Academic and Behavioral Competencies Model

In the primary study, the researchers were conducting a randomized trial in a large urban school district serving students from high risk, impoverished neighborhoods. The study was to follow one group of students from grade 1 to grade 3 grade and a second group of students from the grade 3 to grade 5. With this design, the researchers hoped to understand the effects of the ABC program on students in the grade 3 after multiple years of intervention (the grade 1 to grade 3 cohort) as compared to 1 year of intervention (the grade 3 to grade 5 cohort). The researchers also proposed to examine teachers' classroom management strategies, the effects of the intervention on child psychopathology, and whether the intervention prevents the need for medication and other mental health services for children.