Home-School Collaboration Model Gains Steam

The TAPP model originated at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, developed by researchers including Susan Sheridan. Also known as Conjoint Behavioral Consultation (CBC), the model has been the subject of research for over 35 years. Implementation is structured and efficient, typically involving three meetings between a parent, a teacher, and a school specialist, such as a school psychologist or counselor. Each meeting averages 45-50 minutes, with the specialist investing approximately four hours per child over a six-week intervention period. A 2012 randomized controlled trial involving 207 elementary students found significant benefits for those in the TAPP program. Teacher ratings showed notable improvements in students' adaptive behavior (with an effect size of +0.39) and social skills (effect size of +0.47) compared to the control group. Research indicates that the "active ingredient" in the model's success is the improved parent-teacher relationship itself. This strengthened partnership is directly linked to improvements in students' social skills and behavioral outcomes. Across multiple studies, students in the TAPP program outperform roughly two-thirds of their peers on measures of academic engagement, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. These students show better classroom engagement and have fewer problem behaviors reported at home. The model has evolved to meet modern needs, with the development of TAPP Online and Tele-TAPP to support virtual implementation. A five-year, $3.8 million grant from the Institute of Education Sciences is currently funding an efficacy trial for the TAPP Online virtual professional development platform for school consultants in rural areas.