What The Research Says
A recent pilot study by Dr. Samuel D. McQuillin and Dr. Heather L. McDaniel tested a brief, school-based mentoring intervention for middle school students with elevated disruptive behavior—and the results are promising for school leaders.
Program Overview:
- 10 structured, goal-focused mentoring sessions delivered during the school day
- One-on-one meetings between trained mentors and students
- Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing multi-tiered support systems
Key Outcomes:
- Reduced behavioral infractions and disciplinary referrals
- Improved math achievement (effect size d = 0.42)
- Enhanced emotional regulation and fewer reported school-related problems
- Positive feedback from mentors on curriculum usability and impact
Why It Matters:
This evidence-based mentoring model supports students at higher risk without overburdening school staff. The brief format makes it cost-effective and scalable, aligning well with MTSS or RTI frameworks.
Takeaway for Administrators:
Implementing a structured mentoring program on campus can significantly improve student behavior and academic engagement, offering a practical, research-backed solution to help students succeed.
