Outcome Evaluation of Tribes Learning Communities

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the impact of a universal, school-based intervention strategy in reducing anti-social behavior and aggression, and in fostering resiliency among elementary school children. Referred to as 'Tribes,' the intervention consists of teacher created, supportive environment classrooms which foster caring relationships, positive expectations and beliefs, and opportunities for participation among and contributions by students. Approximately, 18 elementary schools located in three counties including and surrounding Olympia, Washington are enlisted to participate in the evaluation. Approximately 140 classrooms and teachers are randomly assigned to receive or not receive training and to implement the Tribes model. Teachers in the treatment condition receive four days of intensive professional development and coaching prior to the beginning of the school year. Teachers in the control condition receive training the following year. Students in the Tribes classrooms receive the intervention for a full academic year. Measurements are taken pre and post-intervention and include classroom environment, teacher practices and program fidelity, student behavior and student reasoning assessed using surveys and student checklists completed by teachers, classroom observations, student interviews and school and district administrative records. A random sample of approximately 210 students from both groups is interviewed prior to, and six months subsequent to the intervention regarding student judgments on pro-social concepts, skills, and antisocial attitudes and behaviors.
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