Faculty Profiles

Lauren Evanovich

Assistant Professor

Lauren Evanovich

Email: evanovich@usf.edu 
Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Lauren Evanovich specializes in multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) for behavior, emphasizing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Her research focuses on Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions for students with and at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders, aiming to reduce reliance on exclusionary discipline practices. Dr. Evanovich also explores the integration of Relationship Based Practices (RBP) within a PBIS framework and the implementation of evidence-based interventions for students facing behavioral challenges.

Dr. Evanovich received her Master’s degree in comprehensive K-12 Special Education with a concentration in Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) at the University of Connecticut, and her Doctorate degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Special Education with an emphasis on Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities at the University of Louisville. Dr. Evanovich continues to retain a valid Connecticut State teaching certification in K-12 Special Education, and worked as a special education lead-teacher in the New Haven Public Schools.

current grants

Grant: Promoting Family-School Collaboration in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (FSC-PBIS)
PI: Lauren L. Evanovich
University of Wisconsin-Madison, Institute of Education Sciences (IES)
Project Dates: 8/7/2024 – 6/30/2027

Grant: Freshmen Success: Implementation of Comprehensive Universal Supports for School Engagement
Co-Principal Investigators: Lauren L. Evanovich and Stephanie Martinez
University of Oregon, Education Innovation and Research (EIR)
Project Dates: 1/1/2023 – 12/31/2027

Recent Publications

Kern, L., George, H. P., Evanovich, L. L., Hodnett, J. M., & Freeman, J. (2024). A Review of  U.S. Policy Guidance and Legislation on Restraint and Seclusion in Schools: Consideration for Improvement. Exceptional Children, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/00144029241247032

Kittelman, A., McIntosh, K., Mercer, S.H., Evanovich, L., Gulbrandson, K., Nantais, M., Norton, J., Way, G., Izzard, S., & Nese. R. N. T. (October, 2022). When Do Schools Receive Tier 2 and 3 PBIS Training? Center on PBIS, University of Oregon. www.pbis.org.

Kern, L., George, H. P., Hodnett, J., Evanovich, L. L., & Freeman, J. (August, 2021). Restraint and Seclusion Alternatives in All U.S. States and Territories: A Review of Legislation and Policies. Center on PBIS, University of Oregon. www.pbis.org.

Simonsen, B., Putnam, R., Yaneck, K., Evanovich, L., Shaw, S. Shuttleton, C. Morris, K., & Mitchell, B. (September, 2020). Supporting Students with Disabilities within a PBIS Framework. Center on PBIS, University of Oregon. www.pbis.org.

Evanovich, L. L., & Scott, T. (2020). Examining the effect of explicit reading  instruction on the engagement of Elementary students with challenging behaviors. Exceptionalities. DOI: 10.1080/09362835.2020.1727340

Gage, N.A., Pico, D. L., & Evanovich, L. (2020). National Trends and School-Level Predictors of Restraint and Seclusion for Students with Disabilities. Exceptionalities. DOI: 10.1080/09362835.2020.1727327

Evanovich, L. L., Martinez, S., Haynes, R. D., & Kern, L. (2020). Proactive circles: A practical guide to the implementation of a restorative practice. Preventing School Failure, 64(1), 28-36. DOI: 10.1080/1045988X.2019.1639128