Efficacy of Tiered Training on Paraeducator Implementation of Systematic Instructional Practices for Students With Severe Disabilities

2020 ◽  
pp. 001440292094764
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Brock ◽  
Mary A. Barczak ◽  
Eric J. Anderson ◽  
Nichole M. Bordner-Williams
Keyword(s):  
Functional Relation ◽  
Implementation Fidelity ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Performance Criterion ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Group Training ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities ◽  
Multiple Probe

Existing approaches for training paraeducators rely heavily on intensive one-to-one coaching and may not be feasible in practice. In this study, we test a tiered training model in which all paraeducators first received group training, and then coaching was provided only for the subset who did not meet performance criteria after group training. Using a concurrent multiple-probe design staggered across classrooms, we demonstrated a functional relation between the tiered model and implementation fidelity of two systematic prompting strategies across 13 paraeducators in five schools. Nine paraeducators achieved the performance criterion for both practices with group training alone, and the remaining four met the criterion after teacher-delivered coaching. In addition, paraeducators generalized implementation to new situations, and students with severe disabilities who received instruction made progress on individualized goals. Based on these findings, a tiered training model is a feasible and promising means to train paraeducators.

Effects of Delayed Video-Based Feedback and Observing Feedback on Paraprofessional Implementation of Evidence-Based Practices for Students With Severe Disabilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-164
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Brock ◽  
Mary A. Barczak ◽  
Scott A. Dueker
Keyword(s):  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Effective Means ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Implementation Fidelity ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Multiple Baseline ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Training Tool ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities

Coaching with live observation and immediate performance feedback is an effective means to train paraprofessionals, but might not always be feasible. We used a multiple baseline across participants design with six paraprofessionals who taught elementary students with severe disabilities to test the efficacy of two innovations designed to improve the feasibility of delivering feedback. We found a functional relation between delayed, video-based performance feedback and paraprofessional implementation fidelity of two systematic prompting strategies. Observing a colleague receive feedback did result in some improvement, but did not enable all paraprofessionals to meet the training criterion. These findings suggest that delayed, video-based feedback is an effective and feasible training tool, but only observing a colleague receive feedback might be insufficient.

Building Professionals’ Capacity: The Cascading Coaching Model

2021 ◽  
pp. 109830072110392
Author(s):  
Moon Y. Chung ◽  
James D. Lee ◽  
Hedda Meadan ◽  
Michelle M. Sands ◽  
Ban Sleiman Haidar
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Family Engagement ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Professional Organizations ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Coaching Model ◽  
Behavior Analysts ◽  
Multiple Probe

The importance of family engagement in their children’s education and treatment is emphasized by researchers, professional organizations, and legislatures. Providing services with caregivers via telepractice has gained more support and is becoming especially timely due to the current pandemic and social distancing requirements. Professionals, such as board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs), who work with caregivers with children with disabilities may benefit from receiving professional development on strategies for building better rapport with caregivers and coaching them to bring about maximum clinical efficacy. The current pilot study replicated an earlier study by Meadan et al. to examine the effects of the Coaching Caregiver Professional Development (CoCarePD) intervention package, in which BCBAs received training and coaching from researchers via telepractice, on their caregiver coaching practices. A single-case, multiple-probe design study across three BCBAs was conducted, and findings support a functional relation between the CoCarePD and BCBAs’ use of coaching practices.

A Randomized Evaluation of Group Training for Paraprofessionals to Implement Systematic Instruction Strategies With Students With Severe Disabilities

2020 ◽  
pp. 088840642092376
Author(s):  
Matthew E. Brock ◽  
Mary A. Barczak ◽  
Scott A. Dueker
Keyword(s):  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Training Condition ◽  
Group Training ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
Implementation Quality ◽  
Group Context ◽  
Randomized Evaluation ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities ◽  
Instruction Strategies

Paraprofessionals are often tasked with providing instruction to students with severe disabilities despite little or no training in evidence-based practices. Previous studies have demonstrated that specific strategies (i.e., didactic instruction, modeling, and immediate performance feedback) in a 1-to-1 format can enable paraprofessionals to implement practices with fidelity; however, training all paraprofessionals exclusively in a 1-to-1 format with immediate feedback is not feasible. We tested two modifications to improve feasibility: delivery in a group and delayed performance feedback from video recordings. We randomized 17 paraprofessionals to a control condition or group training condition focused on simultaneous and least-to-most prompting. Paraprofessionals in the training condition implemented the prompting strategies with better adherence to steps ( d = 0.91 and d = 1.56), better implementation quality ( d = 0.60), and their students made more progress ( d = 0.29). These findings provide evidence that effective coaching strategies can be utilized in a group context.

