4U Studie (SO).

• Register: Netherlands Trial Register
• Last refreshed on: 28 April 2013
• Main ID: NTR2484
• Date of registration: 27/08/2010
• Primary sponsor: Erasmus Medical Center
• Public title: 4U Studie (SO).
• Scientific title: A study on the effects of a behavioral-management strategy on the efficiency in Special Education. -
• Date of first enrolment: 1/3/2010
• Target sample size: 925
• Recruitment status: recruiting
• URL: http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=2484
• Study type: intervention
• Study design: Randomised: Yes; Masking: None; Control: Active; Group: Parallel; Type: 2 or more arms, randomized

Countries of recruitment

The Netherlands

Contacts

• Name: Nouchka Tick

• Name: Nouchka Tick

Key inclusion & exclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: All children attending elementary schools for Special Education (cluster 4) will be included in this study. All children have an indication for Special Education due to their psychiatric condition.
Exclusion criteria: Children who do not receive education on a regular basis (even though they are subscribed at the schools) are excluded from this study.

Age minimum:
Age maximum:
Gender:

Health Condition(s) or Problem(s) studied

Emotional problems in children, Behavioural disorders, Special education

Intervention(s)

Good Behavior Game (Taakspel):

Taakspel will be implemented in the schools as part of the regular curriculum. Teachers will perform Taakspel three days a week and will be instructed in how to conduct the program. The program consists of three phases, in which the rules of the program are extended.



Taakspel promotes task-related behavior in students, as well as behavior according to the rules. Taakspel focusses creating a positive class environment and reducing rule-breaking behavior. During the Taakspelintervention, rules are explicitely stated and positive behavior is systematically rewarded by compliments and incentives. After an observation period, groups of students are formed. Rules and rewards are determined. Students work together in groups and try to receive rewards by behaving according to the rules. The groups receive a set of cards that they keep if they don't break the rules. If one of the group members breaks a rule, the teacher removes a card. In the beginning, Taakspel is played three times a week. The time it is played in class increases during the year. There are three phases: the introductory phase, the expansion phase and the generalization phase. Teachers conducting Taakspel recieve a monthly coaching-session from a licenced taakspel trainer. During these sessions, teachers are trained in conducting the Intervention, and are motivated to increase the time they work according to the principles of the intervention. The Taakspelintervention has been well investigated in Dutch primary eduction in a Randomised Controlled Trial (van Lier et al., 2005; van Lier et al., 2005). It has been shown to reduce children's emotional and behavioral problems.



The control schools will not receive the intervention.

Primary Outcome(s)

1. Children's emotional and behavioral problems (questionnaires: PBSI, CBCL);

2. Rule-Breaking behavior (observation);

3. On-task behavior (observation);

4. Teacher-student and student-student relationships and whole class environment (LLRV, VIL; Klassenklimaatschaal questionnaires and peernominations).

Secondary Outcome(s)

1. Teacher's self-efficacy, burn-out, personality and intervention cynism measures (TES; UBOS; BFI; CAOC questionnaire);

2. Parental Stress (NOSI; questionnaire);

3. Instruction time vs correction time (audio).

Secondary ID(s)

ABR 28702

Source(s) of Monetary Support

ZON-MW, The Netherlands Organization for Health Research and Development

Secondary Sponsor(s)

Centrum voor Educatieve Dienstverlening

University Utrecht (UU)

VU University Medical Center