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Check-in/check-out (CICO) is an evidence-based practice for addressing the behavioral needs of students with and without disabilities from kindergarten through the 12th grade. The CICO intervention is easily adapted to address other areas of need, beyond behavior, including academics and social integration, making CICO appealing for all school grade levels and differing student needs. Recently, transition skills have been targeted and integrated into CICO for adolescents with disabilities. Building from the transition-focused applications of CICO, adaptations and intensifications specific to high school students with emotional and behavioral disorders related to transition-readiness skills of self-monitoring, social skills, and vocational training are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) and the Daily Report Card intervention (DRC) are well-researched interventions designed to reduce challenging student behavior and improve academic and behavioral functioning. Yet each intervention has been studied within siloed literatures and their similarities and differences are not well understood by many educators. The goals of this commentary are to (1) highlight the similarities and differences between these interventions; (2) help educators and researchers understand the value of both interventions; and (3) stimulate conversation, innovative thinking, and new research that serves to reduce rather than reinforce the existing silos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to provide initial evidence of the effectiveness of Check-In/Check-Out-High School (CICO-HS) on high school student outcomes. Check-In/Check-Out-High School is a version of CICO, an established Tier 2 intervention designed to improve student academic and social behavior, adapted to increase effectiveness and feasibility in high schools. Key adaptations in CICO-HS include increased student agency through goal setting and self-rating, and increased efficiency through use of a mobile application for data collection, progress monitoring, and family communication. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted during the 2021–2022 school year and included 14 ninth grade students in one public high school in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Students were randomly assigned to receive CICO-HS or a waitlist/control condition. Although underpowered, the RCT results showed meaningful improvements (small to moderate effect sizes) in student attendance (unexcused tardies and absences) and teacher ratings of student academic and social behaviors. Moreover, students and school personnel rated CICO-HS components as being socially acceptable to implement in high school. Implications for future research to replicate and expand study findings and for practice to scale up CICO-HS with fidelity in high schools are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in/check-out (CICO) is an evidence-based multicomponent intervention widely implemented in elementary and middle schools. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether an adapted CICO intervention, with CICO components designed to be more developmentally appropriate for adolescents and contextually relevant for high schools, could be implemented with procedural fidelity and improve outcomes for students with and at risk for disabilities. The study included three ninth-grade students (two with Individualized Education Programs) in one U.S. public high school. We used a non-concurrent multiple baseline design conducted over two academic years during the COVID-19 pandemic to experimentally evaluate the effects of CICO-Secondary on student academic engagement. Results demonstrated that students participated with adequate procedural fidelity and that there was a functional relation between implementation of CICO-Secondary and improved student academic engagement. Students and school personnel also perceived CICO-Secondary to be socially valid. Implications for both future research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who have extensive support needs (ESN) may require support to develop appropriate social behavior. School‐wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is an evidence‐based framework to support the social and behavioral needs of all students. As an evidence‐based practice commonly used as a Tier 2 support within SWPBIS, check‐in/check‐out (CICO) has improved social behavior among students with and without disabilities. However, the literature on the efficacy of CICO does not include students with ASD who have ESN. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of traditional and adapted CICO as a Tier 2 support within the SWPBIS framework on the adherence to school‐wide expectations and challenging behavior of four elementary students with ASD who have ESN. Results of this multiple baseline across participants design study were inconclusive regarding challenging behavior and adherence to school‐wide expectations across participants. Further, social validity data collected from all participants indicated the intervention was feasible and an overall positive experience. Practitioner points: Including students with ASD who have ESN within SWPBIS was feasible for educators.Students with ASD who have ESN enjoyed being included in SWPBIS, specifically CICO, a Tier 2 intervention.Additional data are needed to determine the effectiveness of CICO on challenging behavior and adherence to school‐wide expectations of students with ASD who have ESN.sys [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-tiered school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports offers a comprehensive model for the prevention of behavioral and academic problems in schools. This study evaluated Check-in/Check-out (CICO), a Tier 2 intervention, with three elementary school students from a high-need population, whose problem behavior was hypothesized to be maintained by teacher attention. The study employed a concurrent multiple baseline design across participants, a single case experimental design to examine the effects of CICO on student academic engagement and problem behavior during instruction. Results indicated that implementation of CICO with fidelity by the CICO coordinator, classroom teachers, and parents lead to increased academic engagement and reduced problem behavior in all three students. Tau-U Effect sizes were medium to large for academic engagement and small to medium for problem behavior across students. Data on two students indicate that systematically fading