Introduction
The MOSAIC program, a teacher-implemented classroom intervention, has shown promising results in supporting children's academic, social, and behavioral functioning. A recent study explored the sustainment and spread of MOSAIC strategies following a randomized clinical trial. This blog delves into the findings and provides actionable insights for practitioners looking to enhance their skills and improve outcomes for children.
Understanding Sustainment and Spread
Sustainment refers to the continued use of intervention strategies after initial supports are withdrawn, while spread involves the adoption of these strategies by new users or within new contexts. The study assessed the extent to which MOSAIC-trained teachers could sustain practices and whether new teachers could adopt these strategies under typical practice conditions.
Key Findings
- Sustainment: Teachers who received intensive coaching showed high sustainment, with less than a 20% decline in strategy use after the trial year.
- Spread: New-to-MOSAIC teachers adopted some core strategies, although not to the extent of those in the MOSAIC group.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Higher strategy use was modestly associated with PLC attendance, suggesting that peer-led support can enhance implementation.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners can leverage these findings to improve their skills and outcomes for children:
- Emphasize the importance of intensive coaching in the initial stages of intervention to ensure high levels of strategy use.
- Encourage participation in PLCs to facilitate ongoing support and strategy refinement among peers.
- Focus on core strategies that have shown high sustainment and spread potential, such as reinforcing expectations for behavior and inclusiveness.
Encouraging Further Research
While the study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of MOSAIC strategies on student outcomes and the role of PLCs in sustaining and spreading these practices. Practitioners are encouraged to engage in research efforts to deepen understanding and enhance the effectiveness of interventions.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Exploring Intervention Sustainment and Intervention Spread Following a Randomized Clinical Trial of the MOSAIC Program.
