Pyramidal training: a large-scale application with institutional staff.

McGonigle et al. (1982) ran a big pyramidal BST project in a state facility. They trained supervisors first, then those supervisors trained 45 direct-care staff.

Every day the supervisors gave brief feedback to their teams. The researchers tracked how well staff used correct teaching moves and how much residents responded.

Staff teaching behaviors rose after the training package. Resident responding also improved, but only a little.

Skills did not spread to new lesson topics. Staff needed more help to use what they learned in different subjects.

Courtemanche et al. (2021) later topped these results. They trained 36 staff at once and hit 85-100 % accuracy, beating the medium gains seen here.

Kamana et al. (2024) moved the same model into community IDD homes. BST plus on-the-job feedback still worked despite high staff turnover.

Ólafsdóttir et al. (2026) kept the pyramidal logic but switched the skill to FCT. Trainer accuracy dipped after a month, then bounced back with quick booster sessions.

If you run a large program, train your supervisors first and give them a daily feedback script. You can reach dozens of staff without hiring outside trainers. Just watch for skill drift and plan brief booster checks, especially when routines or clients change.