Implementing Tier 2 and Tier 3 support in Finnish SWPBS schools
The Covid-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant increase of stress and workload in schools. Efforts for school wide positive behavior support are now more important part of the wellbeing of pupils and staff than ever before. ERASMUS research team collects information on implementation fidelity in Tier 1 (Universal level) and encourages school SWPBS teams to work towards high fidelity SWPBS implementation.
The main development in ERASMUS-SWPBS project in Finland targets in implementing evidence-based Tier 2 (CICO support) and Tier 3 (CICO Plus support). To promote Tier 2 CICO support implementation the Finnish research team have organized many kinds of support to schools: provided materials (see picture), conducted online trainings, provided small group consultation etc. Even before leaving for the summer holidays, training materials were distributed to partner schools to make it easy to familiarize new staff in the very beginning of the autumnterm. The same material schools can also use with all staff when different stages of support are recalled.
The promotion of CICO Plus support in Finnish school requires the initiation of multi-professional cooperation at a very concrete level. The co-operative model used in CICO Plus support is something quite new in Finland. Traditionally teachers and psychologists have not been placed under one roof and worked together side by side. In some cases the Covid-19 situation has made it difficult for staff to participate in the implementation of intensive support. Yet, once any progress with CICO Plus has been made, the experience of the cooperation model in CICO Plus support has been very supportive and positive. CICO Plus is a functional and well-like model to support students in need of Tier 3 behavioral support. First CICO Plus training was held in September and next one is planned for the 18th of March. Any schools starting the CICO Plus support will get contemporary training and consultation to support the contextual and local fit.
Supporting the steps of the research in SWPBS schools
Teachers that are stressed and tired for COVID-19 epidemic can experience development and research related tasks very heavy. Finnish research team has used a lot of time planning how to support the collection of data from the schools during these rough times.
To facilitate the work of CICO responsibility teachers, researchers and municipality partners manufactured together a simple poster. Using this one-fold pattern clarifying the details of the study has been easier for schools. We have also received good feedback from partners about it.
If any questions that have been perceived as difficult at the school ERASMUS project’s wonderful and helpful research assistant, Emmi Pelkonen, has been available for the schools. Emmi's warm co-operation has received a lot of positive feedback from schools. Together we can make it happen!
