Training a Special Education Teacher to Implement a Universal Protocol Treatment Package: Effects on Challenging Behaviors

Effective teacher training is critical for improving student outcomes. Behavior Skills Training (BST), which consists of instruction, modeling, role play, and feedback, has been demonstrated to be effective for training teachers, staff, and peers to deliver a wide range of interventions to individuals with disabilities. This study examined the effects of using BST to train a teacher to implement a Universal Protocol treatment package. The Universal Protocol package included procedures for building rapport, identifying the potential triggers of challenging behavior, and making data-based decisions on the type and intensity of services required. A multiple-baseline design across school settings (e.g., reward, work, transition) demonstrated a functional relation of BST with the correct implementation of the Universal Protocol. Student problem behaviors appeared to be sensitive to teacher implementation of the Universal Protocol. Limitations and future directions are presented.