ABA In Your School Del Davis Mark McCloskey

What is ABA?? Behavior analysis focuses on the principles that explain how learning takes place. Positive reinforcement is one such principle. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated. Through decades of research, the field of behavior analysis has developed many techniques for increasing useful behaviors and reducing those that may cause harm or interfere with learning. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior.

What Does ABA Mean To You? Questionnaire was given to a total of 4 different teachers from two different school districts. 2 regular education teachers and 2 special area teachers

Questionnaire Are you familiar with ABA classrooms? What ways do you allow your students to feel comfortable in September? How do you complete daily lessons? Fast paced? Modeling? Independence? How do you generalize skills or make real world connections? How do you promote independence in the classroom? How do you assess your students at the beginning of the year or determine areas of need? How do you collect data? What are your classroom-wide behavior protocols? Do you individualize for certain students?

Ice-Breakers ABA ClassroomGeneral Education Classroom PairingIce-breakers and develop classroom procedures/rules Follow interests of the studentDeveloping procedures and rules and ice-breakers High rates of positive reinforcement Lots of verbal praise for participation Fade in demandsIntroduce subject areas in steps Get to know your studentsIce-breakers and exposure to students and several group activities

Teaching Techniques ABA ClassroomGeneral Education Classroom Intensive Teaching TimeAll academics Group, assessment, modeling (Promoting strengths while addressing needs) Fast paced/Time DelayFast paced/ Time Delay (longer than ABA). Prompt HierarchyModeling, Assistance, Independence Verbal Praise, tangibles, fading prompts, VR schedule Verbal praise, tangibles, fading prompts, scheduled breaks Visuals (pictures, PECS, visual picture schedules). White board, projector, written visual schedule

“Real World” Connections ABA ClassroomGeneral Education Setting Natural Environment Teaching“Real Life” or Generalization Generalization of learned skills across multiple environments Connect to current interests and events, use visuals Skills learned at ITT now used in a different setting Applying skills in math and reading to “real world” situations Student focus but teacher led

Promoting Independence ABA ClassroomGeneral Education Classroom Prompt HierarchyTeacher will model first and then students follow and the teacher will correct when needed RequestingSelf Regulation Adjusting the environment Directive/ResponseAssignments and independent work

Determining Student Needs ABA ClassroomGeneral Education Classroom Baseline Data Observation ABLLS-R, Brigance, FISHEvery Day Math, DRA’s, MAPP IEP’s, RR’s, progress reportsReport cards, progress reports, IEP’s Classroom LayoutSeating/peer buddies Based on IEP and RR developmentDistrict assessment schedule

Classroom Behavior Management ABA ClassroomGeneral Education Classroom Ignore and redirectProximity Count and MandWait time “Counting” Accepting NoNo Token Economies “First” “Then” statements Positive Behavior Support Plan

Why Do This? Shed the fear of the “Unknown” for building staff Make others aware that there are similar classroom procedures Promote successful inclusion for both students and staff