Introduction
For educators and practitioners working in school settings, the implementation of evidence-based prevention practices (EBPPs) is crucial for addressing social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) challenges among students. However, a significant gap often exists between the availability of these practices and their effective implementation. The recent study, "Protocol for a Hybrid Type 3 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of a Pragmatic Individual-Level Implementation Strategy for Supporting School-Based Prevention Programming," offers valuable insights into enhancing these practices through the BASIS-T strategy.
Understanding the Research
The study focuses on a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial to evaluate the BASIS-T strategy, which aims to improve the implementation of EBPPs in schools. The research highlights the importance of individual-level strategies that target volitional and motivational mechanisms, such as self-efficacy and attitudes, to enhance the adoption and fidelity of EBPPs by teachers.
Key Findings
- Individual-Level Focus: The BASIS-T strategy emphasizes individual behavior change, addressing educators' attitudes, subjective norms, and self-efficacy to improve implementation outcomes.
- Positive Greetings at the Door (PGD): The study applies BASIS-T to PGD, a universal EBPP that reduces disruptive behavior and increases academic engagement.
- Implementation Outcomes: The trial evaluates the main effects of BASIS-T on proximal mechanisms, implementation outcomes, and child outcomes, including SEB, attendance, discipline, and achievement.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The study also examines the cost-effectiveness of BASIS-T, highlighting its potential for scalable implementation in educational settings.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage the insights from this study to enhance their implementation of EBPPs in school settings. By focusing on individual-level strategies, educators can improve their attitudes and self-efficacy, leading to better adoption and fidelity of prevention programs. Additionally, understanding the cost-effectiveness of such strategies can aid in decision-making and resource allocation.
Encouraging Further Research
While the findings of this study are promising, further research is encouraged to explore the long-term impacts of BASIS-T and similar strategies on child outcomes. Practitioners are urged to engage in continuous learning and adaptation of implementation strategies to ensure the effective delivery of EBPPs in schools.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Protocol for a hybrid type 3 effectiveness-implementation trial of a pragmatic individual-level implementation strategy for supporting school-based prevention programming.
