System Change in the Heartland. System Change in the Heartland. Changes in thinking, or paradigm shifts, are the basis for fundamental changes in the delivery system that affect professional roles, funding procedures, and criteria for determining the quality of services. These discrepancies are resolved through changes in the social and instructional environment, based on the application of principles of instructional design and behavior change.
Problems involve a mismatch between current behaviors and expectations.
In Iowa, we have sought to implement this model of service delivery at the state level. The Iowa paradigm shift is far from new. Virtually everyone will recognize the Iowa approach as a social learning model that uses applied behavior analysis and other behaviorally-oriented interventions. Before discussing system reform in Iowa further, it is important to note that not everyone in Iowa has adopted the paradigm and practices described here. Currently, our regional educational agencies have the option of either adopting this model or a traditional one involving conventional disability categories and the associated classification criteria that necessitate emphasis on internal deficits and standardized testing.