NBSS Level 3 Support is distinctive in that it is tailored to the specific needs of the individual student. This report focuses on feedback from 662 students in 50 NBSS partner schools and presents the students’ experience of NBSS Level 3 support received through a Behaviour Support Classroom or Behaviour for Learning Programme. This report is part of the on-going research of Level 3 provision to NBSS partner schools. See also ‘NBSS Level 3 Support: The Behaviour Support Teachers’ Views’ report and ‘NBSS Level 3 Support: The Principals’ Viewpoint’ report.

This report focuses on the observations and opinions of the principals whose schools are currently providing NBSS Level 3 support to students through a NBSS Behaviour for Learning Programme. See ‘NBSS Level 3 Support: The Students’ Voice’ and ‘NBSS Level 3 Support: The Behaviour Support Teachers’ Views’ reports that explore the experiences of the teachers who provide NBSS Level 3 support and the views of the students who have received this support.

Speech, language and communication skills are an integral part of literacy. The adapted Vocabulary Enrichment Programme (VEP) is a school based, whole class intervention that supports development of oral vocabulary skills in adolescents. This research project aimed to evaluate if the programme would be successful in improving the oral vocabulary skills of first year students in Irish post-primary schools. Four hundred and seven first year students from six NBSS partner schools received the intervention in 2013. This report presents the findings from this research project.

The Alert Program (Williams & Shellenberger, 1996) is a systematic intervention that helps students to identify their own sensory needs and preferences and provides them with the tools to take responsibility for self-regulation. The Alert Program was adapted and piloted  in 17 NBSS partner schools.  It was designed to be delivered by NBSS Behaviour for Learning teachers as part of a programme of support provided to students who require NBSS Level 2 targeted behavioural interventions. This research project set out to capture the teacher and student perspectives on the adapted version of The Alert Program and its perceived relevance for students with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties requiring a NBSS Level 2 targeted intervention.