Sponsor: Dr. Maurice Elias
The Rutgers - Paraprofessional Coaching Project is a randomized controlled trial of an innovative coaching program designed to enhance elementary school paraprofessional classroom aides' use of evidenced based behavioral interventions for students with externalizing behavior disorders (e.g., Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder).
Students with Externalizing Behavior Disorders often have difficulties with peer and/or adult relationships, as well as self-control and academic issues. They are at high risk for school failure and drop out. The effectiveness of the coaching model on paraprofessional’s use of evidence based behavioral interventions will be evaluated based on a multi-method and multi-data source process during the fall, winter, and spring of the 2017-2018 school year. Data will be collected on teachers’ classrooms, paraprofessionals, and students through behavioral rating scales, direct behavior observational assessments, and online logging. This is a tremendous opportunity for students to obtain experience observing teachers and students, as well as gaining new skills in conducting meaningful school-based educational and psychological research.
The project is interested in recruiting highly motivated undergraduate research assistants to play a vital role in implementing the project with teachers, paraprofessionals, and researchers. This will be an outstanding opportunity for students who are interested in student behavioral assessment and behavior intervention research focused on improving classroom practices for students with Externalizing Behavior Disorders.
Objectives
Undergraduate research assistants working with this project will:
- participate in a multi-site research project in elementary schools in Newark Public Schools;
- receive training and certification on a teacher observational assessment system;
- receive training and certification on two student observational assessment systems;
- conduct classroom observations of participating teachers in fall, winter, and spring of the 2017 – 2018 school year;
- conduct direct observations of participating students in fall, winter, and spring of the 2017-2018 school year;
- assist in the processing of research data, including teacher observations, student behavior rating scales, student observational data, surveys, and coaching integrity data.
Requirements:
- The Rutgers Paraprofessional Coaching Project is looking for undergraduate research assistants for the Fall 2017 and Spring 2018 semesters.
- A minimum of 8 hours per week between the hours of 8:30 am and 3 pm.
- Personal transportation (such as a car) is required to visit elementary schools. Reimbursement for travel to school sites is available.
Application:
Students interested in applying to participate in the Rutgers Collaborative Coaching Project should send an email and a current résumé to project manager Mr. Christopher Dudek.
Christopher Dudek, M.Ed.
Project Manager
Email:
Telephone: 848-445-5435
Linda A. Reddy, Ph.D.
Professor & Principal Investigator – SSI Project
E-mail:
