Catalight's New NIH Grant Aims to Transform Educator Training for Autistic Students
In a groundbreaking move for special education, a researcher from Catalight Foundation has secured a substantial grant amounting to $4.5 million from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This funding is destined for a pivotal study on RUBIES (Research Units on Behavioral Intervention in Educational Settings), a program targeting the reduction of challenging behaviors in autistic elementary students. With Dr. Jill Locke from UCLA as a collaborator, the research endeavors to make a meaningful impact upon the educational experiences of autistic learners nationwide.
This grant, awarded through a rigorous peer-reviewed process, emphasizes the vital role of research in transforming educational approaches for autistic students in public schools. Dr. Karen Bearss, who holds the position of vice president of caregiver-mediated solutions at Catalight, recognizes the immense potential that this funding brings. It enables the continuation of applied research that aims to bolster educators' capabilities in improving classroom dynamics not only for autistic students but also for their peers.
One pressing challenge within the educational system is the often inadequate training school staff receive in managing the diverse needs of autistic students, who frequently exhibit challenging behaviors such as meltdowns or aggression. The RUBIES program is designed to equip educators with the necessary tools to understand these actions as forms of communication, guiding them towards effective responses. The multi-phase study, projected to span five years, aims to evaluate the RUBIES program's efficacy in real-world classroom settings.
In addition to evaluating RUBIES, the study also introduces a complementary initiative titled Helping Educational Leaders Mobilize evidence (HELM). This new strategy concentrates on providing school-wide leadership support, reinforcing the adoption of RUBIES methodologies and ensuring long-lasting change within educational institutions.
Dr. Bearss notes, "Paraeducators working closely with autistic children often undertake arduous tasks with minimal training and institutional backing. The RUBIES program empowers these educators by enhancing their comprehension of students’ behaviors, fostering a more thoughtful approach that addresses underlying needs rather than mere behavioral management. This not only relieves stress in the classroom but also promotes better learning outcomes for all students involved."
The RUBIES program is grounded in previous successful studies, including RUBI, specifically tailored for parents and caregivers, which has garnered validation through three extensive NIH-funded trials. The successful execution of classroom programs hinges on securing institutional support from school leaders. With this grant, the research team's objective is to explore effective implementation strategies that provide sustained backing for educators in their professional development efforts.
As part of the study, participating schools across the country will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: receiving RUBIES alone, accessing RUBIES alongside the new HELM strategy, or partaking in conventional educator professional development methods.
Backed by an esteemed academic partnership with institutions like UCLA and Boise State University, Dr. Bearss contributes her expertise as an affiliate associate professor in the psychiatry department at the University of Washington.
The Catalight Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle obstacles hindering individuals with developmental disabilities, striving to cultivate an inclusive world where everyone can pursue their preferred journey to care. With a vast network of practitioners serving thousands annually, Catalight’s dedication to innovative and tailored care underscores its role as a key player in advancing the landscape of healthcare for individuals with developmental challenges. Through insights gained from this funded research, Catalight hopes to further improve the accessibility and effectiveness of educational support for autistic students, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive within academic environments.
This grant, awarded through a rigorous peer-reviewed process, emphasizes the vital role of research in transforming educational approaches for autistic students in public schools. Dr. Karen Bearss, who holds the position of vice president of caregiver-mediated solutions at Catalight, recognizes the immense potential that this funding brings. It enables the continuation of applied research that aims to bolster educators' capabilities in improving classroom dynamics not only for autistic students but also for their peers.
One pressing challenge within the educational system is the often inadequate training school staff receive in managing the diverse needs of autistic students, who frequently exhibit challenging behaviors such as meltdowns or aggression. The RUBIES program is designed to equip educators with the necessary tools to understand these actions as forms of communication, guiding them towards effective responses. The multi-phase study, projected to span five years, aims to evaluate the RUBIES program's efficacy in real-world classroom settings.
In addition to evaluating RUBIES, the study also introduces a complementary initiative titled Helping Educational Leaders Mobilize evidence (HELM). This new strategy concentrates on providing school-wide leadership support, reinforcing the adoption of RUBIES methodologies and ensuring long-lasting change within educational institutions.
Dr. Bearss notes, "Paraeducators working closely with autistic children often undertake arduous tasks with minimal training and institutional backing. The RUBIES program empowers these educators by enhancing their comprehension of students’ behaviors, fostering a more thoughtful approach that addresses underlying needs rather than mere behavioral management. This not only relieves stress in the classroom but also promotes better learning outcomes for all students involved."
The RUBIES program is grounded in previous successful studies, including RUBI, specifically tailored for parents and caregivers, which has garnered validation through three extensive NIH-funded trials. The successful execution of classroom programs hinges on securing institutional support from school leaders. With this grant, the research team's objective is to explore effective implementation strategies that provide sustained backing for educators in their professional development efforts.
As part of the study, participating schools across the country will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: receiving RUBIES alone, accessing RUBIES alongside the new HELM strategy, or partaking in conventional educator professional development methods.
Backed by an esteemed academic partnership with institutions like UCLA and Boise State University, Dr. Bearss contributes her expertise as an affiliate associate professor in the psychiatry department at the University of Washington.
The Catalight Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to dismantle obstacles hindering individuals with developmental disabilities, striving to cultivate an inclusive world where everyone can pursue their preferred journey to care. With a vast network of practitioners serving thousands annually, Catalight’s dedication to innovative and tailored care underscores its role as a key player in advancing the landscape of healthcare for individuals with developmental challenges. Through insights gained from this funded research, Catalight hopes to further improve the accessibility and effectiveness of educational support for autistic students, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive within academic environments.
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