Despite a wide body of literature on the importance of program theory and the need to tackle complexity to improve international development programming, the use of program theory to underpin interventions aimed at facilitating change in complex systems remains a challenge for many program practitioners. The actor-based change framework offers a…

The use of alternative interventions, such as gluten-free and casein-free (GFCF) diets, is frequent due to limited therapies for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our aims were to determine the influence of a GFCF diet on behavior disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD and the potential association with urinary beta-casomorphin…

This study aimed to test a hypothetical path model estimating the influence of Type D personality on health-promoting behaviors (HPB), subjective health status, and quality of life (QoL) in university students, and to verify the mediating effects of HPB and subjective health status between Type D personality and QoL. A structural equation model…

This study examined academic misconduct knowledge and motivations of first-year college students enrolled in a major Western U.S. public university. Data involved student responses to online prompts. Several findings emerged. First, students started college with gaps in knowledge on citations/references, test/assignment cheating, and the nature of…

There is a dearth of research examining school and district factors associated with the abandonment of evidence-based practice in schools. In this mixed methods study, we surveyed 23 school personnel working with 30 schools that abandoned and then readopted school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). Our aims were to…

John Raven has the capacity to see a bigger picture and highlight some of the causes of failures of that bigger picture. In barely 6000 words, he manages to outline several meta and micro-level problems that have led to the position he outlines regarding evidence-based interventions. This achievement should not be overlooked; what he has managed…

'Mindfulness' is a term which holds increasing currency within educational research, policy and practice. However, there is substantial variation in its use, especially with respect to its historical roots in the Buddhist tradition. I develop a conceptual distinction between 'thin' mindfulness and 'thick' mindfulness, with attendant ontological,…

In this article John Raven responds to commentaries on his article, "Diving in Where Angels Fear to Tread: Pre-Requisites to Evidence-Based Interventions" (EJ1248321). Herein, he provides dialogues with individual authors that relate closely to his original theme and which seemed to merit further elaboration. He briefly addresses: (1)…

Self and career awareness breeds purpose and meaning, enhancing the self-direction and hope of youth. Early career and skill development also enable more harmonious curricular, postsecondary and future career plans. Career and technical education (CTE) leaders have an important responsibility to inform and influence elementary school systems…

An individual's initial interest in a topic may quickly fade, or it may become deeper and more enduring. One factor that may support an emerging interest is to discover utility value (or usefulness) in the topic. Instructional materials that emphasize the utility value of a topic can enhance learning and motivation, but whether these materials can…

There is a dearth of research examining school and district factors associated with the abandonment of evidence-based practice in schools. In this mixed-methods study, we surveyed 23 school personnel working with 30 schools that abandoned and then readopted school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). Our aims were to…

Following a high-quality early care and pre-K experience, the kindergarten-through-third-grade years set the foundation upon which future learning builds; and strengthening this continuum creates opportunities for later success. Key components of a quality experience in K-3 include school readiness and transitions, kindergarten requirements,…

To maximize instructional time, teachers must be able to effectively manage student behavior. However, surveys consistently reveal that a significant portion of teachers feel underprepared to address challenging classroom behavior. One of the most effective ways to reduce problem behaviors in school is with systematic classroom management…

The purpose of this study was to apply two of Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Training Evaluation to evaluate the implementation of PAX Good Behavior Game training in a challenged Ohio middle school. The study explored teacher "reactions" to and perceived "learning" from the training as it relates to the middle school's goals, and…

Scholars are increasingly considering bystander intervention as a behavior that could be an effective solution to stop workplace bullying. Among the factors leading bystanders to intervene, scholars hypothesized that moral courage is a key concept supporting intervention. In this paper, an exploratory study is conducted to investigate the…