: a systematic literature review

BackgroundDespite the evidence supporting the effectiveness of active learning in undergraduate STEM courses, the adoption of active learning has been slow. One barrier to adoption is instructors’ concerns about students’ affective and behavioral responses to active learning, especially student resistance. Numerous education researchers have documented their use of active learning in STEM classrooms. However, there is no research yet that systematically analyzes these studies for strategies to aid implementation of active learning and address students’ affective and behavioral responses. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review and identify 29 journal articles and conference papers that researched active learning, affective and behavioral student responses, and recommended at least one strategy for implementing active learning. In this paper, we ask: (1) What are the characteristics of studies that examine affective and behavioral outcomes of active learning and provide instructor strategies? (2) What instructor strategies to aid implementation of active learning do the authors of these studies provide?ResultsIn our review, we noted that most active learning activities involved in-class problem solving within a traditional lecture-based course (N = 21). We found mostly positive affective and behavioral outcomes for students’ self-reports of learning, participation in the activities, and course satisfaction (N = 23). From our analysis of the 29 studies, we identified eight strategies to aid implementation of active learning based on three categories. Explanation strategies included providing students with clarifications and reasons for using active learning. Facilitation strategies entailed working with students and ensuring that the activity functions as intended. Planning strategies involved working outside of the class to improve the active learning experience.ConclusionTo increase the adoption of active learning and address students’ responses to active learning, this study provides strategies to support instructors. The eight strategies are listed with evidence from numerous studies within our review on affective and behavioral responses to active learning. Future work should examine instructor strategies and their connection with other affective outcomes, such as identity, interests, and emotions.

Forming and Sustaining High-Quality Student–Teacher Relationships to Reduce Minor Behavioral Incidents

The quality of the relationship that develops between a student and teacher has been connected to pivotal instructional and behavioral outcomes for students. The student–teacher relationship can specifically be harnessed to reduce minor behavioral infractions. However, it is an element of the learning environment that is often overlooked. This article outlines the importance of the student–teacher relationship and provides specific strategies gleaned from the existing literature that teachers could implement in their daily instruction to improve the quality of their relationships with students.

Intensifying Reading Instruction for Students With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Practices to Support Classroom Instruction and Family–School Collaboration

Many students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) also have reading deficits. These reading deficiencies in students with ADHD are likely to be more severe than those of students with only reading difficulties. To intensify reading instruction to improve reading and behavioral outcomes for students with ADHD, this article describes research-based practices which can be integrated into the classroom reading instruction as well as foster family–school collaboration.

Exploring Secondary Science Teachers’ Use of Classroom Physical Activity

This study explored the use of classroom physical activity (PA) in secondary science classrooms. To accomplish this, semistructured interviews were conducted with secondary science teachers (n = 11). Interviews were based on the constructs of the social-ecological model. Most teachers reported using classroom PA in some form—in-class breaks, outdoor activities, and curriculum support. Teachers used classroom PA to improve academic and behavioral outcomes of students. They had varied perceptions regarding collegial support of classroom PA, but mostly felt supported by administrators. Teachers reported being unaware of their district’s and the state department of education’s beliefs about classroom PA. Overall, factors that negatively influenced classroom PA use tended to be within the interpersonal, organization, and policy levels of the social-ecological model, while factors that positively influenced classroom PA use tended to be within the individual level. Subscribe to TPE

Common Practice Elements for Improving Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Outcomes of Young Elementary School Students

Improving social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes of students with and at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) remains a challenge for educators, and it has long been noted that teachers do not consistently use effective instructional practices with students with EBD. Identifying evidence-based practices that address the problems experienced by students with EBD is a priority for the field, but there exist implementation challenges in authentic classroom settings. The purpose of this article is to address one implementation barrier by distilling the common practice elements found in evidence-based programs (EBPs) and practices delivered by teachers designed to target the social, emotional, and behavioral problems in young students. We conducted a systematic review of EBPs and early elementary classroom practices that have been evaluated in randomized group designs, quasi-experimental designs, and single-case experimental designs. A total of 103 articles employing 68 group ( n = 53 randomized group designs, n = 15 quasi-experimental designs) and 35 single-case designs were identified, and an iterative process was used to identify common practice elements. Twenty-five practice elements were identified and submitted to review by experts. After expert review, 24 practice elements remained. Implications for practice and training as well as future research are discussed.

How Do School-Based Prevention Programs Impact Teachers? Findings from a Randomized Trial of an Integrated Classroom Management and Social-Emotional Program.

A number of classroom-based interventions have been developed to improve social and behavioral outcomes for students, yet few studies have examined how these programs impact the teachers who are implementing them. Impacts on teachers may affect students and therefore also serve as an important proximal outcome to examine. The current study draws upon data from a school-based randomized controlled trial testing the impact of two prevention programs. In one intervention condition, teachers were trained in the classroom behavior management program, PAX Good Behavior Game (PAX GBG). In a second intervention condition, teachers were trained to use an integrated program, referred to as PATHS to PAX, of the PAX GBG and a social and emotional learning curriculum called Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies (PATHS©). This study aimed to determine whether both interventions positively impacted teachers, with a particular interest in the teachers' own beliefs and perceptions regarding self-efficacy, burnout, and social-emotional competence. The sample included 350 K-5 teachers across 27 schools (18 schools randomized to intervention, 9 to control). Multilevel latent growth curve analyses indicated that the PATHS to PAX condition generally demonstrated the most benefits to teachers, relative to both the control and PAX GBG conditions. These findings suggest that school-based preventive interventions can have a positive impact on teachers' beliefs and perceptions, particularly when the program includes a social-emotional component. Several possible mechanisms might account for the added benefit to teachers. Additional research is needed to better understand how these programs impact teachers, as well as students.

