Behavior Support Coaching for Paraprofessionals and Students with Externalizing Behavior Disorders: A Case Study in a High-Poverty Elementary School

This case study describes the actions and processes of implementing Behavior Support Coaching for Paraprofessionals (BSC-P) with a kindergarten teacher and paraprofessional to support the implementation of behavior support plans with three students in a high-poverty elementary school. BSC-P consists of eight, 40-min coaching sessions using direct observational data to select, implement, and monitor behavior interventions. Results indicate high levels of paraprofessional intervention fidelity and positive effects on students' rates of academic engagement (effect sizes [ESs] by students range from 0.10 to 4.42) and off-task behaviors (ESs by student range from 0.30 to 2.87). Increased paraprofessional support and reduced stress were reported. BSC-P was rated as a highly acceptable form of professional development. Implications and future research are discussed.