Teachers’ Characteristics and Ratings for Evidence-Based Behavioral Interventions

Abstract

The vast majority of schools today are not prepared to support children's social behavior needs. One challenge is that teachers may not be knowledgeable of evidence-based practices that can be utilized with children. This study explored teachers’ agreement ratings for evidence-based and nonevidence-based behavior management practices for children with emotional and behavior needs, and whether specific teacher characteristics (educational level, amount of education and training using behavioral interventions, and position as a special or general educator) yielded differences in ratings. A survey was developed based on an extensive review of the literature in this area. The survey questions that were the main focus for this study were taken from an Institute for Educational Sciences practice guide. A total of 363 teachers of early childhood and elementary-age students served as participants. Overall, special educators had higher ratings for evidence-based practices and lower ratings for nonevidence-based practices than general educators’ ratings. Special educators also reported more confidence in their interventions. Graduate level of education was associated with lower ratings for nonevidence-based practices than undergraduate level. Teacher-rated level of training and education implementing behavior interventions was not associated with agreement with evidence or nonevidence-based practices. These findings are discussed.