| Title: |
Training and Technical Assistance Increase the Fidelity of Implementation of a Universal Prevention Initiative in Rural Schools: Results from a 3-Year Cluster-Randomized Trial |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Hannah G. Calvert (ORCID 0000-0002-6067-693X); Christopher M. Fleming; Michaela Lowe; Teri Lewis; Carl F. Siebert; Ashley Havlicak; Nate Anderson; Tate Castleton; Lindsey Turner |
| Source: |
Prevention Science. 2025 26(1):56-68. |
| Availability: |
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
13 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Sponsoring Agency: |
National Institute of Justice (NIJ) (DOJ) |
| Contract Number: |
2017CKBX0021 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Education Level: |
Elementary Education; Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: |
Elementary School Students; Secondary School Students; Positive Behavior Supports; Student Behavior; Intervention; Rural Schools; Evidence Based Practice; Leadership Training; Professional Development; Resource Allocation; Technical Assistance; Electronic Learning; Workshops; Achievement Gains; Educational Environment; Summer Programs; Fidelity; Prevention |
| DOI: |
10.1007/s11121-025-01776-0 |
| ISSN: |
1389-4986; 1573-6695 |
| Abstract: |
The need for well-implemented evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for the prevention of behavioral issues among children and adolescents is substantial. In rural areas, the need often matches or surpasses that of urban areas. Schools have a wide reach for prevention-focused EBIs. However, implementation in rural schools is often hindered by limited resources and capacity. Rural School Support Strategies (RS3) are a bundle of implementation supports that address implementation challenges in rural settings. They include providing additional leadership and coaching training, individualized technical assistance (mostly virtual), and monthly meetings of a virtual learning collaborative. A cluster-randomized Hybrid Type 3 implementation-effectiveness trial tested RS3 for implementing school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS), a universal prevention approach to improving student behavior, academic outcomes, and school climate. Forty rural schools received a multi-day training on PBIS each summer for 3 years. Half were randomized to also receive RS3 support. Linear and logistic regression models examined the effect of treatment condition and dosage of support on implementation fidelity for Tier 1 (universal) PBIS. Condition and dosage (number of hours) of support increased the odds of schools achieving the 70% threshold for adequate implementation fidelity. In the first year, the higher dosage of technical assistance events increased the likelihood of schools reaching fidelity, whereas later in the trial, the higher dosage of attendance at the virtual learning collaborative sessions yielded significant improvements in fidelity. Implications for accelerating the implementation of universal prevention initiatives in schools--particularly in rural settings--are discussed. This study was prospectively registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03736395), on November 9, 2018. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1460850 |
| Database: |
ERIC |