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.

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.

Randomized Evaluation of Peer Support Arrangements to Support the Inclusion of High School Students With Severe Disabilities

2015 ◽  
Vol 82 (2) ◽  
pp. 209-233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik W. Carter ◽  
Jennifer Asmus ◽  
Colleen K. Moss ◽  
Elizabeth E. Biggs ◽  
Dan M. Bolt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High School ◽  
High School Students ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
School Students ◽  
Randomized Evaluation ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities

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.

Multicomponent Training of Teachers of Students With Severe Disabilities

2014 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 347-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phillip Brown ◽  
Jennifer Stephenson ◽  
Mark Carter
Keyword(s):  
Performance Feedback ◽  
Special Educators ◽  
Role Play ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Feedback Process ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
School Based ◽  
Specific Performance ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities

Over the last decade, the obligation of general and special educators to utilize evidence-based instructional practices has become more prominent. Research increasingly suggests the failure of didactic teacher training alone to ensure implementation with fidelity of these practices by teachers in their classrooms. Multicomponent training (MCT) strategies utilizing didactic presentations, followed by coaching with role-play and specific performance feedback, offer a useful strategy for training teachers of students with severe disabilities in the evidence-based practices of their field. This pilot study successfully demonstrated the efficiency, feasibility, and acceptability of a school-based MCT strategy in the training of four teachers of students with severe disabilities in the use of simultaneous prompting (SP). The MCT strategy utilized demonstrated the efficacy of a research-based performance feedback process. Implications for the comprehensive and rigorous training of teachers of students with severe disabilities are discussed.

Teaching Systematic Instruction Competencies to Special Education Student Teachers: An Applied Behavioral Supervision Model

1992 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark F. O'Reilly ◽  
Adelle Renzaglia ◽  
Meg Hutchins ◽  
Laura Koterba-Buss ◽  
Mark Clayton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Student Teachers ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Delayed Feedback ◽  
Education Student ◽  
Systematic Instruction ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Immediate Feedback ◽  
University Supervisors ◽  
Special Education Student ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities

This study compared the effectiveness of immediate and delayed feedback supervision procedures on the acquisition of systematic instruction skills by three pre-service teachers who were receiving practicum experience in classrooms for students with severe disabilities. Behaviors targeted for intervention were: (a) the appropriate use of positive consequences, and (b) the appropriate use of systems of instructional prompts. All supervision procedures were administered by university supervisors. Results indicated that immediate feedback was more effective with two student teachers and delayed feedback was more effective for the third participant. Unobtrusive observations of two participants in the practicum sites following the intervention indicated that the teaching skills maintained in the absence of the university supervisors.

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.

scholarly journals An Assessment of the Feasibility and Effectiveness of Distance Learning for Students With Severe Developmental Disabilities and High Behavioral Needs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melaura Andree Erickson Tomaino ◽  
Alissa L. Greenberg ◽  
Sarah Ann Kagawa-Purohit ◽  
Sagui A. Doering ◽  
Edward Steven Miguel
Keyword(s):  
Distance Learning ◽  
Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Severe Disabilities ◽  
Technology Study ◽  
Educational Benefits ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Behavioral Needs ◽  
Severe Developmental Disabilities ◽  
Learning Programs ◽  
Students With Severe Disabilities

AbstractSchools across the country closed their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures impacted all students, as schools, educators, and families grappled with the realities of transitioning to distance-learning platforms. The research on distance learning is still in its early phases. However, almost no research exists on educating students with severe disabilities and high behavioral needs using this technology. Study 1 collected survey data from students’ families and their educators on the feasibility and effectiveness of distance-learning programs when working with students with severe developmental disabilities and high behavioral needs. Results indicated that parents and educators had generally neutral attitudes toward distance learning, although educators agreed that their students were obtaining educational benefits during distance learning. Study 2 further examined the effects of a transition to distance learning on students’ Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal progress. Analyses revealed that students maintained about half of the skills addressed in their IEPs and made progress on an additional quarter of their IEP goals. Findings contribute to a much-needed literature base on distance learning and provide additional information as to the feasibility and effectiveness of distance learning with students with severe developmental disabilities and high behavioral needs. Future work is needed to determine best practices for distance learning with this population.

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