Assignment A: Functional Behavior Assessments.
Details:
Read the two attached case studies to inform this assignment. Select the most appropriate observation method (duration recording, event recording, interval recording) to measure the behavior.
Analyze the provided case studies in order to prepare a 1 page analysis for each case study.
In each analysis, address the following:
- Operationally define the problem behavior;
- Explain why you chose the observation method; and
- Explain how you would use this method to measure the problem behavior.
Cite a minimum of two scholarly resources within your analyses.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Topic: Case Studies
Functional Behavior Assessments Assignment
Case Study One: Johnny
Age: 6
Grade: Kindergarten
Johnny is a young boy with an emotional disability who receives most of his education in an inclusive classroom. He speaks in one- and two-word utterances and can say, "book," "food," "more," "hi," and "drink." However, his main mode of communication is a picture-exchange system.
Although Johnny has demonstrated that he really enjoys group activities, he has lately begun biting his fel¬low students. He seems to pick on Stephen the most. As if this were not enough, Johnny has begun pinching his teacher during one-on-one instruction. After he engages in one of these behaviors, he yells, "It hurts!" and starts laughing.
A behavior analyst has conducted a structured interview as part of a functional behavior assessment. The teacher and parents' responses indicate that the function of Johnny's aggressive behaviors is to seek attention. However, the analyst needs to directly assess the behavior.
Case Study Two: Alex
Age: 16
Grade: 10th
Alex has been diagnosed with a learning disability. He reads at an eighth-grade level. Although he is a star ath¬lete, he is not very popular with his classmates. He does not cause much trouble in class, but he rarely finishes his work or turns in homework. He seems to have the capacity to do the work, but gets by with C's. Mr. Cash¬man, Alex's math teacher, spoke to Alex one day about these concerns, to which Alex responded, "I don't need to work hard. In a few years, I'll be set because I'm going to be a pro baseball or basketball player."
Mr. Cashman often lets students work together to finish assignments. During math instruction, Alex works with another student on independent seat-work. One day, Alex looked at Sports Illustrated for thirteen minutes instead of helping with the assignment. When his partner asked him to lend a hand, Alex said, "Man, I don't get this stuff. Just help me out." The student continued working. When Mr. Cashman noticed what was going on, he told Alex to put the magazine away and to get to work. Alex complied, but five minutes later he got out the magazine again. On another day, Alex fell asleep and had to be woken up by his partner. Alex frequently asks to go to the bathroom. Each time Mr. Cashman lets him go.
Mr. Cashman needs to determine the amount of time that Alex spends off-task during class.
Assignment B: Field Experience: Observation of Learning Environments
Details:
Conduct 9 hours of research on learning environments for individuals with exceptionalities in the following settings:
- Setting 1: 4.5 hours in a K-8 classroom that services individuals with exceptionalities and may include an inclusion classroom, resource room, and/or a self-contained classroom.
- Setting 2: 4.5 hours in a 9-12 classroom that services individuals with exceptionalities and may include an inclusion classroom, resource room, and/or a self-contained classroom.
Within each setting, observe the following:
Demands of the learning environment, including:
- Learning demands
- Social expectations
- Demands on the teacher
Demands on the student(s) with exceptionalities:
- Demands on the other students in the environment;
- Classroom management theories and strategies employed for individuals with exceptionalities;
- Expectations for personal and social behavior in the learning environment;
- How the learning environment is designed to encourage active participation in individual and group activities;
- Whether the least intensive behavior management strategy was used and is consistent with the needs of individuals with exceptionalities;
- How the learning environment supported positive intracultural and intercultural experiences; and
- How the activities of paraeducators, volunteers, and tutors were structured, directed, and supported.
Based on your clinical field experiences in both settings, summarize your findings in a 250-500-word reflection. Within your reflection:
- Summarize the findings of the observations.
- Draw conclusions from the observations.
- Apply the conclusions you have drawn to your practice as a professional.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
Assignment C: Benchmark- Proposal for Behavior Change Plan
A special education teacher works collaboratively with the IEP team to develop intervention plans for problem behaviors that may affect the learning and safety of students in the classroom. The results from a functional behavior assessment are analyzed and used to develop and implement a plan to change behavior based on the function the behavior serves and the needs of the student. Ongoing assessment is needed to determine the success of the intervention.
Review the "Angel Case Study" to inform the assignment that follows.
Part 1: Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)
Analyze the case study, initial data, and FBA data found in the "Angel Case Study" for the first two days of the FBA. In 250-500 words, summarize the findings of the FBA addressing the following:
- Frequency of incidents
- Interaction with peers
- Consequences
- Hypothesis for the function of the behavior: Why do you think the student is acting out?
Support a minimum of two scholarly resources within your analyses.
Part 2: Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)
Draft a proposal for an intervention plan based on the FBA data provided within the "Angel Case Study."
In 500-750 words, using the "Behavior Intervention (BIP) Template," create a behavior intervention plan that includes the following:
- Three behavioral goals for the student to work toward.
- Specific collaborative steps the special education teacher can take to help the general education teacher implement the behavior plan and create a safe, inclusive, culturally responsive learning environment that engages the student in
meaningful learning activities and social interactions.
- Evidence-based motivational and instructional interventions to teach the student how to adapt to different environments.
- Safety interventions addressing students in crisis.
- Engaging rewards and reinforcements that encourage quality learning and performance, along with guiding feedback.
- How the team will evaluate the success of the BIP.
- Legal and ethical considerations regarding intervention and handling of confidential information.
Support Angel's intervention plan with a minimum of three scholarly resources, in addition to the "Ethical Principles and Professional Practice Standards for Special Educators."
Submit Part 1 and Part 2 of this assignment as one deliverable.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.