Is the behavior of academic change agents controlled metaphysically? An analysis of the behavior of those who change behavior

The issue of treatment integrity in the area of academic interventions is one of promoting generalization of change agent behavior across time, settings, and target children. Contextual variables are examined that affect the likelihood of treatment integrity by considering the contingencies operating for change agents and a matrix of social interaction patterns between target children, direct change agents, and indirect change agents. It is proposed that strategies described in the generalization literature are equally applicable to change agents to increase fidelity of implementation. Finally, factors related to change agents that need to be considered in academic intervention are summarized and recommendations for future research in this area are made.