Does a School-wide Intervention to Improve School Climate Have a Long-Term Effect on Middle School Student Behavior and Well-Being?

Preventative school-wide interventions that develop a positive school climate can be a successful way to improve student learning outcomes and diminish behaviors such as substance use, antisocial and disruptive behaviors. In a recent research study, Patton et al. (2006) investigated the long-term effectiveness of one such intervention, called “The Gatehouse Project.” Patton et al. (2006) explored the impact of the intervention on middle school student behavior and health over time, comparing baseline data to data collected after two years and four years post-intervention.