Evaluating a Mindfulness-Based Intervention to Improve Academic Engagement

Abstract

The current study used an ABAB design to evaluate the effects of a school-based mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on the classroom academic engagement of three elementary school students. Specifically, the study investigated the Soles of the Feet MBI delivered in a small group format at the Tier 2 level. Findings were mixed, as one student failed to demonstrate improvements in academic engagement and two exhibited small to moderate improvements. Results from this study offer a cautionary tale to school psychologists looking for evidence-based Tier 2 interventions. Although MBIs might be appealing, more research is likely needed to establish them as evidence-based when targeting academic engagement at the Tier 2 level.

Keywords:

• Mindfulness
• academic engagement
• Tier 2 intervention
• school psychology
• elementary school