1. Orientation Session and Guided Practices

This training component is a one-day, intensive and interactive group session. It is designed to provide an in-depth overview of the AAIDD Supports Intensity Scale, including:
-Historical and philosophical framework of SIS 
- Instrument design, including item selection, validity, and reliability 
- Item analysis 
- Scoring process 
- Interview strategies 
- Data use and management.
Prerequisites: Each applicant is required to read the Support Intensity Scale User’s Manual before attending the training.
Class size: Up to 20 people

2. Train-the-Interviewer program

This training component ensures confident and competent SIS interviewers. The AAIDD SIS Trainer conducts an interview modeling the SIS interview process, including:
-Interview set up 
- Information gathering processes 
- Information interpretation 
- Item determination and scoring
Participants complete an inter-rater reliability review with the AAIDD Trainer. Successful candidates must obtain an inter-rater reliability coefficient of .85 or higher. This means that the AAIDD Trainer observes the participant complete an interview without comment. The interviewer and the AAIDD Trainer then score the interviews separately and independently of each other. The participant’s total sub-scores for each area on the SIS must agree with the AAIDD Trainers score for at least 85% of the time. Each day begins with the AAIDD Trainer clarifying any questions participants may have, including item clarification, scoring, and interviewing techniques. This is followed by the AAIDD Trainer observing the first participant conduct a full SIS interview and determining the participant’s inter-rater reliability. Two inter-rater reliability reviews can be completed in a day.
(Note: Annual or quarterly inter-rater reliability review is required to ensure staff maintain skill level)
Prerequisites: SIS orientation session and guided practices

3. SIS Train-the-Trainer program

This component ensures competent staff to train others on SIS including the SIS orientation course and training interviewers to conduct inter-rater reliability reviews. Further, the SIS train-the-trainer program ensures content integrity of each trainer. The trainer standing in front of a group fielding questions and comments requires more in-depth knowledge of the Supports Intensity Scale. They must know the process in a different way than what is required to conduct an interview. The trainer must demonstrate competency in teaching others the intent of SIS, the nuances of each item
on the Scale, as well as the scoring process and analysis of the information obtained. Areas covered during a SIS train-the-trainer program include: 
-Understanding of the overall intent and supports-oriented philosophy of SIS as well as the meaning of each line-item on the Scale. 
-Mechanics/style: Communicate the intent of SIS effectively using respectful language and examples that the consumer understands and with which s/he can easily relate. Demonstrate flexibility as an interviewer using a conversational style to complete SIS subscales and not necessarily go in the order in which SIS is organized 
-Suitable interviewing techniques: Use verbal and non-verbal cues; set a scene for each subscale; tackle sensitive issues such as using people first language and dealing with difficult topics; and keep interview on track
-Scoring and interpreting data: Explain reasoning for scores chosen; learn to properly calculate scores; and obtain consistent results

Throughout the training, the AAIDD Trainer provides in-depth feedback and guidance to the trainee and also observes the instructors ability to appropriately conduct an inter-rater reliability review with participants.
Prerequisites: SIS orientation course; interrater reliability of .85 or higher

Guidelines for choosing staff for a SIS Train-the-Trainer program
If you choose the AAIDD train-the-trainer program, how do choose who becomes the SIS trainer for your organization? In one regard, the selection process is fairly straight forward. The desired attributes for a trainer are listed below. However, a significant attribute required for a SIS Trainer is the willingness to understand and implement a new, progressive supports-oriented assessment process. The ability to transition from a skills focus while conducting assessments to a needs and supports orientation is a must. A SIS interviewer must be willing to listen to the respondents and
gather feedback, rather than recording a perception of what s/he thinks the person requires as supports and services. Some skills required include:
-Effective communication skills 
- Public speaking skills 
-Ability to relate well to groupsAbility to work well with people with various backgrounds 
-Effective audience management skills 
-Availability to work when needed, including commitment to completing work within designated timeframes. 
-Willingness and eagerness to participate as an internal trainer 
-Analytical skills to address difficult questions or problematic participants 
-Ability to effectively use audio-visual equipment 
- Effective time management skills 
- Flexibility to modify presentation based on audience 
-Strong organizational skills 
-Practical knowledge of adult learning strategies

The selection process may offer other challenges as well. This includes gauging the spirit of the person. While difficult to assess, the following attributes contribute significantly to the overall process:
-Ability to deal with ambiguity (the rules will not always be clear or multiple changes may need to occur).
-As ambassadors of the SIS implementation strategy, the person selected should present a positive view of the process and have a solid understanding of the SIS process and the tool.
-Always seek to improve effectiveness and achieve greater efficiencies in the implementation strategy. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem 
- Demonstrating a sense of humor and the ability to promote humor in a training session is essential.

4. SIS Inter-rater Reliability Observation

This new service is among key enhancements of the SIS training program to establish consensus on use of the instrument by those who administer it. The AAIDD Trainers will observe the targeted trainers conducting the IRR process with a sample group of trainees to ensure understanding of this procedure. Specifically, this process includes the IRR observation, follow-
up with in-depth critiques, a question and answer session, and a written evaluation of the process.

5. AAIDD Interviewer Services

AAIDD can provide trained SIS interviewers to states interested in seeking help in conducting SIS assessments with clients. As an integral part of this service, comprehensive “look-behind” supports are offered by AAIDD through its senior SIS trainers. This quality assurance component is to facilitate data collection; ensure data integrity, particularly data reliability; and open communication between the client, field staff, and SIS interviewers. This service also includes help with logistics of interview arrangements as well as data entry. AAIDD provides a detailed final report to the state after completion of the project. If you are interested in an integrated system to incorporate the use of SISOnline, we also offer wide ranging technical consultation and support services.

6. Other Services Upon Request

AAIDD can consult with states to create and maintain effective and efficient systems of assessing individual support needs and implementing
person centered planning by offering customized services in determining pilot protocols; developing system infrastructure strategies; and designing quality assurance systems.