Evaluating the SKILLS (Support for KIds in Learning and Language Strategies) Online Programme for School Support Staff

Abstract

SKILLS (Support for KIds in Learning and Language Strategies) is a five-week web-based programme introducing positive behavioural principles to strengthen Teaching Assistant (TA)-pupil relationships, increase praise and develop children’s language. This feasibility trial examined the likelihood of engaging TAs into completing the online programme and obtained participant feedback from which to make further developments. A demographic questionnaire and the Teacher Strengths and Difficulties (TSDQ) were administered at baseline. The Teaching Stress Inventory (TSI) and a measure of Sense of competence (PSOC) were administered pre and post intervention to explore any TA benefits. A feedback questionnaire gathered participants’ responses to the newly developed programme and explored engagement and any problems encountered with accessing the resource. Exploratory measures administered pre- and post-intervention showed a significant increase in the TAs sense of competence and efficacy, and their use of strategies to prompt children’s language. The sample was adequate for a feasibility study however, a larger sample is needed to determine programme effectiveness. The sixteen participants responded positively, describing SKILLS as being beneficial to their professional development. The SKILLS online programme has the potential to improve children’s experience of school and their long-term academic outcomes through improving staff training. The programme is founded upon evidence-based positive behavioural principles, therefore, can be applied to Educational Psychology, professional development and education practice. School support staff work with some of the most vulnerable and challenged pupils but face limited training. This study addresses this lack of professional learning opportunities with the development and evaluation of a novel and easily accessible programme that can improve child and TA outcomes. This feasibility study is important to further develop this much-needed resource based on stakeholder feedback.