Bridging simulation technology with positive behavioral supports to promote student engagement and behavior

Simulation technology provides opportunities for teachers to engage in extended practice using positive behavioral supports to promote student engagement and behavior. These training models are rapidly emerging and if effective, create an infrastructure for scaling up positive behavioral supports in classrooms and schools. However, there is limited research examining teacher skill transfer or student outcomes. This study examined the incremental benefits of Interactive Virtual Training for Teachers (IVT-T) in combination with professional learning communities (PLCs) in one high poverty school district. Using a quasi-experimental design, teachers (N = 90; n = 52 IVT-T + PLC condition; n = 38 PLC condition) and students (N = 100; n = 60 IVT-T + PLC condition; n = 40 PLC only) participated across six K–8 schools. Both training conditions were rated as moderately acceptable. One and two-level generalized linear models indicated teachers who used IVT-T increased their use of praise (b = 0.75, p = .03) and decreased their use of behavioral corrective feedback (b = −0.32, p = .02). Their students were also more passively engaged (b = 0.42, p = .05) and showed fewer inappropriate physical behaviors (b = −0.87, p = .002). IVT-T hours predicted increases in praise statements (b = 0.07, p < .001) and decreases in vague directives (b = −0.07, p = .006) whereas PLC hours predicted increases in teachers' use of vague directives (b = 0.07, p = .05). There was a significant positive effect of IVT-T hours on student passive engagement (b = 0.04, p = .01) and a negative effect of PLC hours on rates of inappropriate physical behaviors (b = 0.1, p = .04). Study limitations and future directions for research and practice are discussed.