How do I control problem behavior?
A few years ago, we had the opportunity to work with many school districts in the NY/NJ area. Our training was on how to deal with problem behavior of students in the classroom (and/or in what are sometimes called “specials” like gym, art, music, etc.) Questions always seemed to come back to a basic theme, “How do I control problem behavior?”
There is a trick embedded in that question. “Control” of behavior is a momentary thing. Control is fleeting and an illusion, often lasting mere moments when what parents and instructors really want is lasting change.
Shaping of appropriate, functional behavior is not only possible it is a probable outcome if the science of behavior modification called Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is used. Many teachers and parents note, “I can’t get my child to sit still long enough for them to learn anything…” or variations of “when I present my student (child) with work to...
How to find the time to train special ed staff
WHEN DO WE FIND TIME TO TRAIN OUR STAFF?
Over the past few months, we've heard the feedback loud and clear. School administrators love the RBT training and at the same time have a hard time fitting in the staff training hours that are required to complete the course. So, we've come up with a few ideas that we hope are helpful.
Over the next few weeks, as school districts wind down the days towards the end of the semester, we've helped many districts plan for ways to maximize the time that is often lost productivity by integrating the RBT training into coverage hours. In more non-educational administrative language, when you find yourself with teachers aides and paras who are working full days, but the kids are dismissed early - why not use those hours and convert them into useful, skill development time?
Another idea that is popular among some clients representing school districts where union requirements have summer session running a reduced schedule, is to purchase the RBT...