the number of times teachers utilize the daily report card has the potential for promoting maintenance effects. For one student, fading of the coordinator was successful. Social validity assessment indicated high levels of satisfaction with the CICO intervention by the participating students, teachers, and one parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One objective in Finnish basic education is for pupils with disabilities or behavioral problems to be able to participate in mainstream education and ordinary classrooms. Positive behavior support (PBS) is an approach that offers multi-tiered behavior support for pupils. In addition to providing support at a universal level, educators need to have the necessary skills to provide more intensive individual support for pupils who need it. Check-in/Check-out (CICO) is a research-based individual support system that is widely used in PBS schools. The Finnish application of CICO includes an individual behavior assessment process for pupils with persistent challenging behaviors. In this article, we examined which pupils in Finnish PBS schools are provided CICO support, and in particular, how many have identified needs for specific pedagogical support or behavior-related disabilities, and whether educators find CICO to be an acceptable way of supporting behavior in an inclusive school setting. CICO support was found to be used the most in the first four grade levels, and support was offered mainly for boys. The number of pupils receiving CICO support in participating schools was much lower than expected, and CICO seemed to be secondary to other pedagogical supports. The social validity of CICO was equally high for all grade levels and pupil groups. The experienced effectiveness was somewhat lower among pupils with a need for pedagogical support in basic academic skills. The results suggest that Finnish schools may have a high threshold for starting structured behavior support despite its high acceptability. Implications for teacher education and the development of the Finnish version of CICO are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in/Check-out (CICO) is a widely implemented evidence-based program for supporting students with at-risk levels of social and emotional behavior concerns. It is comprised of several core features described in the previous literature, including practice elements, which are the specific actions that are delivered directly to students, and implementation components, which are actions that support the implementation by adults. Practice elements and implementation components are both important to implementation but have been combined and conflated in descriptions of CICO implementation. Well-defined and differentiated practice elements could provide improved clarity in communicating implementation expectations to front-line implementers as well as support future research into essential active ingredients and measures of front-line intervention fidelity. The purpose of the present study was to distill, differentiate, and operationally define the student-facing practice elements of CICO. A panel of research experts and practice experts participated in a three-round modified e-Delphi process that led to the identification and operational definition of 19 discreet practice elements organized into five domains. Results are discussed in terms in implications for future development of measures of commitment and intervention fidelity, future research into active ingredients of CICO, and in terms of how well-defined practice elements can improve communication of implementation expectations for front-line implementers of CICO such as teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few transition studies have involved training supervisors on interacting and relaying feedback to individuals with intellectual disability during vocational training. We used a multiple baseline across participants design to examine the efficacy of an adaptive check-in/check-out (CICO) intervention for increasing the rate of performance feedback statements given by a supervisor to an intern with an intellectual disability during vocational training. The CICO intervention was effective at increasing the rate of performance feedback statements given by each supervisor. We recommend research and practice focused on training supervisors to use the CICO intervention to assist in helping foster natural job supports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a growing number of students with disabilities participating in online distance education, there is a need to explore support strategies that promote their academic success in these virtual environments. For students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), this type of learning environment often lacks the structure and support for them to develop social emotional and self-management skills needed to be successful in their academics. The current study pilots a technology-aided check-in/check-out (CICO) intervention package for parents to implement with their students enrolled in online schooling. This study particularly focuses on using the intervention to increase the student engagement of one high school student with ASD participating in online distance education. Using a single-case, AB design, data were collected on student engagement prior to and during the implementation of the intervention package. Results show a significant increase in student engagement when the intervention was implemented. Reports from both the student and his mother indicated overall positive perceptions of the intervention. Further exploration of the results, including limitations and future directions, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multi-tiered school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports offers a comprehensive model for the prevention of behavioral and academic problems in schools. This study evaluated Check-in/Check-out (CICO), a Tier 2 intervention, with three elementary school students from a high-need population, whose problem behavior was hypothesized to be maintained by teacher attention. The study employed a concurrent multiple baseline design across participants, a single case experimental design to examine the effects of CICO on student academic engagement and problem behavior during instruction. Results indicated that implementation of CICO with fidelity by the CICO coordinator, classroom teachers, and parents lead to increased academic engagement and reduced problem behavior in all three students. Tau-U Effect sizes were medium to large for academic engagement and small to medium for problem behavior across students. Data on two students indicate that systematically fading the number of times teachers utilize the daily report card has the potential for promoting maintenance effects. For one student, fading of the coordinator was successful. Social validity assessment indicated high levels of satisfaction with the CICO intervention by the participating students, teachers, and one parent.

