This paper demonstrates a means of obtaining information needed to plan effective solutions to a current service delivery problem, staff development. Specifically, a proactive approach to identification of staff development needs is presented. Results from implementation of the model indicate that behavioral training strategies are used nearly twice as often by staff identified as competent as by staff selected at random. Further, written behavior management programs tend to be used to decrease undesirable behaviors more often than to strengthen adaptive skills. Implications of these findings for staff development are discussed.
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