Overview
The PReventing Aggression In Schools Everyday (PRAISE) Program has evidence of impact when run by research staff. PRAISE was adapted using community-based participatory research to a coaching model whereby school-staff are trained to facilitate the program and receive ongoing coaching from research staff. The overall objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of the adapted PRAISE program when facilitated by in-school staff.
Description
PRAISE is an aggression and bullying prevention program that includes curriculum to help 3rd through 5th graders learn skills to identify feelings, use calming-down strategies, interpret others' intentions accurately, and consider choices when responding to conflict. PRAISE also has lessons on increasing empathy and perspective-taking, and empowering students to be positive bystanders.
Using a randomized control trial of at least 8 elementary schools (3rd-5th grade) we will examine 2 aims:
Aim 1: Examine the efficacy of PRAISE at reducing students' peer aggression and bullying and improving social problem-solving skills, positive bystander behaviors, and self-efficacy for non-violence.
Aim 2. Examine the moderating role of implementation and student- and facilitator-related factors on the main outcomes of interest.
Eligibility
Student Inclusion Criteria:
- Enrolled in one of the participating school sites
- In a 3rd-5th grade classroom participating in the study
Staff Inclusion Criteria:
- Employed by one of the participating school sites
- Teach and/or provide services to students in 3rd-5th grade
Students Exclusion Criteria:
- Do not speak English
- Special education students not integrated in a regular education classroom
- Student not in Grades 3-5 at the participating school sites
Teacher Exclusion Criteria:
- Do not speak English
- Do not teach/provide services with 3rd-5th grade students at the participating school sites