Background

Check-In, Check-Out is the most widely implemented evidence-based intervention for youth at-promise across the United States and the Globe (Bruhn, et al., 2014; Drevon, et al., 2019).  Over twenty years of peer-reviewed research demonstrates the powerful effects of this Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practice when implemented with fidelity. However, literature to date has not explicitly connected this intervention with Positive Psychology.

Aims

This session will illustrate the powerful role Positive Psychology, and core elements of PERMA, play in the worldwide success of this intervention and how more explicitly aligning Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) practices with Positive Psychology might remove common barriers to current implementation.

Method

Students receiving the Check-In, Check-Out intervention experience a warm, positive greeting from a caring adult (CICO Coach) before entering their first class of the day. Teachers then provide high frequency positive feedback to the students at the end of each time block, or segment, of the day. An “optimistic close” to the day is then provided by the same CICO Coach at the end of the school day via the “check-out” process where students assess the day’s accomplishments and goal-set for the next day. 

Results                                                                       

CICO clearly aligns with the Positive Psychology core elements of PERMA (Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishments), and could be further strengthened through explicit integration.

Conclusion

The already powerful impact and reach of the Check-In, Check-Out intervention can be further enhanced and expanded through greater alignment with Positive Psychology elements and practices. Initiating this important alignment with CICO also offers promise for further integration of Positive Psychology and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.