Implementing Effective Programs to Increase Safety and Reduce Bullying in Connecticut Private Schools, USA: A Policy Perspective

Introduction: Providing a safe, supportive, and encouraging school environment is a social responsibility that parents delegate to lawmakers, teachers, and school administrators. It is in some respect a public right—or at least a perceived right—that the public has come to expect from its lawmakers, teachers, and administrators. Objectives: This research seeks to evaluate the role of Safe School Climate Coordinator in establishing a school climate programs and related policies to improve school safety and reduce bullying. Methods: The research employed the qualitative methodology from which six key themes emerged: mental health support; resource constraints; impact and influence of technology and social media; clear definition and distinction of bullying, harassment, and teasing; parental involvement and support; and importance and significance of the network’s culture. Nine participants from seven private schools in Connecticut took part in semi-structured interviews that were specially designed and conducted by the researchers. The nature of the interviews allowed participants to provide useful insights into the role they played in enhancing school climate by carefully developing and implementing policies and programs that reject violence and promote a school environment that is safe and conducive to learning. Findings: The administrators were involved in training teachers and staff in detecting bullying activities and to immediately address them if identified. In order to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the participants and any information that was shared during the discussion, no personally identifiable information was used. A three-letter code or initials was used to further mask the identity of the participants. Each school administrator contributed equally to the discussion and actively participated in the semi-structured interviews. Most were interested in the outcome and willingly agreed to provide input regarding the development and implementation of school safety and antibullying manual as a deliverable for this action research project. Conclusion: The Safe School Climate Coordinator role was examined to ascertain actions taken to improve school safety and prevent bullying activities. The results of this study highlighted the importance of robust policies and careful oversight by the school administrators in maintaining a safe and bully-free environment. A safe and nurturing school culture paired with strong leadership can positively influence the school’s environment resulting into improved academic successes and favorable behavioral outcomes of students.

Collaboration between general and special educators and student outcomes: A need for more research

AbstractAlthough collaboration between general and special educators is frequently recommended in the literature, how much is known and understood about actual collaboration practices remains unclear. Yet, current reforms and law are calling for increased collaboration. Therefore, the purpose of this review of the literature was to explore the research base on the impact that collaboration has on academic and/or social or behavioral outcomes for students with disabilities. A total of 19 studies were located for review. Although the studies generally support collaboration for improved student outcomes, this finding is tentative at best, given the small number of studies representing a variety of research designs and collaboration models. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Channels of Change: Contrasting Network Mechanisms in the Use of Interventions

This study informs community science, and seeks to narrow the research-to-practice gap, by examining how the interpersonal networks within a setting influence individuals' use of interventions. More specifically, it explores the role of two network mechanisms-cohesion and structural similarity-in urban elementary school teachers' use of interventions designed to improve academic and behavioral outcomes for students. Lagged regression models examine how position in advice giving networks influenced weekly use of the daily report card and peer assisted learning by kindergarten through fourth grade teachers in three schools. Results indicate that intervention use spreads among teachers with similar patterns of advice-giving relationships (i.e., via structural similarity), rather than from teachers who are sources of advice (i.e., via cohesion). These results are consistent with findings in other settings, and suggest that researchers wishing to increase the use of an intervention should select change agents based on their patterns of their relationships, rather than on their direct connections.

Enhancing the Efficacy of Lecturers in Educating Student Cohorts Consisting of Culturally Diverse Groups in a Medical University

Lecturers exert a potent influence over the achievement of all students, low-income culturally diverse students in particular. Although recent research has confirmed that lecturer involvement is critical for promoting academic engagement of low-income and ethnically diverse students in America and other countries, other literature suggests that lecturers have lower expectations for and fewer interactions with these students. These findings have prompted calls for promoting lecturers self-efficacy for working with students from diverse backgrounds, especially in a country like Malaysia, where there is a coexistence of students of various ethnic diverse groups, such as Chinese, Malays and Indians. The purposes of this article are (a) to summarize briefly the literature that examines the effect of lecturers efficacy on academic and behavioral outcomes of students, especially culturally diverse students; (b) to disseminate the findings of a lecturer-training program designed to promote lecturer efficacy in relation to culturally diverse students; and (c) to provide lecturers, administrators, and lecturer trainers with methods to increase lecturer efficacy when working with culturally diverse learners.

Academic and Behavioral Outcomes for Students at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

The purpose of this study is to describe academic and behavioral outcomes for adolescents who were identified when they were in kindergarten and first grade as being at risk for developing emotional and behavioral disorders. Results indicated that primary school academic achievement and teacher ratings of academic competence were highly predictive of middle school reading achievement and moderately predictive of math achievement. Teacher ratings of behavior across time were consistent and reliable, and behavioral ratings by primary school teachers were predictive of students' behavioral ratings by middle school teachers. These findings suggest that young students with academic and behavioral problems continue to display problems into adolescence, placing them at serious risk for school failure and dropping out. Results have implications for early identification and prevention/intervention programs for at-risk students.

Exploring the Relationship Between Increased Opportunities to Respond to Academic Requests and the Academic and Behavioral Outcomes of Students with EBD

The purpose of this article is to review the literature and examine the effect of increased opportunities to respond to academic requests (OTR) on academic and behavioral outcomes of students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). The studies reviewed suggest that increased rates of OTR result in higher task engagement and academic achievement and in lower rates of inappropriate classroom behaviors. However, descriptive research in classrooms for students with EBD suggests that teachers rarely provide adequate OTR. Implications of these findings and future research needs are discussed.