Effects of Teacher Training and Consultation on Teacher Behavior Toward Students at High Risk for Aggression THE METROPOLITAN AREA CHILD STUDY RESEARCH GROUP*

This investigation tested the effects of the Metropolitan Area Child Study (MACS) classroom enhancement intervention on teacher behavior. The teacher intervention consisted of teacher seminars and individual consultation, and was delivered in all three intervention conditions of the MACS study. Subjects for the present study were 287 students at high risk for aggression and 48 teachers randomly assigned by school to control or intervention conditions. Student and teacher behavior was observed prior to and following the intervention. Teacher feedback to students was associated with desirable change in student aggression. Teachers in the intervention condition provided more academic feedback to students, and used less large group lecture and more individualized seat work. Intervention teachers also became more likely than controls to give academic and behavioral feedback to more aggressive students. Other tests suggested that the intervention increased the likelihood that praise for positive behavior would be given to more aggressive students.