| Course Number: | EDU 5710 S19 |
| Instructor: | Ryanne Spaulding |
| Location: | Online-fully asynchronous |
| Dates and Times: | Feb 06 - Apr 19, 2026 |
| Credits: | 3 Graduate Credits |
| Tuition: | $1,195 |
Course Description: Students will explore the use of reliable, research-based methods of data collection and behavioral assessment techniques to conduct a Functional Behavioral Assessment. They will take the information from the FBA and construct a Behavior Intervention Plan. Students will learn basic principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis and Cognitive Behavioral Theory as well as the role they play in the process. They will learn how to incorporate behavior interventions beyond tangible incentives. Behavior interventions that address coping skills, self-advocacy, self-awareness and self-efficacy. Furthermore, there will be the opportunity to learn how to collaborate, cooperate and team with parents, teachers, counselors and instructional aides to ensure the needs of all are met.
Audience: Educators Pre-K through grade 12 with a Bachelors Degree
Course Goals:
Course Objectives:
Module 1: Introduction to Functional Behavior Assessments. Define Terms. Overview of Applied Behavior Analysis and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
Readings: Assigned articles on ABA and CBT
Discussion Board topic 1.
Module 2: Forms Forms and more Forms. Explore a variety of formats to use to conduct an FBA. Explore exemplars. Use fictional case studies to practice applying knowledge from week one to make “I wonder statements”.
Readings: Selections from How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behaviors, Take corresponding quiz.
Discussion Board Topic 2
Module 3: Choosing a behavior to observe and collect data on. Explore data collection methods and practice with fictional characters.
Readings: Selections from How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behaviors, Take corresponding quiz
Discussion Board topic 3
Module 4: Synthesizing information to create the FBA. Identifying possible functions of behavior and choosing intervention strategies for them.
Readings: Articles and samples selected from suggested readings (provided to participants in Canvas).
Finished Functional Behavior Assessment to be turned in at the end of this week.
Module 5: What’s next? Using the Functional Behavior Assessment to create a Behavior Intervention Plan. Suggested best practices for all functions of behavior will be provided.
Readings: Selections from How To Reach and Teach Children with challenging Behaviors.
Discussion Board topic 4
Module 6: Ongoing data collection, what is necessary and what do we do with it. Behavior Intervention Plans are working documents. When another Functional Behavior Assessment is necessary.
Readings: Selections from How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behaviors, corresponding reflection.
Behavior Intervention Plan will be due by this week.
Following weeks: Finish up work from the course and work on the reflection papers.
Ryanne Spaulding, M.Ed.
Ryanne Spaulding has a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Rose in Albany, New York (2000) and a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Castleton University (2004).
Over her 20 years of teaching experience, Ryanne has served in many roles. She has worked at a residential school for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, as a general education teacher, a special educator, and currently as a consulting teacher for social and emotional instruction and support. In addition to the consulting teacher role, she serves as the team leader in the implementation process of Restorative practices in grades K-2 for Rutland City Public Schools. She has extensive experience with conducting functional behavioral assessments and developing behavior intervention plans. Over the years, she has worked closely with classroom teachers in the general education environment (K-4) as well as with teachers in alternative classroom settings to develop social and emotional strategies for use will all students. She has been awarded UVM teacher of the year in 2018 and has been nominated for Vermont State Teacher of the year in 2013. She looks forward to sharing her experience and educational strategies with you.
Costs for required readings, if any, are not included in the course tuition.
Texts available for purchase on Amazon:
How to Reach and Teach Children with Challenging Behavior (K-8): Practical, Ready to-Use Interventions That Work by Kaye Otten. (2022) ISBN-13: 978-0470505168
https://www.amazon.com/Reach-Children-Challenging-Behavior-Ready/dp/0470505168/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0470505168&psc=1
Positive Behavioral Supports and Interventions (2023)
https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/positive-behavioral-interventions-and-supports
Are We on Course Yet? Functional Behavior Assessment and Behavior Intervention Plan Technical Adequacy in Schools
(2024)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11200863/
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Schools and in Clinics: Similarities and Differences (2025)
https://iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/applied-behavior-analysis-in-schools-and-in-clinics.html
Effectiveness of a School-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention for Managing Academic Stress/Anxiety in Adolescents
Meher Khurana (2025)
https://jccpractice.com/article/effectiveness-of-a-school-based-cognitive-behavioral-therapy-intervention-for-managing-academic-stress-anxiety-in-adolescents-1187/
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