Prompt fading
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Prompt fading is the planned, gradual reduction of help so that a student performs a skill independently and does not come to depend on adult prompts.
Topic: Measurement and data collection
In plain terms
Prompts help a student succeed while learning, but if they never fade, the student may wait for them. Fading can mean moving to a less intrusive prompt, waiting a few seconds longer before prompting, or making the prompt smaller, such as a partial gesture. The plan should be written down so every adult fades the same way.
How it shows up in an IEP
Objectives often describe fading support: from a model, to one verbal prompt, to independent. Data on prompt levels shows whether fading is happening on schedule or whether the student is stuck at one level.
Example
A paraprofessional moves from saying "get your folder" to pointing at the folder, then to a 5-second pause before pointing. Within three weeks, the student gets the folder with no prompt.
Related terms
- Prompt hierarchyA prompt hierarchy is an ordered list of support levels, from most to least help or the reverse, used to teach a skill and record independence.
- Short-term objectiveA short-term objective is a smaller, measurable step toward an annual IEP goal, usually expected within a grading period or part of the year.
- GeneralizationGeneralization is a student's use of a learned skill in new settings, with new people or materials, and without the original teaching supports.
- ParaprofessionalA paraprofessional is a school employee who supports students under the direction of a teacher or provider, sometimes called an aide or educational assistant.
- Task analysisA task analysis breaks a complex skill into a sequence of smaller, teachable steps that can be taught and tracked one at a time.
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