ERIC Number: ED676417
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
POWR+ Intervention Results: An Online Communication Partner Training Program for Educational Teams
Sarah N. Douglas1; Sarah M. Dunkel-Jackson1; Ryan Bowles1; Joshua Plavnick1; Tiantian Sun1; Atikah Bagawan1
Grantee Submission
Paraeducators are primary communication partners for children who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), but often have limited training. The POWR+ intervention is designed to help paraeducators support their student's communication using AAC. Importantly, POWR+ includes training for supervising teachers, who help implement the intervention through observation, feedback, and coaching. In this study, we report the results from a multiple-probe single case design study involving five teacher/paraeducator/child triads. Results indicate a functional relationship for two triads between the POWR+ intervention and the two primary outcomes: communication opportunities and AAC modeling. These triads implemented the POWR+ intervention with high fidelity. Results were mixed for the other triads with lower fidelity. Results highlight the efficacy of the POWR+ intervention when it is implemented with high fidelity but identifies a need for further adjustments to increase implementation fidelity, including additional resources for aspects outside the scope of the intervention such as behavioral support. [This is the online first version of an article published in "Communication Disorders Quarterly."]
Descriptors: Paraprofessional School Personnel, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Intervention, Program Implementation, Coaching (Performance), Program Effectiveness, Fidelity, Teamwork, Teacher Role, Interpersonal Communication, Students with Disabilities, Online Courses, Special Education, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, Staff Development
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324A180122
Department of Education Funded: Yes
Author Affiliations: 1Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA

Peer reviewed
Direct link
