Research Areas

 

Our research is concerned with bridging the research-to-practice gap in schools to promote socially valid and equitable student outcomes.

We engage in research related to the application of ABA to school contexts, school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS), implementation science at it relates to evidence-based practice in schools, diversity, equity, and inclusion in schools, and social and ecological validity of implementation efforts.

Below are some specific research areas. Our scope of research is continually evolving to best meet the needs of our school partners.

 

Contextual Relevance and Social Validity

Efficient, resource-saving, and socially valid behavioral interventions given the particulars of school contexts

Social and ecological validity

Contextual fit

Equity in education

High Impact and Prevention

Creating environments that build repertoires to reduce the likelihood of students engaging in behavior that interferes with learning

Implementing effective practices at scale in education

  • School-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS)

  • Implementation science

Social justice in education

  • Misuse of seclusion and restraint in schools

  • Disproportionality in school discipline

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Supporting Implementer Behavior

Evidence-based practice as a process for teachers, staff, and administrators

  • Implementation of effective practices

  • Data-based decision-making

  • Student, family, teacher, and community values

  • School context and resources

Efficient and socially valid implementation strategies to support educator use of empirically-supported practices (e.g., self-monitoring, training, coaching)