Preliminary Study of the Effects of BEST in CLASS-Elementary on Outcomes of Elementary Students With Problem Behavior

Student problem behaviors in early elementary school are associated with fewer learning opportunities, poor relationships with teachers, and academic and behavioral problems, including increased risk of emotional/behavioral disorders (EBDs). This study examined the effect of BEST in CLASS-Elementary (BEST in CLASS-E), a Tier 2 intervention delivered by teachers, on student problem behavior, academic achievement, teacher-student relationships, and classroom quality using a randomized controlled trial design. Participants were 45 kindergarten to grade 3 students identified at risk of development of EBDs and their 26 teachers from three elementary schools located in an urban school district. BEST in CLASS-E was found to decrease teacher-reported student problem behavior and increase teacher-student closeness; no effects were noted for academic achievement or overall classroom quality. Results suggest the promise of BEST in CLASS-E as a Tier 2 intervention delivered by teachers in elementary classrooms. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.