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Managing Student Behavior with Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams: An Observational Study in Early Elementary Classrooms

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Abstract

Comprehensive evidence-based interventions are needed to help early childhood educators manage challenging student behaviors. One such intervention, class-wide function-related intervention teams (CW-FIT), is a multi-tiered behavioral intervention program based on positive behavior support principles, including four main elements: (a) teaching socially appropriate communication skills, (b) using differential reinforcement with an interdependent group contingency, (c) extinguishing or eliminating potential reinforcement for problem behavior, and (d) implementing individual interventions using self-management, help cards, and/or functional assessment. This study implemented CW-FIT with five kindergarten through second grade teachers. Results demonstrated efficacy of the program as early childhood teachers increased their praise rates and decreased their reprimand rates, and students responded with increased on-task behavior and fewer classroom disruptions. Study implications and limitations are addressed.

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Acknowledgments

The research reported in this article was supported by a grant from the Institute of Education Sciences and the U.S. Department of Education (R324A120344), awarded to the University of Kansas. The opinions presented in this article are those of the authors, and no endorsement by the agency is intended or implied.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for the Improvement of Teacher Education and Schooling, Brigham Young University, 149 MCKB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA

    Leslie Williams

  2. Juniper Gardens Children’s Project, University of Kansas, 444 Minnesota Ave #300, Lawrence, KS, 66101, USA

    Howard Wills

  3. Center for the Improvement of Teacher Education and Schooling, Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, Brigham Young University, 149 MCKB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA

    Paul Caldarella

  4. Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, Brigham Young University, 340 MCKB, Provo, UT, 84602, USA

    Blake D. Hansen

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  1. Paul Caldarella
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  4. Howard Wills
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Correspondence to Paul Caldarella.

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Caldarella, P., Williams, L., Hansen, B.D. et al. Managing Student Behavior with Class-Wide Function-Related Intervention Teams: An Observational Study in Early Elementary Classrooms. Early Childhood Educ J 43, 357–365 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-014-0664-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-014-0664-3

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