Exploring the Ecological Approach Used by RTLBs in Interventions for Students with Learning and Behaviour Needs.

Abstract

The ecological approach, based on the RTLB Toolkit that guides RTLBs in New Zealand, is one of the seven principles used for interventions for students with learning and behaviour concerns. As a result of a paradigm shift moving from a functional limitations perspective to a more inclusive/ecological perspective in 1999, RTLBs have been trained using this model. This article explores the ecological approach and provides a brief overview of relevant evidence that informs best practice of this approach. A personal perspective based on the author’s experience is made, with suggestions and lessons learned.