This study investigated the impact of a self-management intervention, known as "Check-in/Check-out" (CICO) on academic engaged time and internalizing problems of three elementary-level students identified with risk for internalizing behavior problems. A multiple baseline across three students' research design was used to examine effects of CICO on student academic engagement. Classroom teacher ratings of student anxiety, depression, somatic complaints and overall internalizing problems were collected pre- and post-intervention. Participant perceptions of the intervention when applied to students with internalizing concerns were also gathered. Visual analysis of direct observation data and single-case effect size estimates indicated positive effect for one student, questionable effect for a second student, and limited effect on academic engaged time for the third student. Post-intervention teacher ratings of student behavior showed decreases in several problem areas including anxiety, depression, and overall internalizing problems. Finally, student and parent participants generally viewed the intervention favorably and school personnel were able to implement a majority of intervention components with fidelity. Implications for practice and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This meta-analysis study synthesized the intervention effects of Check-in/Check-out (CICO), the most common Tier 2 behavior intervention used in schools. Systematic review procedures were employed to examine six CICO studies that were evaluated using a group research design and that involved 146 students. Studies were coded to examine their characteristics as well as quality indicators concerning their design features. The results indicated that in group design studies, the overall effect size of CICO across student outcomes (problem behavior, appropriate behavior, social skills, and academic performance) was medium (g = 0.42). No differences in effects were found for outcome domains, Tier 1 fidelity, and implementation fidelity, but grade level was associated with statistically significant differences in effect sizes (Q = 3.95, p <.05). Elementary school students (g = 0.70) showed greater improvements than middle school students (g = 0.27). Further research is needed to examine the intervention features impacting the effects of CICO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systematic literature reviews have supported the effectiveness of behavioral Tier 2 interventions, with research being particularly plentiful in relation to Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) and social skills training (SST). Though findings indicate either approach is effective in isolation, a recent study suggested these approaches might be particularly effective when integrated. The purpose of the current study was to build upon this initial single-case design study with a larger sample within a randomized controlled trial. Participants included 91 elementary students who had been identified as being at risk of social-emotional and behavioral difficulties. Students were randomized into three intervention conditions: CICO only, SST only, and CICO + SST. Prior to intervention, information was collected regarding the function of student problem behavior and the extent of social skill deficits. Systematic direct observation data were then completed at pre- and post-test regarding student positive and negative social engagement. Multivariate general linear models were then conducted, with pre-test scores serving as covariates and intervention group and behavioral function serving as fixed factors. Results indicated that implementation of CICO, SST, and a combined CICO + SST was functionally related to a reduction in negative social engagement. Follow-up post hoc tests indicated that after adjusting for pre-test responding, the difference between conditions in effectiveness was moderated by behavioral function. Specifically, SST was less effective for students whose behavior functioned to escape social and academic situations. No such differences were noted between students whose behavior functioned to attain adult or peer attention. Implications for practice, methodological limitations, and directions for future research are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classroom management is a leading factor in teacher attrition, with novice teachers citing behavior intervention as their biggest concern in the classroom (Adera & Bullock, 2010; Chaplain, 2008; Coronado, 2011; Paquette & Rieg, 2016; Rieg, Paquette, & Chen, 2007; Schlichte, Yssel, & Merbler, 2005; Vesely, Saklofske, & Nordstokke, 2014). There is a pressing need for disseminating low-intensity strategies for teachers to use to combat problem behavior and attrition. Check-in/check-out (CICO) and the more intensive check-in/checkup/check-out (CICUCO) interventions are desirable Tier 2 approaches for teachers who are responding to problem behavior in the classroom given the efficient and effective nature of each approach. This article will (a) describe the traditional five-step CICO process, (b) describe additional checkup procedures, and (c) discuss numerous possible adaptations to these approaches to more effectively address the behavioral needs of students across special and general education settings. Further, suggestions for increasing mentor and family involvement in the CICO process are given. Limitations and implications also are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in/check-out (CICO) is widely used as a Tier 2 intervention within school-wide positive behavior interventions and supports. Evidence suggests that traditional CICO is primarily effective for students demonstrating problem behavior maintained by adult attention. A growing body of research has investigated function-modified CICO to address behaviors maintained by other consequences. The purpose of this review was to examine the evidence-base for function-modified versions of CICO to identify (a) the procedures used to assess students' behavior function and (b) the types of modifications and additions to CICO that have been empirically