About Center for Intervention Research in Schools
The Center for Intervention Research in Schools (CIRS) includes faculty, staff and students dedicated in improving the lives of children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral problems through school-based interventions and supports.
The CIRS team attempts to achieve this purpose by engaging in conducting cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research, providing innovative training experiences for undergraduate and graduate students, and offering high quality services to children, families, and schools.
The Center is committed to providing high quality training experiences that prepare undergraduate and graduate students to conduct interdisciplinary treatment outcome research and become effective practitioners. The Center is also dedicated to developing collaborative, mutually beneficial relationships with schools and agencies that simultaneously advance scientific knowledge and address community needs.
Projects and Research
CIRS projects and research focuses on the development and evaluation of school-based interventions for youth with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as other problems such as depression, conduct, anxiety and the impairments that are common for students with these difficulties (e.g., peer relations, academic problems, family distress and substance use).
The Center is committed to providing high-quality training experiences that prepare undergraduate and graduate students to conduct interdisciplinary treatment outcome research and become effective practitioners. The Center is also dedicated to developing collaborative, mutually-beneficial relationships with schools and agencies that simultaneously advance scientific knowledge and address community needs.
Our Inspiration
Making a difference in the lives of children with emotional and behavioral disorders is difficult. Meaningful and sustained change is hard to achieve, and it is far too easy to be discouraged amidst the stories of child and family hardship. The story of Alvin V. Baird is one of inspiration that reminds us of the importance of this work.
“I met Alvin and Nancy Baird in 2000 when I was a professor at James Madison University. They were wonderful people who had a tremendous passion for helping youth with attention and learning problems. In addition to giving large financial gifts to James Madison University to help these children and adolescents, they gave of their time and passion to many undergraduate and graduate students, members of the community and those involved in our center. I am fortunate to have known them and shared their friendship.” – Steven Evans, Co-Director of CIRS