#United States #Walnut Creek #Autism Support #Catalight Foundation #RUBIES Training

New Research on Paraeducator Training

A recent study conducted by the Catalight Foundation has revealed significant findings regarding the RUBIES training program for paraeducators who support autistic students. The training program, designed to enhance the confidence and skills of paraeducators, has proven effective in equipping them with tools to manage challenging behaviors in the classroom. The study followed paraeducators across 39 public schools in the United States, comparing the outcomes of those who participated in RUBIES training versus a control group that received psychoeducational background information without practical strategies.

Overview of RUBIES Training

Originally formulated in the early 2000s, the RUBI (Research Units on Behavioral Intervention) training program has been adapted for educational settings, repositioning itself as RUBIES. This adaptation places its focus on training paraeducators—those key figures who work alongside teachers to provide tailored support to students with special educational needs. The training emphasizes recognizing challenging behaviors as a form of communication rather than mere defiance, which can change the dynamics in a classroom.

Dr. Karen Bearss, a leading researcher in the field and co-developer of both RUBI and RUBIES, underscored the relevance of this training in today's educational context. She noted, “RUBIES helps educators see behavior through a new lens. It encourages them to understand challenging behaviors as students expressing discomfort, stress, or other emotional needs.”

Key Findings of the Study

The published results indicate that paraeducators who engaged in RUBIES training exhibited striking increases in their confidence levels:

• - 91% of paraeducators reported feeling significantly more capable of managing the behaviors of their autistic students post-training, compared to only 46% in the control group.
• - 100% of those who underwent the RUBIES training indicated they would recommend the training to their peers, indicating strong support for the program's effectiveness.

Additionally, the study highlighted the success of implementing the RUBIES training via video calls, demonstrating its scalability and applicability in diverse school settings, especially where access to specialized support may be limited.

The Application of RUBIES

Dr. Bearss explained that RUBIES prioritizes non-punitive strategies based on positivity, collaboration, and understanding. The interventions are rooted in empathy, focusing on helping paraeducators identify specific needs of autistic students. For instance, she provided an example of a participant who reframed their perspective on a student's stimming behavior—a repetitive motion often associated with autistic individuals meant to self-soothe. Once the educator understood the significance of stimming, they were able to make necessary adjustments that created a more conducive learning environment.

The broader implications of this research are significant, considering that paraeducators frequently face tremendous pressure yet receive minimal formal training. “My hope is that RUBIES training can make it more satisfying and less stressful to be a paraeducator,” Dr. Bearss remarked, illustrating how an empowered support staff can lead to better outcomes for autistic students in educational contexts.

Catalight’s Mission

Catalight aims to dismantle societal barriers to ensure individuals with developmental disabilities, including autism, receive personalized support throughout their educational journeys. With over 16,000 practitioners serving nearly 24,000 clients annually, their mission complements ongoing research efforts to redefine how care is provided. The organization's emphasis on collaborative research and training interventions fosters an environment where both educators and students can thrive together.

As this study demonstrates, initiatives like RUBIES not only enhance the educational experiences of autistic students but also equip those who support them with the confidence and tools necessary for success in increasingly diverse classrooms.