How CW-FIT and TORSH Are Transforming Behavior Coaching in Rural Schools

When it comes to supporting teachers with effective behavior strategies, CW-FIT is one of the most impactful and well-researched classroom interventions in the country. Now, with the help of TORSH’s virtual coaching tools, the University of Kansas team behind CW-FIT is bringing this proven model to rural schools across eight states—showing that innovation and equity can go hand in hand.

What began as an urban coaching initiative has grown into a national effort, reaching more than 100 schools through a powerful combination of research, technology, and hands-on educator support. At the heart of this expansion is a shared commitment: ensuring that every teacher, regardless of geography, has access to evidence-based practices that improve student behavior and engagement.

A Proven Model with Deep Roots in Research

CW-FIT, or Class-Wide FIT, is a positive behavior support model grounded in decades of research. It helps teachers explicitly teach classroom expectations—such as how to seek attention appropriately, follow directions, and ignore inappropriate behavior. Students work in small teams to earn points for meeting behavior expectations, creating a group-based incentive system that promotes on-task behavior and strengthens classroom community.

Beyond teaching expectations, CW-FIT provides a full framework for reinforcing prosocial behavior and supporting students who need more individualized help. It equips educators with structured praise routines, Tier 2 supports for students who need additional help, and strategies to reduce reprimands by replacing them with encouragement. Multiple studies have documented significant improvements in student engagement, reductions in disruptive behavior, and increased use of praise by teachers.

Thanks to its robust evidence base, CW-FIT meets the highest standards from the What Works Clearinghouse and is recognized internationally as an effective Tier 1 and Tier 2 intervention.

Reaching Rural Schools Through Virtual Coaching

Scaling a coaching-intensive model like CW-FIT to rural communities is no small feat. Limited budgets, geographic isolation, and staffing shortages often make consistent, in-person support nearly impossible. That’s where TORSH comes in.

By integrating TORSH Talent into their model, the CW-FIT team has created a scalable virtual coaching system that makes high-quality support accessible even in the most remote areas. District coaches can conduct video observations, leave timestamped feedback, and track fidelity over time—all without having to travel for every visit.

Our rural expansion research aims to reach more than 100 schools across eight states, ensuring that educators in geographically isolated communities have equitable access to high-quality coaching and professional learning,

said Jacky Williams, Research Project Coordinator for CW-FIT at the University of Kansas.

Using TORSH, our team has conducted more than 1,800 classroom observations to date—an effort that would have been nearly impossible through onsite visits alone. This virtual approach enables us to collect the essential fidelity and implementation data needed to strengthen the evidence base of CW-FIT and better understand how to support rural teachers’ unique needs.

Because the entire coaching cycle is housed in a single platform, the team can monitor progress, adjust support in real time, and ensure that implementation remains consistent across sites. For rural schools, this means access to expert coaching that fits their schedules, budgets, and bandwidth.

Scaling Impact Through Research and Innovation

CW-FIT’s rural expansion is supported by a $15 million Education Innovation and Research (EIR) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The project is designed not only to implement the program across eight states, but also to collect rich data on its effectiveness in rural settings.

The University of Kansas team is conducting fidelity checks, collecting implementation metrics, and using TORSH to document what works. These insights will help other districts across the country adopt similar strategies with confidence, informed by a strong and growing evidence base.

This work positions CW-FIT and TORSH as leaders in closing access gaps, particularly in communities that have historically been left behind when it comes to professional learning and behavior support.

Real Support for Real Educators

The results speak for themselves. Teachers are building stronger behavior management skills. Students are more engaged. District coaches are delivering targeted, meaningful support—without the burnout that comes from constant travel.

Our mission is to ensure that every educator, regardless of location, has access to evidence-based practices that improve student engagement and behavior,

said Jacky Williams.

TORSH is helping us close longstanding gaps by making impactful, scalable professional development possible for schools with limited time, funding, and resources.

For rural superintendents and state leaders, this model offers a rare opportunity: a sustainable, research-backed way to invest in coaching and professional growth, without the logistical hurdles that typically come with it.

Final Word

At a time when schools are facing serious behavior challenges and teacher burnout, CW-FIT and TORSH are proving that meaningful, measurable support is possible—no matter the size or location of the district. Through innovative coaching, smart technology, and a relentless focus on impact, this partnership is helping build stronger classrooms, more confident teachers, and better outcomes for students across the country.

The CW-FIT team invites you to join a free webinar, Mid-Year Reset: Teaching and Reinforcing Behaviors That Stick on January 22nd at 1PM.  This session will offer practical behavior-support strategies and a brief look at CW-FIT’s district coaching pathways.    Register Here!

CW-FIT and TORSH are helping schools reimagine what’s possible with behavior support and educator coaching. If your district, research team, or organization is interested in learning more or collaborating on future opportunities, we’d love to connect.

Request a Demo from TORSH!