Using a Modified Pyramidal Training Model to Teach Special Education Teachers to Conduct Trial-Based Functional Analyses

Functional behavioral assessments are commonly used in school settings to assess and develop interventions for problem behavior. The trial-based functional analysis is an approach that teachers can use in their classrooms to identify the function of problem behavior. The current study evaluates the effectiveness of a modified pyramidal training procedure in which special education program coordinators were taught to conduct trial-based functional analyses and then provided support to special education teachers who were taught to conduct trial-based functional analyses and to calculate, graph, and analyze data. After training, the teachers conducted the trial-based functional analysis with over 85% accuracy and demonstrated criterion performance analyzing and graphing data. Accuracy was maintained during in-situ generalization probes conducted with two of the teachers.