Motivational Interviewing in Schools ─ Conversations to Improve Behavior and Learning

The first teacher's guide to the proven counseling approach known as motivational interviewing (MI), this pragmatic book shows how to use everyday interactions with students as powerful opportunities for change. MI comprises skills and strategies that can make brief conversations about any kind of behavioral, academic, or peer-related challenges more effective. Extensive sample dialogues bring to life the "do's and don'ts" of talking to K-12 students (and their parents) in ways that promote self-directed problem solving and personal growth. User-friendly features include learning exercises and reflection questions; aditional helpful resources are available at the companion website.

Stephen Rollnick, PhD, is Honorary Distinguished Professor at the Cochrane Institute of Primary Care and Public Health at Cardiff University, United Kingdom. A clinical psychologist with many years of experience and a codeveloper of MI, as well as a cofounder of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, Dr. Rollnick provides consultancy and training on the subjects of motivation, change, and MI. His research and guidelines for good practice have been widely published, and his work on implementation continues, with a current focus on children with HIV/AIDS in Africa, pregnant teens in deprived communities, and MI for teachers and sports coaches. With William R. Miller, Dr. Rollnick is coauthor of the classic work Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change, now in its third edition.

Sebastian G. Kaplan, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section, at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. A former special education teacher, Dr. Kaplan currently focuses his clinical work on helping adolescents and their families overcome a variety of challenges to their growth and development. He has written and presented on the application of MI for pediatricians, mental health providers, and school personnel, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.

Richard Rutschman, EdD, is Senior Program Manager and Professional Development Facilitator at the Center for College Access and Success (formerly the Chicago Teachers’ Center) at Northeastern Illinois University. His professional experience in Chicago schools has included being a high school science and Spanish teacher and the principal of an alternative high school. Throughout his career, he has worked to support school improvement efforts focusing on student retention, engagement, leadership development, and preparation for postsecondary education. Dr. Rutschman is a recipient of the Michael Stratton Practitioner Award from the International Association for Experiential Education, for his work using adventure initiatives in Chicago schools, and is a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers.