If it’s not generalizing, it’s not functional. In this episode, we break down what true mastery looks like, how to plan for maintenance from the start, and practical ways to “teach loosely” so skills stick across people, places, and materials.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Redefine Mastery: Ditch “80% for 3 days” as the finish line—probe across time (weeks), people, places, and materials.
• Plan for M+G Early: Write IEP goals that embed generalization (different staff, tables, exemplars) and maintenance checks.
• Teach Loosely ≠ Teach Sloppily: Use multiple exemplars (sizes, fonts, colors), varied instructions, and rotate staff from day one.
• Schedule Maintenance: Build in review times (e.g., Friday maintenance, quick sweeps after work sessions) and intersperse mastered items.
• Use Natural Opportunities: Count lunch boxes, read names on cubbies—teach outside the data squares for real-life use.
• Team Communication Wins: Share what works across classroom, gym, lunch, recess; align prompts and exemplars.
• Match the Learner: Some learners need tight scaffolds; others generalize quickly—individualize criteria and pacing.

🧰 Strategies You Can Use Tomorrow

• Goal Writing Upgrades: “Match letters with different colored cards, at different tables, with different staff, across two weeks at 80%.”
• Exemplar Rule of 3: Teach each concept with ≥3 versions (e.g., tiger photos, clipart, figurine).
• Mastered Bin System: Keep a “M” bin of mastered targets to intermix with new learning.
• Quick Maintenance Routines: 3–5 min daily spot-checks; Friday review block.
• Motivate Naturally: Embed practice before preferred activities (recess, lunch) for built-in reinforcement.

📦 Resources & Links

• Related Episodes: Episode #16 Probe vs Trial-by-Trial data and Episode #5 DTT vs NET

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