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“School psychologists are often a part of teams that address the lack of progress students are making academically and socially. This book gives school psychologists and other school staff background knowledge on the [data-based intervention] (DBI) process. It also provides detailed information and examples on how to implement it for different populations within the school system. Also, resources for each step of the DBI process are provided….I appreciate that the authors outlined the considerations for effective implementation.”

—Essentials of Intensive Intervention


“This book is practically an intensive intervention in itself! Each chapter begins with guiding questions—which it goes on to systematically address—and includes application activities and FAQs. It will be useful for both preservice and inservice teachers, or anyone who needs to learn the details of DBI. I would happily use this book in my class on data-based decision making, because it provides a clear path from learning to application.”

—John L. Hosp, PhD, Special Education Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst


“This book comprehensively describes the complexities of MTSS implementation in schools and translates theories of evidence-based instructional practices and intensive intervention into practice. The authors provide critical knowledge, skills, and examples for implementing DBI with fidelity. District and school-based administrators, special and general education teachers, and school psychologists will develop a deeper understanding and a shared vision for supporting students with intensive needs.”

—Mary E. Little, PhD, Exceptional Student Education Program, University of Central Florida


“All educators should know how to do DBI, but not enough do. This book can help. The authors are definitive experts and leaders of the National Center on Intensive Intervention, whose extensive experience working in classrooms shines through. The chapters include user-friendly guidance to implement DBI, exercises to self-evaluate your understanding, and resources to get started. The authors' approach is important and research validated and can help students with intensive needs reach their potential.”

—Devin Kearns, PhD, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Connecticut


“An excellent resource for building administrators striving to provide the best possible instructional programs. This book can be used either to initiate or to strengthen a school's systems for assessment, instruction, and progress monitoring for students who are having difficulty learning. By following the DBI process, schools can make sure they are addressing the needs of all students.”

—Paul Elery, MEd, Principal, Harvard Elementary School, Tacoma, Washington

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Table of Contents

Introduction, Louis Danielson, Rebecca Zumeta Edmonds, & Allison Gruner Gandhi

I. The Process of Data-Based Individualization

1. Introduction to Intensive Intervention: A Step-by-Step Guide to Data-Based Individualization, Amy Peterson, Louis Danielson, & Douglas Fuchs

2. Issues of Assessment within Intensive Intervention, Jill M. Pentimonti, Lynn S. Fuchs, & Allison Gruner Gandhi

3. Integrating Behavior and Academics in Intervention Planning, Laura Berry Kuchle & T. Chris Riley-Tillman

4. Intensive Intervention for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Christopher J. Lemons, Samantha A. Gesel, & Lauren M. LeJeune

II. Implementation of Data-Based Individualization

5. Why Is Implementation Readiness Critical?, Sarah V. Arden & Jennifer D. Pierce

6. Teaming Structures to Support Intensive Intervention Using Data-Based Individualization, Teri A. Marx & Steve Goodman

7. Aligning Intensive Intervention and Special Education with Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, Tessie Rose Bailey, Gail Chan, & Erica S. Lembke

Glossary

Index

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About the Editors

Rebecca Zumeta Edmonds, PhD, is Principal Researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, DC, where she serves as Co-Director of the National Center on Intensive Intervention and as Project Director for an Investing in Innovation and Improvement Development Grant focused on intensive intervention in mathematics. She previously coordinated technical assistance for the Center on Response to Intervention at AIR. A former special education teacher, Dr. Zumeta Edmonds has numerous publications in the areas of response to intervention, multi-tiered systems of support, mathematics intervention, special education policy, implementation, screening, and progress monitoring assessment.

• Author's website

Allison Gruner Gandhi, EdD, is Managing Researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, DC. Since 2005, Dr. Gandhi has led the knowledge development work for the National Center on Response to Intervention and the National Center on Intensive Intervention at AIR. In this role, she oversees the development and ongoing maintenance of tools charts that review and rate the technical rigor of screening tools, academic and behavioral progress monitoring tools, and academic and behavioral interventions. She has extensive knowledge about special education policy and practice, especially around identifying and communicating about evidence-based practices to support improved outcomes for students with disabilities.

Louis Danielson, PhD, is Managing Director at the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in Washington, DC, where he focuses on special education policy and research. He is Senior Advisor to the National Center for Systemic Improvement and Co-Director of the National Center on Intensive Intervention at AIR. A national leader in the field of special education, Dr. Danielson has been involved in programs for students with disabilities since the 1980s. Prior to coming to AIR, he held a leadership role in the U.S. Office for Special Education Programs and was responsible for the Individuals with Disabilities Act national activities programs. He also initiated efforts in the U.S. Department of Education that led to widespread adoption of response to intervention.

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Contributors

Sarah V. Arden, PhD, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research,Seattle, Washington

Tessie Rose Bailey, PhD, Principal Technical Assistance Consultant,American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC

Laura Berry Kuchle, PhD, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research,Washington, DC

Gail Chan, PhD, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC

Louis Danielson, PhD, Managing Director, American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC

Douglas Fuchs, PhD, Nicholas Hobbs Chair and Professor of Special Educationand Professor of Pediatrics, Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Lynn S. Fuchs, PhD, Dunn Family Chair in Psychoeducational Assessment and Professorof Special Education, Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Allison Gruner Gandhi, EdD, Managing Researcher, American Institutes for Research,Waltham, Massachusetts

Samantha A. Gesel, MEd, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Special Education,Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Steve Goodman, PhD, Director, Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and LearningSupport Initiative (MIBLSI), Holland, Michigan

Lauren M. LeJeune, MEd, Doctoral Candidate, Department of Special Education,Peabody College of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Erica S. Lembke, PhD, Professor and Chair, Department of Special Education,University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Christopher J. Lemons, PhD, Associate Professor of Special Education, Peabody Collegeof Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee

Teri A. Marx, PhD, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC

Jill M. Pentimonti, PhD, Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research,Washington, DC

Amy Peterson, MA, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC

Jennifer D. Pierce, PhD, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research,New York, New York

T. Chris Riley-Tillman, PhD, Professor, Department of Educational, Schooland Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Rebecca Zumeta Edmonds, PhD, Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research,Washington, DC

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Audience

K–12 special educators, interventionists, classroom teachers, school psychologists, and administrators; education researchers and university professors.

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Course Use

May serve as a supplemental text in graduate-level courses.