Before you decide it didn't work

Intervention Fidelity Check

An intervention that was never fully delivered has not been tested. Run this check before recording that an intervention failed — and before escalating a student to a higher tier.

Implementation failure is not student failure. If the intervention did not happen as intended, fix the implementation and run the cycle again.

Fidelity questions

0 of 7 answered

1. Was the intervention actually implemented?
Not planned, not assigned — delivered. If no one can confirm it happened, treat it as not implemented.
2. Was it in place long enough to work?
Most attendance strategies need approximately 10-20 instructional days before response is meaningful.
3. Did it happen at the intended frequency?
A daily check-in that happened twice a week is a different intervention than the one you planned.
4. Did the student actually have access to it?
Transportation, cost, schedule, language, or timing can quietly block access to an assigned support.
5. Did the responsible staff member follow through?
If ownership shifted, was unclear, or the staff member was out, implementation likely broke down.
6. Was the intervention matched to the identified barrier?
A well-implemented strategy aimed at the wrong barrier will not move attendance.
7. Did the student and family know what to expect?
Supports the family did not know about, or experienced as punishment, are rarely used.

Then decide: move up, stay, or step down

StayAttendance is improvingContinue — do not escalate. Keep the intervention in place and keep monitoring.

Step downImprovement has held roughly 30 daysStep down one support at a time and keep the trusted-adult relationship.

Step downBarrier resolved and attendance stableReturn to Tier 1 monitoring with a written plan for a possible return of the pattern.

StayIntervention was not actually implementedDo not escalate. Fix implementation and run the cycle again.

StayInsufficient response, implementation was solidModify — change the strategy, the dosage, or the barrier hypothesis at the same tier.

StayBarrier changed or a new barrier appearedRe-match the strategy to the current barrier before considering a referral.

Move upComplex or multi-domain needsIntensify — bring the documented story to the next level of team support.

Move upPersistent after documented, monitored interventionMove to the next tier with the intervention story attached.

Move upUrgent safety, housing, welfare, or health needEscalate immediately through the urgent pathway, regardless of the routine cycle.