Maximizing Student Learning: The Effects of a Comprehensive School-Based Program for Preventing Problem Behaviors.

This article offers an evaluation of a comprehensive school-wide program based on an effective behavioral support approach for preventing disruptive behaviors. The program consists of five main elements—a school-wide discipline program, one-to-one tutoring in reading, conflict resolution, a video-based family management program, and an individualized, function-based behavior intervention plan—that were developed through a consensus-building participatory process. Seven elementary schools in one district were studied for 2 years. Comparisons with the district's remaining 28 elementary schools indicated strong positive effects on the number of formal disciplinary actions and academic performance of schools. In addition, comparisons between target students (those who exhibited disruptive behaviors) and criterion students (those who did not exhibit disruptive behaviors) indicated positive effects on the social adjustment and academic performance of the target students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]