Newsletter
Volume 29 | 2006 | Number 1
Convention Highlights
Newcomer’s Session: Introduction to the Association for Behavior Analysis
Chairs: Jack Michael, Ph.D. (Western Michigan University, Emeritus) and W. Scott Wood, Ph.D. (Drake University)
Saturday, May 27; 10:00 a.m.
An overview of ABA, its history, structures, and functions as an international locus of the field of behavior analysis. Awards, special interest groups, and other features will also be addressed. Drs. Michael and Wood, two of ABA's original members, will review the origin and organization of ABA as well as describe the principles of behavior analysis that form the scientific foundation of the field.
International Development Brunch
Chair: Simon Dymond, Ph.D. (University of Wales, Swansea)
Saturday, May 27; 10:00 a.m.
The international development brunchis scheduled for the first day of the convention to welcome international members and review the international development of behavior analysis being conducted at ABA. All members are welcome. We expect conference attendees from 30 countries to join us for food and conversation.
Professional Development Series
The professional development series is an initiave of the ABA Student Committee. All conference attendees are welcome.
2006 ABA Tutorial: Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Monday, May 29; 10:00 a.m.
Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. (University of Nevada, Reno)
Behavior analysis has had a hard time penetrating the mainstream of psychology since the rise of cognitive psychology. The two primary barriers underlying this problem are a lack of clarity and understanding of the philosophical core of radical behaviorism and the need for a comprehensive and experimentally adequate account of language and cognition.
The first is primarily a terminological problem that is rectified by functional contextualism; the second is an empirical and theoretical problem that is rectified by Relational Frame Theory. With these two barriers removed, there is nothing to prevent behavior analysis from capturing center stage in many areas of psychology, but the form of behavior analysis results is decidedly post-Skinnerian – that is, true to the Skinnerian tradition philosophically and empirically, but distinct in its approach to complex human behavior as a consequence of empirical developments.
The empirical and political success of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is offered as a concrete demonstration of the success of this strategy. Other possible extensions are briefly explored.
2006 ABA Tutorial: Introduction to Precision Teaching
Monday, May 29; 9:00 a.m.
Kent Johnson, Ph.D. (Morningside Academy)
Precision Teaching is a method of monitoring the frequency of performance on a specially designed graph known as the standard celeration chart. Users of the chart record the frequency of a behavior, a measure that is maximally sensitive to events that influence behavior. The chart incorporates a multiple scale to most adequately reflect the growth of behavior over time. By drawing a line through the frequencies of behavior over time the user can also quantitatively measure learning: the acceleration and deceleration of behavior. This tutorial will address how Precision Teaching has been integrated in Morningside Academy’s Generative Instruction model as a core technology. Using charted data as a guide, Morningside has developed frequency-building procedures to improve the academic as well as social and interpersonal behaviors taught to students. Specifically, charted data have helped to maximize the accuracy of performance as well as the acceleration of behavior to frequencies that predict retention, endurance, stability, and application of behavior. These outcomes are collectively defined as behavioral fluency. Charted data across a range of instructional objectives will be presented, showing the influence of various instructional interventions upon performance accuracy and celeration. The charted data come from a laboratory school in Seattle, Morningside Academy; CAL Learning Center in Reno, Nevada; and from many of the 97 public schools and agencies Morningside has had partnerships with throughout the USA and Canada. The tutorial will also demonstrate how frequency building and celeration have been incorporated in Morningside’s on-line, interactive early reading program, Headsprout.
BCBAs and BCABAs will learn an important technology that they can immediately implement in their research or with their clients.
2006 ABA Tutorial: Introduction to Stimulus Relations
Tuesday, May 30; 11:00 a.m.
Murray Sidman, Ph.D.
An introductory tutorial on equivalence relations and behavior. Procedural fundamentals and background will be explored.
Advice from the Recently Hired
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
- Carie L. English , Ph.D. (University Of South Florida)
- John C. Begeny , Ph.D. (North Carolina State University)
- Adel C. Najdowski , Ph.D. (C.A.R.D., Inc.)
- Robert Whelan , Ph.D. (University College, Dublin)
Members of this panel will provide information and advice on making the transition from graduate student to member of the professional community. Panelists represent a variety of different educational backgrounds and professional domains. This event is sponsored by the ABA Student Committee.
APA-Accredited Predoctoral Internship Programs in Behavior Analysis
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
- Michael L. Handwerk, Ph.D. (Father Flanagan's Boys' Home)
- SungWoo Kahng, Ph.D. (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
- Henry S. Roane, Ph.D. (Marcus Institute/Emory University School of Medicine)
- Mark D. Shriver , Ph.D. (Munroe-Meyer Institute)
Most job indexes predict that the behavioral services field will continue to grow over the next ten years. While this is great news for those working in the field, it suggests a growing challenge to students about to graduate and enter the job market. Specifically, it suggests that the plague of graduates with top-notch educations and little-to-no practical experience will continue to spread. In order to help slow this epidemic and to educate ABA’s student members on the opportunities that are available to them while working on their degrees, this panel discussion will highlight the APA-accredited predoctoral internship programs available at four superb service locations. This is a Student Committee-sponsored event.
