This article provides a methodological illustration of how to conduct randomized controls trials (RCT) for secondary levels of prevention within the context of three-tiered models of support. First, the authors demonstrate one method of using school-wide data to identify middle school students (N = 45) who were struggling in academic and behavioral domains. Second, the authors describe the procedures for conducting an RCT to compare two interventions (study skills [n = 34] and conflict resolution [n = 31]) relative to a business-as-usual condition (study skills [n = 34]). Third, the authors conclude by offering recommendations for conducting scientifically rigorous—yet feasible—investigations within three-tiered models of prevention that adhere to the core quality indicators recommended by Gersten, Fuchs, Compton, Coyne, Greenwood, and Innocenti.
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