DBI Training Materials

These professional learning modules are intended to assist district or school teams involved in initial planning or implementation of data-based individualization (DBI) as a framework for providing intensive intervention in academics and behavior. The modules listed below provide an overview of the DBI process and more in-depth exploration of the various components of DBI.

Each module is a component of comprehensive professional development that includes supplemental coaching and ongoing support. The modules should be delivered by a trained, knowledgeable professional. Presentation slides or videos, handouts, and a coaching guide with suggested coaching activities are provided.

This module is intended to help teams understand what is involved in preparing for DBI implementation, determining their readiness, and developing an action plan.


This module provides a rationale for intensive intervention and an overview of DBI, NCII’s approach to intensive intervention.

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This collection of training materials can be used to provide an overview of the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity for selecting, evaluating, and intensifying interventions or to provide specific examples in reading, mathematics, and behavior.


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This module focuses on academic progress monitoring within the context of the DBI process and addresses (a) approaches and tools for academic progress monitoring, and (b) using progress monitoring data to set goals and make instructional decisions for individual students, including the development and monitoring of individualized education program (IEP) goals.


This module focuses on behavioral progress monitoring within the context of the DBI process and addresses (a) methods available for behavioral progress monitoring, including but not limited to Direct Behavior Rating (DBR), and (b) using progress monitoring data to make decisions about behavioral interventions.


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This multi-part module is intended to help teams understand how to use progress monitoring and other accessible assessment data to guide instructional decision making. Trainers can select among several presentation sections to best address teams’ needs. The sections of the module (a) provide an overview of administering common general outcome measures for progress monitoring in reading and mathematics, (b) review graphed progress monitoring data, and (c) provide guidance on identifying what type of skills the intervention should target to be most effective in reading and mathematics.


This module provides foundational knowledge of how all behavior serves a purpose or function. This foundational knowledge is core to understanding behavior, supporting students with challenging behavior, and diagnosing the function of behavior and developing effective behavioral interventions. It builds on Behavior Basics: Understanding Principles of Behavior and introduces functional behavior assessment (FBA).


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This collection of training materials can be used to provide an overview of the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity for selecting, evaluating, and intensifying interventions or to provide specific examples in reading, mathematics, and behavior.


This module discusses approaches to intensifying academic interventions for students with severe and persistent learning needs. The module describes how intensification fits into the DBI process, and introduces four categories of intensification practices. It uses examples to illustrate concepts, and provides activities to support development of teams’ understanding of these practices and how they might be used to design effective individualized programs for students with intensive needs.


This module focuses primarily on selecting evidence-based interventions that align with the functions of behavior for students with severe and persistent learning needs. The emphasis of this training will include four main content areas: (a) relating assessment to function, (b) selecting evidence-based interventions that align with the functions of behavior, (c) linking assessment and monitoring, and (d) connecting data with the evidence-based interventions selected. The overarching goal is to connect concepts and theories in behavior and begin planning how intensive intervention can be put into practice to support students with intensive behavioral needs.


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Flowchart depicting the steps in DBI. 1. Validated Intervention Program 2. Progress Monitor. If responsive, go back to Progress Monitor. If unresponsive move to step 3. Diagnostic Assessment/Functional Behavior Assessment. 4. Intervention Adaptation. 5. Progress Monitor. If responsive, go back to Progress Monitor. If unresponsive go back to step 3.