evaluated. We systematically reviewed 11 studies that examined the effects of function-based CICO. Researchers determined behavior function using a combination of direct observations and indirect assessments. These methods were more involved than a brief behavior screening. The modifications and additions to traditional CICO included changes that were functionally relevant and functionally independent. Based on the results of this review, more research is needed before function-based CICO can be considered an evidence-based practice. Moreover, the extent to which educators can implement function-based CICO without researcher support is also unknown. The implications of this review are discussed in terms of future research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early intervention and prevention services for students at risk of emotional and behavioral problems are increasingly plentiful in the schools. However, recent reviews have revealed gaps in the literature regarding supports for students with internalizing problems. This gap has set precedent for the development of novel Tier 2 interventions that specifically address internalizing behavior problems. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a novel, targeted intervention for elementary students who are at risk of internalizing problems: the Resilience Education Program (REP). REP is founded upon a social-ecological framework, integrating small-group cognitive-behavioral instruction with a modified check-in/check-out procedure. The current study employed a multiple-baseline single-case design with three student participants at risk of internalizing concerns. Visual analysis of direct observation data and single-case effect size estimates indicated that the REP intervention resulted in the decrease in internalizing behaviors and an increase in social engagement relative to baseline levels for two of three participants. Findings were further supported in that the changes noted in observational data were also partially confirmed by teacher ratings. Limitations of this study and future directions for researchers and practitioners are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is a preventative Tier 2 intervention with demonstrated evidence in decreasing problem behaviors and increasing academic engagement for elementary and middle school students (Bruhn, Lane, & Hirsch, 2013; Hawken, Bundock, Kladis, O'Keeffe, & Barrett, 2014; Maggin, Zurheide, Pickett, & Baillie, 2015). The purpose of this article was to investigate how 18 high school coaches in eight states are adopting and modifying key components of the CICO intervention to address the high school context. Results suggested a majority of coaches made adaptations to specific components of the CICO intervention. Recommendations for how these adaptations may be enhanced by taking into consideration the developmental age of students and the high school context are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in/check-out is a secondary-tier intervention within the positive behavior interventions and supports framework. Check-in/check-out pairs the use of an adult mentor with a daily progress report to help students meet individualized behavioral goals. This study adds to the research base by examining the effects of check-in, check-up, check-out for students with moderate intellectual disability. A modified version of the traditional checkin/ check-out cycle was implemented with three high school students during vocational training. All three students demonstrated decreases in off-task behavior. Treatment fidelity and social validity were assessed. Limitations, future directions, and implications for practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in/Check-out (CICO) is an intervention designed to improve behavioral outcomes for students identified as at-risk for school failure. Core principles of the intervention include clearly defined behavioral expectations and rules, precorrections for meeting behavioral expectations, high rates of feedback and reinforcement for demonstration of desired behavior, use of data to monitor outcomes, and a system for school-to- home communication. The purpose of this investigation was to use the 2014 Council for Exceptional Children’s quality indicators and standards for establishing evidence-based practices in special education to review the existing research for CICO. Implications regarding the use of different sets of quality indicators to evaluate extant research are provided, and recommendations for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schoolwide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs provide a framework for dealing with discipline problems in k-12 schools by using the action research process and positive reinforcement. As schools across the country continue to implement PBIS programs, programmers and app designers are creating innovative products to assist teachers and administrators with their efforts. This review will highlight some of the most popular apps and programs that are currently on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) is a moderately effective Tier 2 intervention often used to address attention-maintained problem behaviors in schools. Recent studies on CICO have demonstrated the effectiveness of the intervention when combined with social skills training and when utilizing students’ peers as interventionists. Using a concurrent multiple baseline across participants design, the present study evaluated the effectiveness of peer-mediated CICO to target social skills in elementary school students identified as socially neglected using a sociometric classification system. Results, implications for practice, limitations, and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-tiered models of prevention are increasingly being adopted by schools to address the behavioral needs of students. A critical component of multitiered systems are secondary interventions used with students in need of behavioral support but who are not candidates for individualized interventions. Despite the importance of secondary interventions, questions remain regarding which approaches have sufficient empirical support to warrant their use. The purpose of this review was, therefore, to examine the research underlying the Check-In/Check-Out (CICO) program, a widely used secondary intervention, to determine the strengths, limitations, and generality of the accumulated research. The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) procedures for evaluating single-case and group-based research were