Management Strategies to Optimize Consistency in Individual Program Planning

Abstract

<p>The individual program plan (LP.P.), forms the basis of instructional organization for persons with mental handicaps. Although much of the educational literature is based on improving the document itself, little attention is given to the overall process, or to the effects of external factors such as staff at1titude and cooperation on the consistent delivery of this procedure. Part A, (The Project), draws on literature from management psychology and organizational behaviour which deals with causes of inconsistency in health-care environments. This section also outlines a method, for testing the effectiveness of a management manual (Part B) which proposes to alleviate some of these problems. Part B, written for teachers, I.P.P. managers, social workers and counsellors, presents traditional (behavioural modification) methods used in staff performance training aligned with 6 recommended management strategies, including a Pre-I.P.P. meeting form, a past I.P.P. analysis form and Staff Orientation checklist. The strategies can be used separately from staff performance training projects to determine areas of weakness in the programming process.</p>