Setting standards for SDLMI fidelity: Promoting Data‐driven decision making to advance Self‐determination instruction

Abstract

This study used the standard setting to establish cutscores for the fidelity of implementation of an evidence‐based intervention, the Self‐Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) designed to enhance goal‐directed actions in secondary students with and without disabilities. Cutscores were then applied to fidelity data from a large, randomized trial of the SDLMI with teacher implementers. Findings suggest teachers demonstrate a range of fidelity outcomes over time across three dimensions adherence, quality of delivery, and student responsiveness. Almost all teachers (93%) immediately meet cutscores for the adherence dimension after training, but smaller numbers meet cutscores for quality of delivery (64%) and student responsiveness (69%). However, the quality of delivery and student responsiveness showed growth over time with implementation experience and there was a small effect of intensifying implementation support.