Applying to Graduate School in Behavior Analysis
Sunday, May 28; 1:30 p.m.
- Vennessa L. Walker, M.S. & Kennon A. Lattal, Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
- Maureen Theresa Aro, Ph.D. & Carol A. Pilgrim, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina, Wilmington)
- Kenneth R. MacAleese & Patrick M. Ghezzi, Ph.D. (University Of Nevada, Reno)
- Paige M. McKerchar, M.A., & Rachel Thompson, Ph.D. (University Of Kansas)
Faculty and students from four behavior analysis graduate programs will discuss issues relevant to the application process. Attendees will be welcome to ask questions and join the discussion.
BCBA-Oriented Internship Programs
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
- Kris F. Melroe, B.A. (Morningside Academy)
- Pamela G. Osnes, Ph.D. (Behavior Analysts, Inc.)
- D. Daniel Gould, Ph.D. (New England Center For Children)
- Jonathan J. Tarbox, Ph.D. (University of Nevada, Reno)
The national demand for applied behavior analysis continues to grow and with this growth comes an increased need for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). This panel brings together representatives from several premier ABA service providers to discuss how BCBA-oriented internships can help students prepare themselves to fill these needs and to highlight the internship opportunities that their programs provide. This is a Student Committee-sponsored event.
Conversation Hour with Prominent Women in Behavior Analysis
Saturday, May 27; 1:00 p.m.
- Linda J. Hayes, Ph.D. (University Of Nevada, Reno)
- Maria E. Malott, Ph.D. (Association For Behavior Analysis)
- Carol Pilgrim, Ph.D. (University of North Carolina, Wilmington)
- Frances K. McSweeney, Ph.D. (Washington State University)
- Beth Sulzer-Azaroff, Ph.D. (Browns Group Naples)
Panelists will discuss their experiences in the field and invite questions from attendees.
How to Give Effective Oral Presentations and Posters
Sunday, May 28; 4:30 p.m.
- Michael Perone, Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
- Peter Girolami, Ph.D. (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
Panelists will give their advice on delivering effective presentations. Attendees will be welcome to ask questions.
How to Obtain Grant Funding
Monday, May 29; 10:30 a.m.
- Richard W. Serna, Ph.D. (University of Massachusetts Medical School - Shriver Center)
- Kathryn Saunders, Ph.D. (University of Kansas)
- Cynthia J. Pietras, Ph.D. (Western Michigan University)
- Dustin Stairs, M.A. (University of Kentucky)
Panelists will describe some of their experiences in obtaining grant funding for a variety of behavioral projects. They will give some recommendations and advice for being successful in this process and obtaining funding for your research.
On Being a Postdoc
Chair:Shawn R. Charlton, M.A. (University of California, San Diego)
Sunday, May 28; 10:30 a.m.
For many, the process of finding, being, and surviving a postdoc seems a mystery. This panel aims to uncover the truth about this process (at least somewhat) by allowing an open forum for the discussion of the role of a postdoc. The panel members for the discussion represent the majority of stages of the postdoc process. Drawing from this breadth of experience, panel members will discuss the major elements of this period of professional career development. This is a Student Committee-sponsored event.
Perspectives on the Future of Behavior Analysis
Saturday, May 27; 2:30 p.m.
- Thomas C. Mawhinney, Ph.D. (University of Detroit Mercy)
- Marc N. Branch, Ph.D. (University of Florida)
- Wayne Fisher, Ph.D. (Munroe-Meyer Institute)
- Gregory J. Madden (University of Kansas)
As behavior analysis continues to grow, it is important to understand where the field is headed. To encourage dialogue on the development of the field, this panel will discuss the history of the field, current research and application trends, and the directions that the panel members feel are most important for the continued evolution of the field. This is a Student Committee-sponsored event.
Research in Non-University Settings
Tuesday, May 30; 9:00 a.m.
- Rachel S. F. Tarbox, Ph.D. (The Center For Autism & Related Disorders, Inc.)
- SungWoo Kahng, Ph.D. (Kennedy Krieger Institute)
- Ethan S. Long, Ph.D. (The Bay School)
- Eileen M. Roscoe, Ph.D. (New England Center For Children
Panelists from four different agencies will talk about their research in non-university settings. Attendees will be invited to ask questions and join in the discussion.
