The Longitudinal Impacts of Teacher Training on Teacher Knowledge, Attitude, and Climate

• In Event: Comparative Studies of Professional Development

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Second Step Child Protection Unit on teacher CSA knowledge, attitudes toward reporting, and school climate from pre-test, post-test1 (after CPU implementation), post-test2 (6-month follow-up), and post-test3 (12-month follow-up) in a randomized controlled trial with 159 participants. It also examined the moderating role of teachers’ previous reports to child protective services. Multi-process latent growth models revealed that teachers in the intervention condition had increased knowledge of CSA, more positive attitudes about reporting suspected CSA, and increased positive school climate, whereas control group teachers’ attitude toward reporting CSA and perceptions of positive school climate decreased over time. Implementing CSA prevention training can directly benefit teachers, lending support for incorporating this in comprehensive school health initiatives.

Authors

• Amanda B. Nickerson, University at Buffalo

• Sunha Kim, University at Buffalo - SUNY

• Melissa Dudley

• Jennifer Livingston

• Margaret Manges