An Evaluation of the Pyramid Model of Staff Training in Group Homes for Adults with Severe Handicaps

Abstract

This study evaluated a pyramid model of training group home staff to teach daily living skills to adults who were profoundly retarded. Three program supervisors were trained, through the use of instructions, modeling, roleplaying and verbal feedback, to use an increasing assistance prompt hierarchy and specific praise. Following the demonstration of mastery in the use of the hierarchy and praise, supervisors trained aides to implement the procedures. The results of a multiple baseline evaluation across staff indicated that providing training to the supervisors resulted in improvements for supervisors and, subsequently, aides (although to a lesser degree). Additionally, staff generalized their improved performance to a second client and skill. Tentative support is provided for the use of the pyramid model in community settings. Client performance across phases also provided support for the effectiveness of the training package and pyramid model.