Intensive Teaching (IT) is an approach that many special education programs utilize to support both student learning and the use of a specific teaching methodology for classroom staff. IT is often used in 1:1 or small-group settings, providing opportunities for repeated practice across specific skills. Daily data collection, using specific criteria, is also employed.
IT is often used in conjunction with the Verbal Behavior Milestone Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP). The VB-MAPP assesses language and learning skills at the preschool level for students with autism and other developmental disabilities. It is structured into three levels with specific skills that range from B.F. Skinner’s verbal operants (e.g., mand, tact, etc.) to vocal, group, and play skills. Dr. Mark Sundberg, author of the VB-MAPP, created the tiered assessment to capture skills that some students may need to “catch up” on, as well as opportunities for generative learning across all three levels. In other words, Dr. Sundberg created a tool that could be used to support direct, explicit instruction in specific skills with the idea that learners will, at each level, begin to respond in new ways. The learners will acquire the skill and take it to the next level without having to be taught each skill set separately.
The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) has utilized the IT approach for many years under the PATTAN Autism Initiative (PAI). In the PAI programs, staff learn to use Errorless Teaching as well as Error Correction procedures to implement the IT program. Data collection tools and training are also components of the PAI program.
This video is a great example of all the areas the IT program uses through the PATTAN Autism Initiative. The PAI supports hundreds of programs each year. Application to be part of the PAI usually comes out in mid-winter and is competitive. For those who may not want to pursue the application, but want more support or training around Intensive Teaching or the use of the VB-MAPP, can contact the consultants below.
Errorless Teaching
Errorless Teaching is a specific strategy that can be used in instruction. Its effectiveness is contingent upon the instructor’s understanding of how to implement the Errorless procedures at each step. Many IT programs that employ Errorless Teaching also use a coaching model to support staff in learning these procedures and implementing them with fidelity.
The steps in Errorless Teaching are:
- Prompt – ask the student to perform the skill, with a model
- Transfer – ask the student to perform the same skill without a model
- Distract – ask the student to perform 1–3 mastered skills
- Check – ask the student to perform the original skill again, without a model
Meet the Team
Reach out to any of the team members for more information.