applied with results indicating mixed support for the program. Specifically, there were a sufficient number of single-case research studies to deem the CICO program as evidence-based, while the group-based research had no demonstrated effects. These findings are discussed in terms of future research on the CICO program and the broader implications for selecting and implementing secondary interventions in school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing intervention services to students with emotional-behavioral difficulties (EBD) in the educational setting can be challenging and typically requires collaboration among a number of individuals. The authors used an A-B single-case research design to examine the effectiveness of a check-in/check-out intervention with peer monitoring on the behavior of an elementary student with EBD when using a high school student as a peer monitor. Findings indicated that both students benefited from the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effectiveness of peer-mediated check-in/check-out (CICO) on the internalizing behaviors of elementary school students. A nonconcurrent multiple-baseline design across participants was utilized to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness for 3 students in 1st and 2nd grade. Two 5th grade students were trained to implement CICO under the supervision of an adult intervention specialist. The peer-mediated CICO procedure was effective for 2 of the 3 participants as evidenced by moderate to large effect sizes; however, all 3 participants were identified as "at-risk" on a universal screener for internalizing problems. The results suggest peer-mediated CICO may be a resource-efficient Tier II strategy to meet the needs of students engaging in internalizing behavior within a multitiered framework of service delivery, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study systematically replaced the teacher completed Daily Behavior Report Card (DBRC) and feedback component of check-in/check-out (CICO) with self-monitoring for four elementary students referred for Tier 2 behavioral supports within School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS). An ABAB withdrawal design was used to test the effectiveness of CICO. Then, following the second B phase, teacher completion of the DBRC and corresponding feedback to students was replaced with self-monitoring. For all four participants, CICO was associated with increases in academic engagement and reductions in disruptive behavior. Moreover, students' behavioral gains were maintained when teacher completion of the DBRC was replaced with self-monitoring. Results are discussed in terms of CICO research and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in/check-out (CICO) is a practical, resource-efficient mentoring program for students with behavioral challenges that has been implemented with success in both traditional and Alternative Educational (AE) settings. Traditionally, the CICO program has utilized adults exclusively to direct the mentoring process. This pilot study explored an extension to the CICO program, peer led check-in/check-out (PL-CICO), which allowed peers to facilitate the mentoring process. Results of this pilot utilizing a single-subject reversal design (A-B-A-B) indicate that the PL-CICO program improved mentee behavior. Furthermore, researchers report high rates of fidelity for student mentors’ implementation of the PL-CICO protocol. Additionally, both student and staff participants rated PL-CICO favorably, according to social validity measures. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Check-in/check-out (CICO) is a resource-efficient, mentor-based, Tier 2 intervention. Various problem behaviors of students with and without disabilities across traditional and alternative school settings have been impacted positively by CICO. Not all students respond to the traditional, five-step approach, however. This article provides an overview of three resource-efficient adaptations educators may consider prior to designing resource-intensive, Tier 3 (i.e., individualized) interventions for students who do not respond to traditional check-in/check-out. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study evaluated the effects of a Tier II positive behavior interventions and supports (PBIS) intervention, Check-in/Check-out (CICO), on the off-task behavior of 4 students with behavioral challenges and special needs in a residential facility. In addition, the study examined the effects of additional mentor contact (i.e., mid-day check-up; Check-in/Check-up/Check-out; CICUCO) on the off-task behavior of a student who was nonresponsive to CICO. CICO produced decreases in the occurrences of off-task behavior in both CICO and CICUCO conditions with both noted as highly acceptable by school CICO mentors. Timitations and future directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Check-in, check-out (CICO) is a secondary-tier intervention with proven utility for reducing problem behaviors and increasing responsiveness to primary-tier expectations of positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS). CICO has been investigated at the elementary and middle school levels in traditional school settings with students both with and without disabilities. This study seeks to extend this literature base by (a) investigating the utility of CICO in residential settings for students with emotional and behavior disorders, (b) investigating the role of function in responsiveness to CICO intervention efforts, and (c) using direct observation data and a multiple-baseline design to measure responsiveness across participants. Limitations and future directions also are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students who continue to demonstrate at-risk behaviors after a school implements schoolwide primary (Tier 1) interventions require targeted-group secondary (Tier 2) interventions. This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of a targeted-group behavioral check-in/check-out (CICO) intervention with the school’s standard practice (SP) with respect to decreasing students’ off-task and other problem behavior. Researchers used a pretest—posttest control group design with random assignment to compare the two interventions (CICO and SP). Statistically significant differences were detected for systematic direct observation data of classroom behavior; however, statistically significant differences were not demonstrated for rating scale data. Limitations and implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]