Abstract
The Promoting the Emergence of Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) Relational Training System provides a comprehensive language and cognition training strategy for use with children with disabilities. In the present study, we conducted PEAK within a special education classroom over the course of 3 months, and language and cognitive skills were assessed using the PEAK Comprehensive Assessment (PCA). On average, each of the five participants mastered 11.2 target programs across PEAK modules with an average of 186.4 new verbal behaviors or supporting behaviors. All participants showed an increase on the PCA following the intervention, with an average increase of 39.6 correct responses, and parents and staff reported improvements in participants’ use of language at home and at school relative to prior semesters.
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Funding
This project was funded by research awards developed by the LOTUS Project and Pender Public Schools (B02743-132022-73004-011) as part of an effort to conduct behavioral research in applied settings.
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Research Highlights
• The intervention took place within a special education setting.
• PEAK Comprehensive Assessment results show broad repertoire growth across participants.
• Social validity results suggest changes in participants’ use of language at school and at home.
• Procedures were individualized across participants.
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Belisle, J., Clark, L., Welch, K. et al. Evaluation of Broad Skill Repertoire Changes Over 3 Months of PEAK Implementation in a Special Education Classroom. Behav Analysis Practice 15, 324–329 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00657-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-021-00657-6