In April 2008, Ozanam contracted with the Resource Development Institute (RDI) to provide technical assistance / evaluation services and start the process of positioning the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) program as an evidence-based program. Initially, it was anticipated that RDI would prepare a single manuscript outlining research-based theoretical underpinnings of the BIST program and submit the manuscript to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. After analyzing the data that was already available and conducting interviews with key school personnel, RDI was able to prepare an additional evaluation manuscript and also submit it to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Abstract
This article presents the findings from the analysis of five years of office referrals in a Midwestern middle school to assess the impact of implementing a school-wide Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) discipline program. The evaluation revealed a reduction in problem student behaviors as indicated by office referrals and suggested that the positive effects from implementing the BIST model on a school-wide scale can not only be sustained over multiple academic years but appear to be cumulative.

The evaluation article: Evaluation of the school-wide implementation of the Behavior Intervention Support Team program in a Midwestern, public middle school: A five-year longitudinal study was submitted to the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions on 1/7/09. Boulden, W.T. (2009). Evaluation of the school-wide implementation of BIST: A five-year longitudinal study. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Abstract
This article presents the underlying theoretical basis for the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) discipline program. BIST is a proactive school-wide behavior management plan for all students, emphasizing schools partnering with students and parents through caring relationships and high expectations. BIST strategies are person-centered and based on the core conditions of congruence, empathy and unconditional positive regard. The BIST program is well-grounded in behavioral theory and combines strengths-based and resiliency principles within the context of the ecological, person-in-environment model.

The theoretical article: Theories underlying the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) program was submitted to Reclaiming Children and Youth on 1/8/09. Boulden, W.T. (2009). Theories underlying the Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST) program. Manuscript submitted for publication. 

      Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST)  Middle School 2008 Evlauation Report
      Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST)  7 Year Elementary School Evaluation Report
      Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST)  Elementary School Implementation/ 2009 Evaluation Report
      Behavior Intervention Support Team (BIST)  2009 Progress/  Evaluation Report