The wave model proposed a graduated response in which the child was at the centre. The response started with the universal ( i.e. what was available for all) to then move to the targeted ( the additional support that children needs to access the universal) and on to the specialist ( highly tailored intervention to support children reach their potential). In the wave model, to support inclusive education, the role of the classroom teacher is to deliver high quality teaching. Doing this will benefit all learners including children with disabilities and children with special needs.
The wave 2 of the model recognized that children with disabilities have the potential to work at and above their peers, but to do so they will need direct intervention which is time specific.
The wave 3 interventions recognize that some specific complex impairments make it impossible for learners to achieve at the same rate as their non disabled peers and that as a result different provision is needed. this where more specialist strategies come to play.
The wave intervention model generating graduated changes in how schools and classrooms are organise and function so as to address specific needs and have positive impacts for all children.