Main navigation | Main content
New cover, same manual!
Table of Contents (PDF)
Sample Monitoring Form (PDF)
The 2012 edition of the Check & Connect manual, "Implementing with Fidelity" by Sandra L. Christenson, Karen Stout, and Angie Pohl of the University of Minnesota, is an expanded guide to the theoretical foundations, components, elements, and steps for implementing Check & Connect.
Since 1990, the Check & Connect student engagement intervention has been used in K-12 schools with students showing early warning signs of disengagement from school and learning or at risk of dropping out. The 2012 edition of the manual builds on the experience and continuing research of the past two decades and incorporates new findings about the model. It presents the underlying theory and research behind Check & Connect, including the four types of student engagement (academic, behavioral, cognitive, and affective), the theory underlying their emphasis in Check & Connect, and the importance of intervening both directly with students and indirectly through enhancement of students’ home and school contexts. The manual also provides guidance on options for implementing Check & Connect with fidelity to its principles and strategies, while responding to local school and community contexts. Included are practical examples and resources, such as sample referral, intake, interview, and monitoring forms (elementary, middle, and high school); guidelines for goal setting; example interventions by engagement subtype; and more.
Although the manual may be purchased separately, training and consultation is encouraged to ensure fidelity of implementation. Participants of Check & Connect trainings receive the printed manual, a printed training participant guide, and access to electronic implementation forms. Sites may contract for custom, on-site training. Training is also offered at the University of Minnesota campus. In addition, there are now Self-Paced Online training options for Preparation & Implementation and Mentor Trainings!
The C&C App is the technology support option for schools or sites implementing Check & Connect. This web-based C&C App allows mentors to document, monitor, and report on student progress using their tablets or laptops. This C&C App replaces pencil and paper monitoring forms mentors use to collect and interpret "Check" data, look for patterns of student engagement, track "Connect" data, and monitor progress. For administrators, the C&C App automates the processes of assessing fidelity of implementation and determining program impact.
You may download the manual's Table of Contents for information on the contents, as well as the Monitoring Form for High School Students for sample material.
The following bulk discount rates apply for quantities in a single order:
To order, please click on the link below. Prices include Fed Ex Ground shipping within the continental U.S.; additional $40 for shipping to all other locations.
For materials returned in salable condition within 30-days of receipt, you will receive a full refund. You will be responsible for return shipping costs. After 30 days of receiving materials, you will be charged a 10% restocking fee for any returned materials. Returned materials must be in salable condition. You will be responsible for return shipping costs.
Tax-exempt Minnesota organizations: Please provide a copy of exemption certificate if this is your first time ordering from ICI.
If you would prefer a paper copy of the form or if you have any questions, please contact us at 866-434-0010 or by email at checkandconnect@umn.edu.
We would like to acknowledge these individuals who have provided information for or feedback about Check & Connect and the contents of this manual:
Finally, many university and school-based professionals have contributed to the design of and research on Check & Connect. In particular, authors of and contributors to the 2008 manual include Mary Sinclair, Camilla Lehr, Colleen Kaibel, Amy Reschly, Ann Mavis, Donna Johnson, Jean Ness, Connie Burkhart, and David Johnson. Acknowledgement also is extended to the many graduate research assistants who have served as mentors; David Evelo, a school-based coordinator on the initial project; Jane Fields, an evaluator with Minneapolis Public Schools and Check & Connect trainer; and the teachers, parents, and students with whom we have had the good fortune to work.
"The training really helped the participants to solidify and understand the importance of determining specific criteria for student selection when implementing the model. The technical assistance was very beneficial and provided an opportunity to discuss actual cases and to receive feedback regarding model fidelity."
- Leah Hannah, Director of Strategic Development, Pennsylvania Counseling Services