PRAISE with Coaching to reduce aggression and bullying in 3rd–5th graders
Official title: Examining the Efficacy of the PRAISE With Coaching Program in Reducing Peer Aggression and Bullying
Run by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia · NCT07191782 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This program tests whether training school staff, with ongoing coaching, to deliver the PRAISE curriculum reduces aggression and bullying among 3rd–5th graders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 8 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1008 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 26, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07191782 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal participants are students in grades 3–5 enrolled at participating elementary schools and school staff who teach or provide services to those classrooms.
✕Probably not a fit
Students who do not speak English, those in segregated special education classrooms, students not in grades 3–5 at participating sites, and staff who do not teach 3rd–5th graders or do not speak English are not eligible and would not receive benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
PRAISE with Coaching adapts an established classroom curriculum that teaches 3rd–5th graders skills for identifying feelings, using calming strategies, interpreting others’ intentions, considering response choices, increasing empathy, and supporting positive bystander behavior. School staff are trained to deliver the universal program and receive ongoing coaching from research staff to support fidelity. The trial uses a randomized controlled design across at least eight elementary schools to compare classrooms receiving the coached PRAISE program versus usual practice. Primary outcomes include peer aggression and bullying, social problem-solving, positive bystander behaviors, and self-efficacy for non-violence, and the study will examine implementation and student- and facilitator-level moderators.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce peer aggression and bullying while improving students’ social skills and willingness to intervene safely.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows the original PRAISE program reduced aggression and bullying when delivered by research teams, but the coached delivery model for school staff is a newer adaptation being tested here.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Student Inclusion Criteria: * Enrolled in one of the participating school sites * In a 3rd-5th grade classroom participating in the study Staff Inclusion Criteria: * Employed by one of the participating school sites * Teach and/or provide services to students in 3rd-5th grade Students Exclusion Criteria: * Do not speak English * Special education students not integrated in a regular education classroom * Student not in Grades 3-5 at the participating school sites Teacher Exclusion Criteria: * Do not speak English * Do not teach/provide services with 3rd-5th grade students at the participating school sites
Where it's running
-
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tracy E Waasdorp, PhD MSEd — Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
- Study coordinator: Tracy E Waasdorp, PhD MSed
- Email: waasdorpt@chop.edu
- Phone: 2676370861
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.