This paper delves deeply into the Pyramid of Intervention, a strategy that helps students who struggle get better footing on their way to learning the important things education provides. The Pyramid of Intervention is only one kind of intervention for students who fall behind, but as this paper points out, it is an effective intervention and should be used wherever and whenever it is appropriate.
Pyramid of Intervention
What is the purpose of the Pyramid of Intervention?
For students that are struggling in their quest to learn, there are a number of interventions available through various educational channels. One of those interventions is the "Pyramid of Intervention" (POI), and according to professors with the University of South Florida, this pyramid is designed for children who need additional intervention to ensure their continuing development as learners. "A tiered intervention model is an excellent fit with the presumption" -- in the very important period of early childhood -- "that young children…" should be given learning opportunities that take place in the natural environment and in "inclusive settings" in order to meet their needs (Fox, et al., 2009).
Moreover, there has been a need for a particular intervention that addresses the social and behavioral issues young learners go through, and Fox explains that there is a "…substantial body of research that illustrates the detrimental effects" of "social emotional delay and challenging behaviors." And so to avoid delaying interventions that can help struggling young people get up to speed with their ability to learn and grow, the tiered framework of the pyramid model has been adopted by numerous educational systems. The POI is now fully recognized as a workable, effective model that provides what Fox calls "…guidance for the design and delivery of evidence-based interventions" which offers the child hope for future successes in school.
In the Canadian Journal of Education, Kathy Howery and colleagues explain that the POI administered in the Alberta school district is based on "…a belief in social justice" and that every child has value (Howery, 2013, 271). Further, the POI in Alberta is set in motion because the school district is committed to "inclusive education"; also, the district understands the "power of teams" (Howery, 271). The author mentions three areas of support that the pyramid provides: a) positive behavior; b) "differentiation of learning"; and c) student access to relevant technologies and digital media (Howery, 271). The classroom teachers is "empowered" when he or she has the skills, knowledge and support system to be able to "…identify the authentic needs of students" and also to be able to offer specific instructions to those needs (Howery, 273).
How can the Pyramid of Intervention be developed for a school or district?
An understanding of the pyramid's structure should be presented for this paper in order to understand how the POI is actually developed. Tier 1 is an intervention for all students in the school. It is the base of the pyramid and in this tier the teacher is given the responsibility for: a) "nurturing and responsible caregiving" of the students; and b) developing partnerships with students' families and developing "collaborative relationships" among participating team members (Fox, 3). Nicholas J. Miller describes Tier 1 as "standards and evidence based," and can include whole group instruction, small group instruction, or "flexible" group instruction (Miller, 2008, p. 18).
Fox explains that Tier 2 (one level up from the base of the pyramid) involves "explicit instruction in social skills and emotional regulation," because all children need to learn how to express emotions positively, and how to solve simple social problems effectively. But for those students who need additional "focused instruction" this is where the pyramid's step-by-step strategy comes into play. Tier 2 offers instructions that are zeroed in on: a) identifying and expression emotions; b) "self-regulation"; c) solving social problems; d) "initiating and maintaining interactions"; e) "cooperative responding"; f) tactics for dealing with disappointment and anger; and g) skills at making friends (Fox, 4). Miller's explanation for Tier 2 is that it is up to the teacher to carefully observe what needs are unmet by students; the teacher can at this juncture request intervention support and may collaborate with professionals in the school system. Tier 2 instruction is "monitored" and is different than general education models because it is based on "needs," not a formula, Miller goes on (18). At this point "supplemental academic programs or consultation with an intervention specialist" are implemented.
Tier 3 calls for additional interventions for those students who did not get sufficient help in Tier 2, Fox explains (4). "Intense individualized instruction" is needed at this level, Fox continues; "Positive Behavior Support" (PBS) is implemented at this point, which offers an "individually designed" strategy using the child's family and the teacher (Fox, 4). This tier is designed to address "…the triggers of challenging behavior" and to offer "replacement skills that are alternatives to the challenging behavior"; the PBS program must include parents, home, community, and school environments. Miller describes Tier 3 as "more structured and individualized" and certainly more "formal" (19). The stakeholders that are responsible for implementing Tier 3 include administrators, teachers and parents, Miller explained.
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