Navigating School-Based ABA and Supervision with Jennifer Spilewski

In this episode of In the Field: The ABA Podcast, I’m joined by Jennifer Spilewski, a BCBA with over 20 years of experience working in school-based settings. Jennifer shares her unique journey from being a special education teacher to becoming a district-level BCBA, offering valuable insights into how behavior analysts can navigate the school environment while providing effective supervision.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning to School-Based ABA: Jennifer’s journey from special education to ABA, and how her experiences shaped her role as a BCBA in schools.
• Supervision in Schools: The challenges and opportunities in providing supervision to those working in schools, from teachers to paraprofessionals, and how supervisors can offer meaningful support.
• Collaboration with Teachers: Why building strong relationships with teachers and other staff is essential for successful behavior intervention and data collection.
• Adapting ABA Practices in Schools: How to apply ABA principles like reinforcement, data collection, and behavior intervention planning in varied school settings, including inclusion and resource classrooms.
• Unrestricted Activities in School Settings: Creative strategies for accruing fieldwork hours in school environments, such as working with PBIS systems and teaching behavior analytic principles to staff.

Key Takeaways:

• School-based BCBAs often work with adults (teachers, paraprofessionals) more than directly with students. Jennifer highlights the importance of teaching others how to implement behavior analytic strategies.
• Flexibility and creativity are crucial for adapting ABA principles to different school settings, such as modifying reinforcement systems for different age groups or classroom environments.
• Building relationships with school staff is critical for successful behavior intervention and ensuring buy-in from all stakeholders.
• The transition from being a classroom teacher to a school-based BCBA requires adjusting to working across multiple schools and handling more complex layers of collaboration and administration.

Keywords: School-Based ABA, Behavior Analysis, Supervision, Teacher Training, Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Data Collection, Special Education, Behavior Plans, Fieldwork Supervision, Jennifer Spilewski

Connect with Jennifer:

• website: www.sidekicklearning.net
• email: [email protected]

Upcoming Event: Jennifer will be presenting a live CEU event on October 28, 2024, titled “Consult, Collaborate, Empower: Tools for School-Based Coaching.” The event will focus on practical tools for BCBAs working in school settings, and all proceeds will support disaster relief efforts. Learn more and register here.

Subscribe to the Podcast: Don’t forget to subscribe to In the Field: The ABA Podcast for more expert insights and innovative practices in ABA supervision. Visit Sidekick Learning for more resources on fieldwork supervision and continuing education opportunities.

Disclaimer:

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