Behavioral Bash
Chair: Christy A. Alligood, M.A. (West Virginia University)
Saturday, May 27; 9:00 p.m.
ABA welcomes you to Atlanta with a party to remember. You won't want to miss the local entertainers, door prizes, skit competition, and student committee awards. Bring your friends and colleagues and enjoy the festivities - be ready for a few surprises!
Reunions and Receptions
Locations of reunions and receptions are listed in the program book and on the Web under the names of the Chairs.
Alumni and Friends of St. Cloud State University
Chair: Gerald Mertens, M.S. (St. Cloud State University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Auburn University Reunion for Students, Alumni, and Friends
Chair: James M. Johnston, Ph.D. (Auburn University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Behavioral School Psychology
Chair: Richard Anthony Doggett, Ph.D. (Mississippi State University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies Reunion
Dwight Harshbarger, Ph.D. (Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Columbia University and CABAS®
Chair: R. Douglas Greer, Ph.D. (Columbia University Graduate School and Teachers College)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Memorial Symposium for Jim Dinsmoor: Experimentalist, Scholar, and Gentleman
Chair: William D. Timberlake, Ph.D. (Indiana University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Minnesota Autism Service Providers
Chair: Timothy R. Moore, M.S. (Minnesota Autism Center)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
National Autism Center Hospitality Hour
Chair: Joseph Ricciardi, Psy.D. (The National Autism Center)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Researchers and Practitioners Reunion, Planning Party, and Jam Session
Chair: Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D. (University of Mississippi)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
The Ogden R. Lindsley Standard Celeration Chart Share
Chair: Malcolm D. Neely, Ed.D. (Learning Courses)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
University of Florida Reunion for Students, Alumni, Faculty, and Friends
Chair: Jennifer Lynn Hammond, M.S. (University of Florida)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
University of Kansas
Chair: Edward K. Morris, Ph.D. (University of Kansas)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
University of North Texas Reunion
Chair: Richard G. Smith, Ph.D. (University of North Texas)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Western Michigan University: Reunion for Alumni, Students, and Friends
Chair: R. Wayne Fuqua, Ph.D. (Western Michigan University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 p.m.
Behavioral Fitness
Locations are listed in the program book and on the Web under the names of the Chairs.
Health, Sports, and Fitness Activity: Cardiokickboxing
Chair: Elise Cooke, M.S. (Holliston Public Schools)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 a.m.
Give your body a break from sitting down all weekend. Discover how task analyses, modeling and imitation, positive and negative reinforcement, behavioral momentum, and shaping procedures can combine into a heart-healthy cardio workout! Non-contingent water breaks will be provided. Motivating operations will be taken into consideration. All ABA members and guests are welcome; instruction will be differentiated to ensure that individuals of all fitness levels can be successful.
Health, Sports, and Fitness Activity: Trunk Training
Chair: Gordon O. Henry, Ph.D. (Ottawa University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
Participants will learn and practice exercises designed to maximize reinforcement gained through participation in racquet sports and other recreational activities, avoid pain stemming from back and abdominal muscle weakness, and to counteract the physiological effects of long hours sitting at one's desk.
Tai Chi Chuan for Beginners
Chair: Jill Basso, M.A. (Private Practice/BCBA)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Tai chi chuan is a slow-moving, meditative exercise good for health, relaxation, and self-defense. Tai chi is known primarily for its health and is the physical manifestation of the principles of yin/yang as expressed in the Chinese Classics. Participants will be introduced to standing postures and forms that will assist in accessing internal energy (chi), breathing exercises, and movements found in the tai chi form. For a weekend full of sedentary activities and intellectual challenges, tai chi can assist with relaxation of the mind and body. Please wear loose and comfortable clothes.
Business Meetings
Locations are listed in the program book and on the Web, under the names of the Chairs.
A Road Map to the Autism Program at ABA: A Guide for Newcomers
Chair: Jack Scott, Ph.D. (Florida Atlantic University)
Saturday, May 27; 10:30 a.m.
ABA Student Committee
Chair: Christy A. Alligood, M.A. (West Virginia University)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
Affiliated Chapters Meeting
Chair: R. Douglas Greer, Ph.D. (Columbia University Graduate School and Teachers College)
Saturday, May 27; 9:00 a.m.
