HLP 20 refers to High-Leverage Practice 20, which is centered on the critical educational strategy of providing intensive instruction. This practice is designed to support students who require more targeted and comprehensive educational interventions to achieve academic and behavioral success.
Understanding High-Leverage Practices
High-Leverage Practices (HLPs) are a set of fundamental techniques and strategies that are essential for effective teaching, particularly for students with disabilities or those at risk of academic difficulties. They are considered "high leverage" because when teachers master them, they can significantly improve student learning outcomes across various contexts and content areas. HLP 20 is one such practice, focusing specifically on how to deliver potent and individualized instruction.
The Core of HLP 20: Intensive Instruction
HLP 20 outlines a systematic approach to deliver instruction that goes beyond typical classroom support, targeting students with persistent learning challenges. This intensive instruction is characterized by its precision, frequency, and responsiveness to student needs.
Key elements of providing intensive instruction through HLP 20 include:
- Utilizing Research-Based Secondary Prevention Programs: Instruction should be rooted in programs that have demonstrated effectiveness through rigorous research. These programs are typically implemented for students who are already showing some signs of struggle, aiming to prevent more significant issues from developing.
- Integrating into the Data-Based Individualization (DBI) Process: Intensive instruction is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it is highly individualized. The Data-Based Individualization (DBI) process is a systematic approach that allows educators to use data to continuously adapt and refine interventions for students who are not responding to standard intervention programs. This iterative process ensures that instruction remains effective and tailored.
- Implementing Progress Monitoring: A crucial component of effective intensive instruction is consistent progress monitoring. This involves regularly tracking student improvements and responses to interventions. By observing changes in student performance over time, educators can determine if the current intervention is working, if adjustments are needed, or if a different approach should be considered.
- Creating Student-Specific Intervention Plans: Based on a thorough examination of diagnostic assessment data, educators must develop highly specific intervention plans for each student. Diagnostic assessments pinpoint the exact areas of difficulty and the underlying reasons for those struggles. This detailed information allows for the creation of interventions that are precisely matched to the student's unique learning profile and needs, ensuring that instruction addresses the root causes of their challenges.
In essence, HLP 20 emphasizes a data-driven, highly individualized, and responsive teaching approach to support students who require significant academic or behavioral intervention.
