Understanding preferences of general educators for supporting classwide behavior.

Abstract

Innovations, such as novel evidence-based practices, are not likely to diffuse to practice without explicit effort and design (Rogers, 2003). In an effort to understand how interventions should be designed to meet teacher preferences, the present study utilized a full-profile two-alternative forced-choice experiment to examine teacher preferences when selecting a classwide intervention to address student disruptive behavior. Attributes and levels for the experiment were derived in response to four characteristics from Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory. Results from 266 general education teachers of Grades K-5 indicated that nearly all theorized characteristics influenced teacher preference, with the exception of the observability of the intervention (i.e., receiving feedback from others). Specific findings of levels within attributes suggest that, for instance, short online video trainings are preferable to full-day workshops and specific details on adaptations for inclusivity are highly preferred. Given school psychologists' roles in consultation and behavior support, knowledge of teacher preferences may be utilized to support intervention uptake and more general dissemination efforts. Impact and ImplicationsElementary-level general educators attend to a host of factors when selecting a classwide behavior support strategy. When considering methods for disseminating research to teachers, school psychologists may want to attend particularly to the source of the information, the coaching provided, the availability of brief online trainings, the availability of specific guidance on inclusivity, and the provision of choice between paper and electronic forms.