APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IN SCHOOLS Nancy Rosenberg, University of - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS IN SCHOOLS Nancy Rosenberg, University of Washington

What is Applied Behavior Analysis? • The analysis of environmental conditions that contribute to socially important behavior and the use of behavioral strategies and principles to change these behaviors.

What ABA is NOT • It is NOT just for students with ASD • It is NOT just used to address challenging behavior. • ABA works for everyone. It is not specific to age, disability, gender, or type of issue. • ABA is used to teach skills and behaviors across many domains.

ABA in Schools – Why? • ABA can be used to support students who are not successfully accessing the gen ed or special ed curriculum • Behavior Analysts are trained to: – Analyze the environment to see why students are misbehaving – Analyze the environment to see why a student isn’t learning – Analyze the environment to see why a student isn’t doing what we hope they will do – …And then utilize behavioral principles and strategies to address the issues.

ABA in Schools – How? • Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) – Consult with teachers and related staff – Train staff – Develop behavior plans – Assist with modifying curriculum or teaching strategies to improve learning. • Behavior Technicians (CBTs, RBTs) – Ongoing supervision by behavior analysts – Have basic training in ABA – Provide 1:1 or small group instruction for students requiring an ABA approach.

ABA at the University of Washington • Students in our program are hoping to become BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) • To become a BCBA, individuals must: – Take a required amount of coursework in ABA – Have a master’s degree in education, psychology, or behavior analysis – Acquire a certain amount of supervised experience. …AND sit for a national exam

ABA at the University of Washington • On Campus and Distance Ed options • Both programs provide the required ABA coursework and a master’s degree in special education. • On campus program: 4 quarters (Fall-Summer) • Distance ed program: 7 quarters • Both programs offer a 25 hour/week supervised practicum • Can be done in current work site, including schools • At the end of both programs, students are eligible to sit for the national exam.

ABA at the University of Washington • Each program admits approximately 28 students/year. • Over 250 students have graduated from our program • Pass rate: 85% 2015; 79% 2016 (national average 65%) **Neither program provides a teaching certificate. Students can not become a BCBA and a teacher at the same time.