Using Tiered Coaching and Bug-in-Ear Technology to Promote Teacher Implementation Fidelity

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tosha L. Owens ◽  
Ya-yu Lo ◽  
Belva C. Collins
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Implementation Fidelity ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
Coaching Intervention ◽  
General Education Setting ◽  
Teacher Coaching ◽  
Multiple Probe ◽  
Task Behaviors

In this study, we examined the effects of a tiered teacher coaching intervention package, including video coaching and in situ coaching with use of the bug-in-ear technology, on the implementation fidelity of four general education teachers in supporting students with persistent off-task behaviors to self-monitor own behaviors in the general education setting. In addition, we evaluated the effects of teachers’ implementation on the on-task behavior of four target students. Results of the multiple probe across participants design showed that there was a functional relation between the tiered coaching intervention and the teachers’ implementation fidelity. There was also an overall improvement in all of the four students’ on-task behaviors. Limitations, suggestions for future research, and implications for practice are discussed.

Effects of a Collaborative Planning and Consultation Framework to Increase Participation of Students with Severe Disabilities in General Education Classes

2021 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-52
Author(s):  
Emily M. Kuntz ◽  
Erik W. Carter
Keyword(s):  
General Education ◽  
Academic Engagement ◽  
Collaborative Planning ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
General Educators ◽  
Intervention Package ◽  
School Students ◽  
Instructional Behaviors ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities ◽  
Multiple Probe

Although many students with severe disabilities are enrolled in general education classrooms, general educators rarely receive strong training and guidance on supporting the academic and social participation of these students. A multiple probe across participants design was used to evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative planning and consultation framework on the academic engagement of four middle school students with severe disabilities and the instructional behaviors they receive from their general educators. The intervention package increased each focus student’s academic engagement with classwide instruction and changed the types of instructional behaviors some general educators directed toward these students. Recommendations are offered for research and practice aimed at engaging general educators in the design and delivery of inclusive interventions.

Schema-Based Instruction Implemented Under Routine Conditions

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Corey Peltier ◽  
Mindy E Lingo ◽  
Faye Autry-Schreffler ◽  
Malarie Deardorff ◽  
Leslie Mathews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Word Problems ◽  
Mathematical Problem ◽  
Functional Relation ◽  
Probe Design ◽  
Resource Room ◽  
Group Settings ◽  
Intervention Protocol ◽  
Prior Literature ◽  
Based Instruction

Students identified with a specific learning disability (SLD) experience difficulty with mathematical problem solving. One specific intervention identified as a promising practice for students with a SLD is schema-based instruction (SBI). The current projects aimed to tests the efficacy of SBI under routine conditions. This extends prior literature by (a) using a teacher as the implementer, (b) allowing flexibility in the intervention protocol, (c) condensing the duration of intervention sessions, and (d) providing instruction in small group settings. In addition, we examined student problem solving performance on word problems requiring two-steps and combined schema structures. We used a multiple-probe design across three groups of fifth-grade participants (n = 7) receiving supplemental instruction in a resource room setting. Results indicated a functional relation between SBI and problem-solving performance for all students on simple structure word problems, with the magnitude of effects varying across cases. The NAP, Tau, and BC-SMD effect sizes were used to quantify effects. Implications were discussed in regard to systematic replication and conditions that may impact fidelity.

Efficacy of Peer-Network Interventions for High School Students with Severe Disabilities and Complex Communication Needs

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-114
Author(s):  
Morgan E. Herbert ◽  
Matthew E. Brock ◽  
Mary A. Barczak ◽  
Eric J. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
School Students ◽  
Complex Communication Needs ◽  
Peer Network ◽  
Network Intervention ◽  
Communication Needs ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities

Peer networks are a promising intervention for increasing social interactions between students with severe disabilities and their peers. However, this approach has not been well studied with high school students who have complex communication needs and use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). In this study, we used a multiple probe across participants design to evaluate the effectiveness of a lunchtime peer-network intervention for three high school students with autism and/or multiple disabilities who had complex communication needs. The intervention involved recruiting peers, sharing practical background information and modeling how to communicate with the student, and then providing support as needed. A functional relation was established between the introduction of the peer-network intervention and both social interactions and social engagement. Interactions increased substantially across communication modalities. This study builds on the peer-network literature by demonstrating how this approach can be tailored for high school students with complex communication needs.

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