Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Kids in the Middle: A Field Test of a School-Based Consultation Model

Abstract

A school-based collaborative consultation model was designed and field-tested to increase the core knowledge of AD/HD and effective intervention skills of middle and junior high school staff The model provided both direct and indirect consultation to school districts and included three levels of service: in-service training, on-site consultation, and advanced training witb follow-up consultation. Results of a field test are reported. Across a total of 57 participating school districts, 2,928 different personnel received contact with project activities. Most districts selected general in-service programs focused on knowledge dissemination to regular and special education teachers as well as consultation around individual students. In particular, self-management interventions for adolescents with AD/HD were implemented. Outcomes of the project as measured by consumer satisfaction ratings and 3-month follow-up data strongly suggest that the model was successful in substantially increasing core knowledge about and improving services to middle school students with AD/HD. Factors found to facilitate and maintain the knowledge base developed as a function of participating in the project are discussed and suggestions for implementation of this model of service delivery in school districts are presented.