Posted: January 18th, 2016

Using what you have learned about applied behavior analysis in previous coursework; describe a potential solution that might be created for this early intervention program’s issues of incorrect implementation by teachers and increasing challenging behavior, without thorough evaluation of the problem.

Problems as Solutions

Kettner, et al. note there is a danger in stating a problem as a solution, because doing so can result in failing to understand the problem completely. Without a holistic view of the problem, a solution might not get at the core issue(s) that need change and results of the solution may be minimal or short term. Apply these ideas with this week’s scenario.

Scenario:

As an intern at Acme Behavioral Consultation, Inc. you have been asked to join a team of consultants who are working with a preschool early intervention program. The program reports incorrect implementation of behavior modification strategies by teachers and an increase in student challenging behaviors across classrooms.

The preschool is privately funded requiring families to pay a yearly tuition. It is owned and operated by a former preschool teacher. The school uses an inclusion model with blended classrooms of children with and without diagnoses. The preschool provides small group instruction and highly qualified teachers.

The program reports that recently that incorrect implementation of behavior modification strategies by teachers has been observed. In addition there has been an increase in student challenging behaviors across classrooms.

For this Discussion:

1. Using what you have learned about applied behavior analysis in previous coursework; describe a potential solution that might be created for this early intervention program’s issues of incorrect implementation by teachers and increasing challenging behavior, without thorough evaluation of the problem.

2. Discuss briefly how focusing on that solution first could limit an effective program design and evaluation process

In responding to other interns, respectfully give your opinion, based on what you learned in your previous courses of the solution given by others and/or additional concerns you have with that idea.

Reference: Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall.

Kettner, P., Moroney, R., & Martin, L. (2012). Designing and Managing Programs: An Effectiveness-Based Approach, 4th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]: https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781452277646.

Miltenberger, R. G. (2015). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures, Vitalsource for Kaplan Univeristy, 5th Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf version]: Retrieved from https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781285311012.