Evaluation of the Implementation of a Preventive Program for Children in Brazilian Schools

Abstract The article discusses the pilot implementation of the evidence-based preventive program Good Behavior Game (GBG) in public schools in four Brazilian cities. GBG is a method for classroom behavior management by teachers, which aims at developing sociability among elementary school students between 6 and 10 years old. The objective of this study was to evaluate the program implementation process, focusing on the acceptability and perceived results by the professionals involved. Mixed methods were used, and data analysis was conducted using triangulation, including questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with 28 teachers, 9 school administrators, and 6 coaches. Data analysis was performed through descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis, according to the nature of data. GBG had a high acceptance among teachers and school administrators. Professionals highlighted the importance of stimulating teamwork, the systematic use of rewards, and the objectivity of classroom rules. Acceptability was attributed, in large part, to the effectiveness of the strategy for classroom management. Nevertheless, this study highlighted the need of adaptations to better reflect the Brazilian societal and economic context.