Announcements |
||
Results of a study involving six California schools bolsters mounting evidence that independent use of an innovative software program from San Francisco-based Ripple Effects, Inc., reduces behavior problems. This latest study points to something else: the software can also boost grades substantially –with as little as seven contact hours. “This tool uses strategies that have been proven to change behavior and attitudes in teacher-delivered training,” explains software creator Alice Ray, a national leader in social-emotional learning whose print and video materials are used in tens of thousands of U.S. classrooms. “But would they work when delivered via computer? And could they also have an impact on academic performance?” “Evidence is promising that the answer to both questions is ‘yes,’” says Michael Roona, M.S., a researcher who has conducted evaluations of substance abuse prevention programs nationally. With funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health, Michael Roona, Director of Social Capital Development Corporation, and Ray, CEO of Ripple Effects, studied more than 500 students from six diverse, urban and rural secondary schools, over a four-month period. At each school, an experimental group used the computer program, while a control group continued with normal activities. In 10-14 sessions over seven weeks, students were assigned 42 tutorials. Half the topics were the same across all groups. Staff at each school picked the other 21 tutorials, based on the needs of their students. Compared to the control group, students who used the software program, called Ripple Effects for Teens, had significantly higher GPAs. The lower the starting point, the higher the differences. They also had less problem behavior. Rates of change varied by school and behavior, from 41% fewer detentions in one school, to 65% less truancy at another, to 89% fewer tardies at another. Attitudes also changed. Experimental group students had stronger disapproval of alcohol and marijuana, factors associated with reduced substance abuse. “For this study, our goal was to reduce discipline problems and strengthen norms against drugs and alcohol,” says Ray. “The rise in grades is almost a side effect, but not unexpected. After all, piles of research show that social-emotional abilities are more connected with school success than IQ--– and it’s these abilities that the computer program teaches.” ”Training software,” Roona adds,”if it’s science-based, culturally sensitive, interactive and engaging for kids – like Ripple Effects products– may offer a way to get results for kids at far lower cost than with other programs, and without adding to the burden on teachers. This merits further research.” About Ripple EffectsRipple Effects makes software to positively change behavior. The software has won 29 major awards from the education, health, software and communications industries, and is in 350+ school districts and community programs nationally.To find out more call Ripple Effects toll free at (888) 259-6618.
For immediate release: |
||