Annual Meeting of the Developmental Behavior Analysis SIG
Chair: Jacob L. Gewirtz, Ph.D. (Florida International University)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
Autism SIG
Chair: David A. Celiberti, Ph.D. (Private Practice)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
BACB New Developments Update and Annual Certificant Meeting
Chair: Gerald L. Shook, Ph.D. (BACB)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
BACB University Contact Faculty Meeting
Chair: Gerald L. Shook, Ph.D. (BACB)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Becoming BACB Certified
Chair: Christine L. Ratcliff, M.S. (Florida State University/BACB)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
BACB International Certification Development
Chair: Gerald L. Shook, Ph.D. (BACB)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
Behavioral Gerontology SIG
Chair: Linda A. LeBlanc, Ph.D. (Western Michigan University)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
Behavioral Medicine SIG
Chair: Joseph D. Cautilli (Children Crisis Treatment Center/St. Joseph's University)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
Behaviorists for Social Responsibility
Chair: Mark A. Mattaini, DSW (Jane Addams College of Social Work- University of Illinois at Chicago)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Behaviorists Interested in Gambling SIG (BIG SIG)
Chair: Ginger Wilson, M.A. (Nyansa Learning Corporation)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
California ABA
Chair: Gina Green (San Diego State University)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
The Chicago Association for Behavior Analysis (CABA)
Chair: Charles Merbitz, Ph.D., BCBA (Chicago School of Professional Psychology)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Clinical SIG
Chair: Ann Branstetter, Ph.D. (Southwest Missouri State University)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Council of Graduate Training Programs
Chair: Jennifer L. Austin, Ph.D. (California State University, Fresno)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
Editorial Board Meeting for The Behavior Analyst Today and All Behavior Analyst Online Journals
Chair: Michael Weinberg, Ph.D. (Orlando Behavior Health, LLC)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Editorial Board, Behavior and Social Issues
Chair: Mark A. Mattaini, DSW (Jane Addams College of Social Work- University of Illinois at Chicago)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Education & Treatment of Children: Editorial Review Board
Chair: Dan Hursh, Ph.D. (West Virginia University)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Experimental Analysis of Human Behavior SIG
Chair: Cynthia J. Pietras, Ph.D. (Western Michigan University)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Graduate Training Programs in Behavior Analysis
Chair: Jennifer L. Austin, Ph.D. (California State University, Fresno)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m
HABA: Hawai'ian Association for Behavior Analysis
Chair: Kimberly A. Smalley, Ph.D. (HABA)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
Health, Sport, and Fitness (HSF) SIG Annual Meeting
Chair: Michael A. Kirkpatrick, Ph.D. (Wesley College)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
The Instructional Design SIG
Chair: Guy S. Bruce, Ed.D. (Appealing Solutions, LLC)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
Interbehaviorists in ABA SIG Business Meeting
Chair: Thomas L. Sharpe, Jr., Ed.D. (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis Business Meeting
Patrick Friman, Ph.D. (Father Flanagan's Girls and Boys' Town)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m
Journal of Behavioral Education Editorial Board and Information meeting
Chair: Phillip J. Belfiore, Ph.D. (Mercyhurst College)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior: Meeting for Authors, Prospective Authors, Reviewers, and Editorial Board Members
Chair: Leonard Green, Ph.D. (Washington University)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Mid-American Association for Behavior Analysis Business Meeting
Chair: Kevin P. Klatt, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
The New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis
Chair: Marlene Cohen, Ed.D. (Rutgers University)/p>
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
The New York State Association for Behavior Analysis (NYSABA)
Chair: Randy I. Horowitz, M.S. (Eden II Programs)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
OBM Network Business Meeting
Chair: Angela R. Lebbon, B.S. (Western Michigan University)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Parent Professional Partnership SIG
Chair: David A. Celiberti, Ph.D. (Private Practice)
Sunday, May 28; 8:00 a.m.
Parents and Professionals Sharing the Conference Experience
Chair: Pamela Gorski, M.D. (Reaching Potentials)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Positive Behavior Support SIG
Chair: Matthew Tincani, Ph.D. (University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Regular Meeting of the Wisconsin Association for Behavior Analysis
Chair: Matthew Andrzejewski, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Rehabilitation and Independent Living SIG
Chair: Michael P. Mozzoni, Ph.D. (Timber Ridge Group, Inc.)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
SIG Español
Chair: Mapy Chavez-Brown, Ph.D. (Wagner College)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.
Social Workers at ABA
Chair: Mark A. Mattaini, DSW (Jane Addams College of Social Work-UIC)
Monday, May 29; 7:00 p.m.
SIG Business Meeting with the ABA Presidents
Chair: Frances K. McSweeney, Ph.D. (Washington State University)
Saturday, May 27; 8:00 a.m.
Standard Celeration Society Business Meeting
Chair: Michael Fabrizio, Ph.D. (Fabrizio/Moors Consulting)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Teaching Behavior Analysis SIG Business Meeting
Chair: Patrick S. Williams, Ph.D. (University of Houston-Downtown)
Saturday, May 27; 7:00 p.m.
Verbal Behavior SIG
Chair: William F. Potter, Ph.D. (California State University, Stanislaus)
Sunday, May 28; 7:00 p.m.