Evaluating the Impact of Online Professional Development on Teachers' Use of a Targeted Behavioral Classroom Intervention

The use of technology for delivering professional development (PD) shows promise for reducing common barriers (e.g., feasibility, access) to dissemination of teacher-implemented classroom management interventions. However, prior programs examined in research have been unable to produce satisfactory uptake and outcomes when used in isolation. Thus, the aims of this study were to examine a potentially more feasible level of support that leverages both online PD and low intensity consultation supports as a means of producing successful adoption of a Daily Report Card (DRC) intervention and positive student outcomes. Elementary school teachers who were determined eligible to participate (n = 33) were provided access to an interactive online program and, on an as needed basis, brief, solution-focused consultation. Over half of teachers (51.5%) who received access to the website adopted the intervention for at least 2 months. These teachers demonstrated acceptable levels of implementation integrity and their students demonstrated improvements in overall (d = 0.53) and hyperactive and inattentive (d = 0.83) problems. Importantly, teachers achieved these outcomes using an average of 33 minutes of face-to-face consultation. The results of this study suggest that, for some teachers, online supports may offer a more feasible means of supporting implementation of a DRC than more traditional forms of face-to-face consultation. Online supports may provide a promising direction for increasing the dissemination of the DRC and other evidence-based interventions. Future directions for improving technology and implications for integrating online PD into a continuum of supports for teachers are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]