Considerations for Adapting an Intervention for the Middle School Context: Ensuring Readiness and Buy-In

• In Event: Strengthening Student and Teacher Voice and Agency in Improvement Efforts

Abstract

We present considerations for adapting an intervention to engage middle school students and educators in promoting a positive school climate where students feel comfortable speaking out about their school experiences, and staff work to build trusting relationships and respond restoratively to student concerns. Following an iterative development process, we solicited feedback from educators and students. Findings indicated the need to acknowledge the COVID context, the importance of building caring relationships and trust, the need to consider the developmental stages of middle school students, and the need to build in sufficient support and training for teachers to further social emotional learning. We provide recommendations for adaptation aimed at empowering teachers and middle school students to contribute to a positive learning environment.

Authors

• Rita Svanks, University of Oregon

• Joanna R. Smith, University of Auckland

• Heather McClure, Center for Equity Promotion

• Claudia Vincent, University of Oregon