Review and Discussion of Strategies to Address Low Trainer‐to‐Staff Ratios

Abstract

Researchers have developed an array of highly adaptable intervention packages with well-documented efficacy for staff and teacher training. As indicated by Parsons, Rollyson, and Reid (2012) in their article on best practices in staff training, behavior analysts must use methods that are both effective and efficient given the limited resources of many human service settings (e.g., low trainer-to-staff ratios). The purpose of this paper is to summarize research on practical innovations for staff and teacher training, including the use of video-based technology and self-instruction materials that may help trainers to operate effectively despite limited time and personnel. Results are discussed in terms of the current state of the evidence for each practical innovation and considerations for integrating these strategies with best practices in staff training.

Interventionist Acquisition of Incidental Teaching Using Pyramidal Training via Telehealth

“…Behavior analysts are responsible for training direct-service interventionists (i.e., teachers, parents, clinicians) in behavior analytic practices for the individuals they serve (e.g., children with developmental disabilities; Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, 2015). Recent research has focused on innovative training approaches to train service providers via distance training or “telehealth” (Karsten, Axe, & Mann, 2015; Neely, Rispoli, Gerow, Hong, & Hagan-Burke, 2017). Telehealth technologies can allow specialists to maximize resources by providing training to a greater number of people with inexpensive equipment (Wacker et al, 2013).…”

“…Performance feedback is a critical component of training with immediate performance feedback demonstrating greater gains versus delayed feedback. As a modification, video-based performance feedback involves an interventionist filming a session with a client and receiving performance feedback from their trainer at a later time based on the recorded session (Karsten et al, 2015; Neely et al, 2016). Video-based feedback can address time barriers by allow for flexibility in training times (Karsten et al, 2015).…”

The effects of video modeling on staff implementation of behavioral procedures in China

“…Substantial research has shown BST to be effective at increasing the fidelity of implementation of intervention procedures by teachers, especially preservice teachers (Kranak et al, 2018). However, BST is resource intensive and often requires the presence of a skilled trainer (Karsten, Axe, & Mann, 2015). Given the shortage in skilled special education teachers who can provide evidence‐based practices to children with ASD in China (Fan & Hu, 2015), BST may not be the most feasible approach to staff training in mainland China.…”

“…A promising technique that requires fewer staff is video modeling (VM). VM procedures, which involve showing the learner a video depicting a trained individual engaging in the target behavior either in a role‐play or real life scenario (Karsten et al, 2015), may circumvent the need for skilled staff to be present. VM has been successfully used to teach staff who work with children with ASD specific behavioral intervention strategies like discrete trial instruction (Catania, Almeida, Constant, & Reed, 2009), preference assessments (Rosales, Gongola, & Homlitas, 2015), functional analysis (Moore & Fisher, 2007), time out procedures (Slider, Noell, & William, 2006), motor imitation procedures (Lin, Nuzzolo, & Alonso‐Alvarez, 2016), problem‐solving intervention (Collins, Higbee, & Salzberg, 2009), problem behavior treatment (DiGennaro‐Reed, Codding, Catania, & Maguire, 2010), and prompting strategies (Giannakakos, Vladescu, Kisamore, & Reeve, 2016).…”

“…Substantial research has shown BST to be effective at increasing the fidelity of implementation of intervention procedures by teachers, especially preservice teachers (Kranak et al, 2018). However, BST is resource intensive and often requires the presence of a skilled trainer (Karsten, Axe, & Mann, 2015).…”