Dissertation
Experiences of board certified behavior analysts in center-based autism education: a phenomenological study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Jun 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/1gde-nx27
Abstract
Autism is increasing in prevalence across the world. As a result, the need for evidence-based treatment has become increasingly necessary. One such evidence-based treatment is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), the science of learning and behavior. ABA is a highly structured discipline that requires extensive training and supervision from a master's or doctoral level Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA). While BCBAs are highly skilled in the principles and application of ABA, potential gaps in knowledge and understanding of special education practices, may impact their ability to plan, monitor, and modify student educational programming in academic settings. This has the potential to impact student performance and overall program effectiveness. The same gaps may exist for special educators in relation to effective clinical programming. A difference, however, may be found in access to professional development opportunities for these groups of professionals in a center-based setting for individuals with autism, where trainings in ABA are more regularly offered. Therefore, further investigation is needed to determine the extent to which BCBAs recognize existing gaps in their knowledge and understanding of best practices in special education, and how these gaps may impact their ability to execute high quality teaching and effective staff supervision. The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the lived experiences of BCBAs working at a center-based program for student with autism who have limited knowledge and understanding of special education instructional practices and work in supervisory and leadership positions.
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Details
- Title
- Experiences of board certified behavior analysts in center-based autism education
- Creators
- Melissa Oliver - DU
- Contributors
- Christina M. Vorndran (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 145 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 9496; 991014632823204721