Abstract
We evaluated a program for training 4 support staff to embed instruction within the existing activities of 5 children with disabilities in an inclusive preschool. The program involved classroom-based instruction, role playing, and feedback regarding how to effectively prompt, correct, and reinforce child behavior. Descriptions of naturally occurring teaching opportunities in which to use the teaching skills were also provided. Following classroom training, brief on-the-job training was provided to each staff member, followed by on-the-job feedback. Results indicated that each staff member increased her use of correct teaching procedures when training was implemented. Improvements in child performance accompanied each application of the staff training program. Results are discussed in terms of using effective staff training as one means of increasing the use of recommended intervention procedures in inclusive settings. Areas for future research could focus on training staff to embed other types of recommended practices within typical preschool routines involving children with disabilities.
Full Text
The Full Text of this article is available as a PDF (150.6 KB).
Selected References
These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.
- Horner R. D., Baer D. M. Multiple-probe technique: a variation on the multiple baseline. J Appl Behav Anal. 1978 Spring;11(1):189–196. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1978.11-189. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Ingham P., Greer R. D. Changes in student and teacher responses in observed and generalized settings as a function of supervisor observations. J Appl Behav Anal. 1992 Spring;25(1):153–164. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1992.25-153. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Jahr E. Current issues in staff training. Res Dev Disabil. 1998 Jan-Feb;19(1):73–87. doi: 10.1016/s0891-4222(97)00030-9. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Losardo A., Bricker D. Activity-based intervention and direct instruction: a comparison study. Am J Ment Retard. 1994 May;98(6):744–765. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Parsons M. B., Reid D. H., Green C. W. Training basic teaching skills to community and institutional support staff for people with severe disabilities: a one-day program. Res Dev Disabil. 1996 Nov-Dec;17(6):467–485. doi: 10.1016/s0891-4222(96)00031-5. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Parsons M. B., Reid D. H. Training residential supervisors to provide feedback for maintaining staff teaching skills with people who have severe disabilities. J Appl Behav Anal. 1995 Fall;28(3):317–322. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1995.28-317. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]