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Applied Behavior Analysis

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“Applied behavior analysis is the science in which tactics derived from the principles of behavior are applied systematically to improve socially significant behavior and experimentation is used to identify the variables responsible for behavior change.”

(Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007)

Where do we begin?

  • After an initial tour of the program, we will conduct a brief assessment and trial in the classroom. Together, with the family, we will then decide if our program is reasonably calculated to meet the student’s needs.

  • Upon enrollment, a formal assessment is conducted

  • The Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is created by the team that includes goals that are designed with those of The Harbour School as well as those specific to each child and family.

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Follow the leader

In many ways, teaching with ABA is like playing follow the leader since our ABA Teachers are constantly recording student responses, graphing, and making decisions on those responses. The decisions are to continue or change the program and are based on the students’ responses (Greer, 2002; Greer & Ross, 2009).

When asked, “How often are the programs reviewed, assessed or changed?” to be fair, our response would have to be “Everyday”. In short, our teachers make decisions on what they SEE the students do, rather than on what they THINK they do.

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More about ABA

  • Put another way, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) can be described as the science of the behavior of the individual.

  • ABA is the most documented and studied approach to the treatment of children with special education needs in the research literature. (see Links below for additional references on the subject matter)

  • Consistency of instruction is ensured through Board Certified Behavior Analyst Supervisors and frequent live observations.

  • Families are included into the program every step of the way to provide them with support as they receive guidance from professionals and to provide a bridge between home and school.

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Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). 
     Applied Behavior Analysis, Second Edition. Pearson: Columbus, OH.
Greer, R. D. & Ross, D. E. (2008) Verbal Behavior Analysis. Pearson 
     Education, Inc.: Boston, MA.
Greer, R. D. (2002) Designing Teaching Strategies. Academic Press: 
     New York, NY.

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