Implementation Supports for Improving Identification and Delivery of School-based Mental Health Supports for Middle Schools Students

BEHAVIORAL

EIS Only

The EIS Only Condition includes middle schools who have elected to implement the EIS. The EIS: * Is an online tool to that enables schools to identify students in need of additional mental or behavioral health support and provides recommendations for evidence-based practices. * Asks teachers and students to report on 7 areas of student social-emotional functioning * Facilitates schools' understanding of social-emotional student needs and recommended evidence-based practices at a variety of levels (e.g., school-, grade-, and individual-level). EIS Only Condition supports include: * Technical assistance professional development sessions to support the implementation of EIS and schoolwide practices related to identifying and supporting student mental health needs. * Individualized technical assistance for schools to support EIS implementation.

BEHAVIORAL

EIS + ECHO

EIS + ECHO supports include supports from the EIS Only condition plus: * Monthly ECHO sessions for student support teams (SSTs; e.g., interdisciplinary groups of staff tasked to support student mental health). The ECHO experience involves: * Didactic training to support EIS implementation and effective identification and support of student mental and behavioral health needs. * Case-based learning and collaborative problem-solving related to EIS implementation and effective identification and support of student mental and behavioral health needs. * Collaboration with colleagues in schools that are also implementing the EIS. * Opportunities to consult with university faculty and content experts in school mental health. * Individualized SST coaching supports to facilitate the implementation of mental and behavioral health practices and strategies discussed during ECHO sessions.

Change in youth mental health measured by the Early identification System

Time frame: 2 time points (over 9 months)

De-identified, student-level behavioral data collected via the Early Identification System. The measure is a psychometrically validated mental and behavioral health screening system measuring domains including attention problems, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems.

Change in staff knowledge of evidence-based school mental health practices as measured by the Perceptions of Response To Intervention Skills Survey

Time frame: 2 time points (over 9 months)

Staff perceptions of the skills they possess related to evidence-based screening, monitoring, and intervention will be measured using a modified version of the Perceptions of Response To Intervention Skills Survey - Revised (PRSS; α \> .90 for all factors). Response options range from not skilled (1) to very highly scaled (5).

Change in staff behaviors of evidence-based school mental health practices as measured by the Perceptions of Practices Survey

Time frame: 2 time points (over 9 months)

Perceptions of Practices Survey (PPS; Castillo et al., 2016) measures the extent to which schools implement evidence-based screening, intervention, and progress monitoring practices to support student mental health (α = .96 for the behavior factor; Marshall, 2016). Staff will indicate on a 5-point scale how frequently the practice occurred in their school.

Change in staff burnout as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory

Time frame: 2 time points (over 9 months)

Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI; Maslach \& Jackson, 1981). Measures staff experiences of emotional exasperation and fatigue. Staff will complete the emotional exhaustion factor from the MBI - Educators Survey (MBI-ES, α \> .80; Wheeler et a., 2011). Response options range from never (0) to daily (6).

Change in schoolwide school mental health implementation outcomes as measured by the School-wide Evaluation Tool

Time frame: 2 time points (over 9 months)

The School-Wide Evaluation Tool (SET; Sugai et al., 2001) measure the implementation of evidence-based programs within a tiered system. The SET measures school-wide activities related to the implementation of school mental health systems, targeted interventions, and individualized interventions. A trained assessor will track implementation of evidence-based programs in both conditions.

Change in schoolwide school mental health implementation outcomes as measured by the Individual School-wide Evaluation Tool

Time frame: 2 time points (over 9 months)

The Individual Student Systems Evaluation Tool (ISSET; Debnam, Pas, \& Bradshaw, 2012) measures the implementation of evidence-based programs within a tiered system. The ISSET measures foundations, targeted interventions, and individualized interventions. A trained assessor will track implementation in both conditions.

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.