Vocational Skill Fluency Through Frequency Building

Introduction

Many individuals with disabilities face significant challenges in obtaining and maintaining employment. According to data, only 22.5% of people with disabilities are employed, compared to 65.8% of those without disabilities. Additionally, their average annual income is significantly lower—**$29,382** versus $43,313 for those without disabilities. These disparities highlight the need for effective vocational training programs.

One approach that shows promise is precision teaching with frequency building, which helps individuals learn skills efficiently and retain them over time. A recent study by Visitacion, Van Stratton, and Wertalik (2024) explored how this method can improve job skill fluency for individuals in vocational training programs. This blog will break down the study’s findings and how behavior analysts can apply these strategies in practice.

Understanding Vocational Training Challenges

Employment Barriers for Individuals with Disabilities

Many individuals with disabilities experience difficulties securing employment due to:

1. Limited access to skill-based training – Traditional education often lacks hands-on, job-related instruction.
2. Workplace accessibility barriers – Some jobs do not accommodate the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.
3. Transition challenges from school to work – Insufficient support in high school can delay independent employment.

Effective vocational training must address these barriers by using evidence-based methods to teach job skills efficiently.

Evidence-Based Approaches in Vocational Training

Several instructional methods have been used to support individuals with disabilities in job training, including:

• Video modeling – Learners watch videos demonstrating job-related tasks.
• Self-management strategies – Individuals track their progress and adjust their own behavior.
• Community-based instruction – Students practice skills in real workplace settings.
• Simulation training – Job tasks are practiced in controlled environments before transitioning to actual job sites.

While these methods are beneficial, they do not always ensure fluency—the ability to perform tasks accurately, quickly, and under various conditions. This is where precision teaching with frequency building comes in.

What is Precision Teaching with Frequency Building?

Precision teaching is a data-driven instructional approach that focuses on improving fluency—meaning an individual can perform a skill efficiently and without hesitation. The key components of this approach include:

1. Component-Composite Analysis – Breaking down larger skills (composite skills) into smaller, teachable steps (component skills).
2. Frequency Building – Practicing these component skills through repeated short sessions (or, “sprints”) to increase speed and accuracy.
3. Fluency Outcomes – Assessing the learner’s ability to retain and apply the skills in different settings.

This method has been widely used in academic settings, but Visitacion et al. (2024) examined how it could improve vocational skills.

Study Overview

Participants and Setting

The study included two participants, Jason and Tammy, who were part of a district-funded vocational training program. Skills were taught in a simulated work setting, allowing for structured instruction.

Skills Targeted

The researchers identified key composite skills (such as mopping and stocking) and then broke them down into smaller component skills, like:

• Mopping techniques – Proper stroke patterns for cleaning floors efficiently.
• Stocking shelves – Placing items correctly based on size and quantity.
• Other job-related tasks – Sorting, assembling, and other general workplace duties.

These component skills were practiced using precision teaching methods.

Experimental Design and Data Collection

The study used a multiple probe design, which allowed researchers to analyze skill improvements over time. Training consisted of:

1. Baseline assessment – Measuring initial performance before intervention.
2. Frequency building sprints – Short, high-repetition training sessions lasting up to 30 minutes.
3. Progress tracking – Correct and incorrect responses were measured using the Standard Celeration Chart (SCC).

Observers also ensured accuracy in data collection and procedural integrity.

Results and Key Findings

Skill Fluency Gains

Participants showed notable improvements in skill fluency:

• Component skill performance increased by 1.2x to 2.6x
• Faster and more accurate completion of tasks
• Greater confidence performing skills under real-world conditions

Fluency Outcomes

The study measured skill retention and adaptability using key fluency outcomes:

1. Endurance – Participants could perform skills for extended periods without tiring.
2. Stability – They maintained performance levels even in distracting environments.
3. Retention – Skills remained strong even after training sessions ended.
4. Application – Participants successfully used their skills outside the training environment.

These improvements suggest that frequency building helps individuals develop lasting and transferable job skills.

Implications for Behavior Analysts

Behavior analysts working in vocational settings can apply these findings to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Key takeaways include:

• Break down complex tasks into smaller, trainable components.
• Use frequency-building techniques to increase performance speed and accuracy.
• Track progress with objective data using a standardized measurement approach like the SCC.
• Ensure fluency outcomes by testing skills in different environments and situations.

This method not only helps individuals learn faster but also ensures skills are retained and utilized effectively in workplaces.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The study by Visitacion, Van Stratton, and Wertalik (2024) highlights precision teaching with frequency building as a promising approach for vocational training in individuals with disabilities. By focusing on fluency rather than just accuracy, this method helps individuals perform job tasks quickly, accurately, and confidently.

If you’re a behavior analyst looking to improve vocational training programs, consider incorporating frequency-building techniques into your instruction.

For further details, read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-01016-x.