Interventions for English Language Learners At-Risk for ADHD

Behavioral consultants will meet with teachers to review daily report card implementation and effective classroom management. The consultant collaborates with the teacher to identify specific behavioral goal targets for the student's DRC based on a review of teacher ratings and teacher description of key problem behaviors. After establishing the initial DRC, the consultant will review procedures with the teacher for scoring the DRC and, importantly, providing the student with effective and consistent performance feedback. The consultant will also make a plan with the teacher to review DRC progress and revise the DRC as needed. Consultants will also meet with parents to develop a plan for reinforcing the DRC at home. The DRC will be implemented for 18 weeks. The behavioral consultants will be available to teachers and parents throughout the duration of the intervention to assist with implementation and adjustment of target behaviors and goals.

The intervention protocol to be provided in each grade level will include 18 weeks of 20-25 minutes of small-group intervention 4 days per week, for a total of 72 lessons. The fifth day per week will be allocated to make-up lessons for students absent earlier in the week to maximize opportunity for each participant to receive the full dosage of lessons. Half of these lessons in each grade will be allocated to Language in Motion implementation and the other half to Dialogic Reading. Dialogic Reading is designed to increase vocabulary knowledge through shared reading of picture books. The content involves reading of 9 children's books with 108 targeted vocabulary words. Language in Motion is designed to increase syntax and grammar knowledge using science manipulatives. Daily lessons are highly scripted to introduce primary syntax targets through narrative text. Manipulation props are used to reinforce syntax targets and basic science topics.