Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is the evidence-based treatment for individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that has the strongest evidence of positive effects on the ASD population. However, historically, ABA has developed a reputation of limited social validity, with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) often being cited…

Educators feel overwhelmed by managing challenging behaviors which often leads to burnout and turnover (Clotfelter et al., 2006; Kokkinos, 2007; Simon & Johnson, 2015). However, professional development (PD) in evidenced-based behavior management practices (EBMPs) is sparse with current PD models yielding varied outcomes (Darling-Hammond et…

This applied dissertation was designed to improve educational professionals and paraprofessionals' knowledge and skills on functional behavior assessment procedures as they relate to and assist with classroom management. Educators and school personnel are not prepared to manage challenging behaviors in their classrooms. Functional behavior…

In the United States, almost half of special education teachers will leave the field within five years, citing concerns regarding student behavior as a major contributing factor. The field of applied behavior analysis has provided an effective, research-based behavioral technology for addressing challenging behavior in the classroom, but few…

Teachers often receive little formal training in how to effectively intervene when a student is behaving in a non-productive manner. Research shows that punitive consequences are usually not effective and are connected to negative outcomes for students. This study aimed to provide teachers with a working knowledge of Scott and Colvin's…

Studies showed that children with Developmental Disabilities (DD) have communication and social difficulties; consequently, they are more likely to display disruptive behaviors. During daily interactions, disruptive behaviors can pose difficulties for individuals such as siblings, peers, parents, and educators. In KSA, parental involvement in…

Teachers have a tremendous responsibility of educating students on academic skills as well as supporting their social development. Some students do not have the ability to manage their disruptive behavior, ultimately causing more discipline referrals and stress on the classroom teacher. To aid in the implementation of evidence-based practices…

Public school teachers are responsible for their students' academic achievement. Their primary role is to deliver academic material in a structured and safe learning environment. One thing that hinders their ability to execute this, however, is having to intervene on behaviors that interfere with optimal learning. These interfering behaviors,…

The prevalence of challenging behavior, such as aggression, self-injurious behavior, tantrums, and noncompliance with everyday expectations among young children with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD), is higher than the prevalence of challenging behavior for children without disabilities. Without appropriate intervention, challenging…

The nationwide shortage of special educators is well documented. Preparedness is a key component of building self-efficacy and longevity in the PK-12 teaching field (Clark & Newberry, 2019; Darling-Hammond et al., 2002; Ingersol et al., 2012; Ondrasek et al., 2020). This qualitative study examined the preparedness of novice special education…

The present study examined the effects of a streamlined and virtual version of conjoint behavioral consultation (CBC) as implemented by trained school professionals (e.g., school psychologists, special education teachers). The effectiveness of CBC was examined using a multiple baseline across participants design among three students with or at…

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is considered an applied science under the umbrella of behavior analysis and was accepted into the mainstream science in the mid-1900s. An increase in the prevalence of autism gave rise to the need for evidence-based social skills curricula. Previous research indicated many children respond well to video modeling…

Teaching students with intellectual and development disabilities (IDD) can often be a difficult and complex job. Teachers frequently rely on educational support staff or paraprofessionals to assist in the classroom in a variety of ways. However, paraprofessionals are unlikely to come into the classroom with the knowledge and skills needed to…

This study was designed to determine the effectiveness of a computer assisted instruction to deliver discrete trial training of academic skills to students with significant intellectual disabilities. Based upon the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis, discrete trial training was identified as an evidence-based practice in teaching skills to…

The team identified a problem of practice in education concerning student discipline. The problem was school leaders are following the local Board of Education adopted discipline policy which does not align with currently recommended discipline methods or research-based best practices. To determine if school leaders are incorporating new…