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. 2015 Feb 1;52(2):181-195.
doi: 10.1002/pits.21815.

Training Teachers to use Evidence-Based Practices for Autism: Examining Procedural Implementation fidelity

Aubyn C Stahmer  1 , Sarah Reed  1 , Ember Lee  2 , Erica M Reisinger  3 , James E Connell  4 , David S Mandell  3
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Training Teachers to use Evidence-Based Practices for Autism: Examining Procedural Implementation fidelity

Aubyn C Stahmer et al. Psychol Sch. .

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which public school teachers implemented evidence-based interventions for students with autism in the way these practices were designed. Evidence-based practices for students with autism are rarely incorporated into community settings, and little is known about the quality of implementation. An indicator of intervention quality is procedural implementation fidelity (the degree to which a treatment is implemented as prescribed). Procedural fidelity likely affects student outcomes. This project examined procedural implementation fidelity of three evidence-based practices used in a randomized trial of a comprehensive program for students with autism in partnership with a large, urban school district. Results indicate that teachers in public school special education classrooms can learn to implement evidence-based strategies; however they require extensive training, coaching, and time to reach and maintain moderate procedural implementation fidelity. Procedural fidelity over time, and across intervention strategies is examined.

Keywords: autism; evidence-based practices; procedural implementation fidelity; teachers; training.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The percentage of classrooms using the strategy during each time period.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of classrooms meeting 80% implementation fidelity during each time period.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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