The Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity

The purpose of this article is to describe the Taxonomy of Intervention Intensity, which articulates 7 dimensions for evaluating and building intervention intensity. We explain the Taxonomy’s dimensions of intensity. In explaining the Taxonomy, we rely on a case study to illustrate how the Taxonomy can systematize the process by which special educators and related personnel (a) first set up the intensive intervention process and (b) then monitor the student’s response and systematically improve the program to match the target student’s individual needs. The Taxonomy’s goal is to increase the quality of intensive intervention, improve student outcomes, and help schools design intensive intervention programs that are clearly distinguishable from less intensive (Tier 2) intervention programs.