Association for Behavior Analysis International

The methods of applied behavior analysis (ABA) have been incorporated into the field of education to produce socially significant and practical change in public school settings, particularly to improve the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs). Despite the fact that providing free and appropriate education to children with disabilities has been a public responsibility since 1975 (PL 94-142, IDEA, 2004), multiple barriers interfere with implementation of EBPs in school settings. This panel discussion will focus on current challenges behavior analysts face across different school districts in Virginia. The discussion will provide suggestions to prepare future behavior analysts and consider ways to retain current BCBAs in school settings. The targeted audience for this panel discussion are those currently working in public school settings and those supervising future behavior analysts in the public school setting. Identifying and discussing barriers to implement behavior change as well as possible solutions provides the field a basis to address wellness strategies and ensure behavior analysts are effective in supporting public schools.

The prerequisite skills fall within professional practice guidelines related to service delivery in the classroom, school, and system levels for students with disabilities in public schools. Audience should have competencies in the Professional and Ethical Compliance Code specifically in the guidelines as a Supervisor and Ethical responsibilities to the profession of behavior analyst and to the BACB. Supervision provided within defined area of competence and perform to advance the values and ethics of the profession of behavior analysis (6.01).