Association for Behavior Analysis International

The number of behavior analysts consulting in school settings has increased significantly over the past few years. Allowing an “outsider” into the classroom can sometimes be difficult for teachers and staff. Although behavior analysts are well trained in operationally defining behaviors and developing systematic and structured intervention plans, rigid adherence to specific procedures, protocols, and practices can be counterproductive. The result of rigidity around practices is often times detrimental to children who are the recipients of cookie-cutter interventions. This panel seeks to address settings, contexts, and populations for which it may be appropriate to be more flexible as a behavior analyst. The panelists have been consulting in public and private schools for a combined 30 years; additionally, all three presenters are former school-based practitioners themselves. Data, case studies, and anecdotal experiences consulting in a variety of educational settings from a behavior analytic perspective will be shared.