Training the next generation of school professionals to be prevention scientists: The missouri prevention center model

Empirically supported school-based programs have been shown to reduce the present and future risk for various emotional disturbances. Unfortunately, few of these programs have been successfully transported or maintained outside the context of controlled research studies. Central to attaining this goal is the pressing need to train the next generation of school psychology faculty leaders, versed in evidence-based practices (EBPs), who can train school personnel to deliver existing EBPs, design and develop innovative new practices, and conduct rigorous research to evaluate the effectiveness of these practices. In part to address this critical need, we developed the Missouri Prevention Center (MPC). In this article we describe the training, service, and research activities associated with MPC. The Center works toward supporting a high-quality training program for school psychologists who will lead the nation, state, and individual school districts in overcoming barriers to using EBPs in schools.