Year: 1999
Type: dissertation
Study design: Clinical Trial
Abstract: The data-based decision model involves frequent measures of student performance (i.e., 2 - 5 times per week), frequent analysis of performance data (weekly or bi-weekly), and the application of decision rules. In the first study, we surveyed 406 special education teachers state-wide. Results of the survey suggest that the databased decision model is not generally practiced by special educators in the field. Just over one quarter of the respondents report to assessing student performance frequently enough to qualify as using the model. Only 10% of respondents indicate that they generally graph student performance. Additionally, less than 23% of respondents who graph data indicate reviewing their student’s chart at least monthly.\nThe second study increased teachers’ use of the data-based decision model through functional assessment and interventions matched to the results of the assessment. A functional assessment identified that teachers lacked skills, knowledge, feedback and materials to utilize the data-based decision model. As a result of the assessment, training and feedback were introduced sequentially to three groups of teachers. Training improved performance for every teacher. Initial increases in performance following feedback were observed for 4 out of 8 subjects. During the follow-up phase of the study, the environmental supports were no longer in place. Teacher performance returned to baseline levels. Implications for staff development and improving staff performance are discussed.
Author: Steven Goodman
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2509031502