title: Explaining variance and identifying predictors of children's communication via a multilevel model of single-case design research.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to explain the variability in data collected from a single-case design study and to identify predictors of communicative outcomes for children with developmental delays or disabilities (n = 4). Using SAS University Edition, we fit multilevel models with time nested within children. Children's initial levels of communication and teachers' frequency of strategy use when directed at the children predicted children's communicative outcomes. These results indicate that teachers' implementation of evidence-based communication strategies, when directed toward children with disabilities, and the interaction between their use of the strategies and children's initial levels of communication predict children's communicative outcomes. Implications for research and practice are provided.
authors.affiliation: a Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, The Ohio State University , Columbus , OH , USA .
authors.forename: Jennifer Riggie
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ottley
authors.affiliation: b Department of Educational and Psychological Studies , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA , and.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ferron
authors.affiliation: c School of Teacher Education, Florida State University , Tallahassee , FL , USA.
authors.forename: Mary Frances
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Hanline
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000628:therapy*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018401:Sample Size
keywords: Communication development; inclusive environments; multilevel modeling; professional development; single-case intervention research