The Next Big Idea: A Framework for Integrated Academic and Behavioral Intensive Intervention

Despite advances in evidence–based core instruction and intervention, many students with disabilities continue to achieve poor academic and behavioral outcomes. Many of these students are not sufficiently responsive to standardized programs and require more intensive, individualized supports. While many interventions and school problem–solving teams focus primarily on either academic or behavioral concerns, students with the most intensive needs often have interrelated needs in both areas. The next big idea in special education should be to merge these efforts, building upon all that we have learned about problem solving at all levels of support, to improve outcomes for these students. Data–based individualization provides a framework for integrating academic and behavioral problem solving and intervention.