By Cassie Stevens
Inclusionary Practices Coordinator

NWESD is partnering with UCLA and UW SMART Center to bring two unique opportunities to elementary schools in our region. UCLA and UW SMART Center are running two different year-long studies that examine how to enhance sustainment of evidence-based practices in elementary schools. Participation in either provides schools with professional learning, coaching and support for proven behavior interventions for the 2026-27 school year. 

Study 1: Coaching and Leadership in Autism Support Settings (CLASS) is a research-based trial aiming to improve educational outcomes for autistic students. This trial guides educators to use proven behavior management strategies that reduce autistic children’s externalizing behaviors in school.

Study 2: Leaders currently implementing or interested in implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) can participate in a study that provides PBIS training and coaching, and PBIS Tiered Fidelity Inventory feedback.

Video Link: PBIS + HELM 

In addition both studies combine evidence based practices with The Helping Educational Leadership Mobilize Evidence project or HELM. This means that schools randomized to PBIS + HELM or CLASS + HELM receive additional leadership coaching around implementation leadership and implementation climate, to strategize making the evidence-based practice “stick” in their school and district. Support from leadership can help teachers to successfully implement and sustain evidence-based behavior supports. HELM is all about helping leaders figure out what support is needed so that students and teachers thrive!

Many schools are using PBIS or other behavior systems — but results don’t always follow. Both studies invite school and district leaders to learn alongside experts in evidence-based behavior management practices, strengthen systems already in place, and build leadership capacity to better support adults and students. 

Nationwide recruitment for these studies is underway and up to 14 spots are available for each study. To express interest, complete this very short survey by  Feb. 25, 2026, and I will follow-up via email. Filling out the survey simply means you are interested and would like someone to connect with you directly. It does not mean that you are signing up for the study. Alternatively feel free to ask questions or request more information by emailing: cstevens@nwesd.org 

Want to Talk with the Lead Researcher for Both Studies?

Mark Your Calendars: 

  • Join Dr. Jill Locke, lead researcher, for an informational session on either of the following dates via this zoom link: https://ucla.zoom.us/j/4575516951
    • Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, from 9:00-9:30 a.m. 
    • Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, from 9:00-9:30 a.m.

More about Dr. Jill Locke: 

To date, her research has focused on the: 1) presentation of social impairment for autistic youth; 2) identification of best practices for autistic youth; and 3) understanding of successful implementation and sustainment of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for autistic youth in public school settings. Her current research focuses on understanding EBP use to support autistic youth in inclusive settings and developing and testing implementation strategies to support the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of EBPs in public schools. 

More about Cassie Stevens: 

Cassie is the NWESD Inclusionary Practices Coordinator and provides school and district leaders coaching, professional learning, and support to successfully improve and increase inclusionary practices and MTSS implementation. She is an expert in Universal Design for Learning and her work is deeply grounded in implementation science.  She is serving as a HELM coach for the PBIS + HELM study this year.