Progressive ABA in the School Setting: My Personal Experience

This week’s blog is more personal, reflecting on my journey as a learning teacher. I believe an overwhelming majority of teachers enter the profession because they genuinely want to "do good" for students. But what are the barriers to meaningful education? Over the years, I've discovered there isn't a single answer to that question. However, several key issues stand out:

  1. Lack of Meaningful Education/Training: Many teachers are not adequately prepared for the current educational climate. The training often falls short of equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge beyond the adopted curriculums and basics of a classroom.

  2. Low Expectations: There are often low expectations for both educators and students. This can stifle potential and hinder progress. 

  3. Inadequate Mentorship: Effective mentors are crucial, yet they are often in short supply. New teachers need guidance and support from exceptional teachers to develop their abilities.

  4. Unrealistic Expectations for Entry-Level Teachers: Expecting new teachers to be experts right away results in weak training opportunities. Instead of learning and growing, they are often overwhelmed and underprepared.

Our mission as educators is to facilitate learning that will lead to a meaningful life, but the business of education often contradicts this goal.

I began teaching in 2006 as an intern for a 1st/2nd grade moderate to severe special day class specifically designed for students with autism. As a mother of a child with Spina Bifida, I initially imagined myself teaching a class for students with Orthopedic Impairment. This was where my experience lay. Instead, I accepted a position in a field where I had no experience. I did not mind, because I was eager and motivated.

I was blessed to have an experienced, driven mentor and colleague. Without her, I would not be where I am today. She taught me to be systematic, always teach, have high expectations, remain patient, and ask for help. She was a top-notch model for me. She was trained in (rigid) ABA, which I had never heard of at the time. She was then trained in the TEACCH model, that we used until 2011 when we were introduced to what is now known as a
progressive approach to ABA.

The intensive training we received from Autism Partnership changed my career and the outlook I had for my students. This wasn't some mystical secret. It was (is) simply good stuff. This was (is) quality at its finest.

Through this progressive approach to ABA, I learned how to effectively implement evidence-based practices, leading to significant improvements in my students' progress. It reinforced the importance of high expectations and the need for ongoing, meaningful professional development.

Upon completing the six-day intensive hands-on workshop, I immediately began implementing what I had learned, supported by monthly consultations with Autism Partnership. While I was still a novice, I applied the principles and techniques from the training and continued to learn along the way. I guided my own staff step-by-step through the process, sharing my experiences and knowledge as I gained them. Initially, my team thought I was out of my mind, but they trusted me. After only two weeks, they recognized the progress our students were making and were 100% committed to ABA.

As the years went on, we continued learning and implementing new strategies. Our commitment to ABA and ongoing professional development allowed us to see remarkable improvements in our students' progress. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of progressive ABA and the importance of quality training and support in achieving meaningful educational outcomes.

In 2014 I have accepted a position as Program Specialist for Autism and in 2023 founded Practical Solutions for Behavior and Instruction LLC. Through my experiences as both a learner and a trainer, I have collaborated with my colleagues to further develop intensive training programs for my district and business.

In conclusion, while there are many barriers to meaningful education, they can be overcome with the right training, support, and mindset. As educators, it is our duty to seek out and embrace these opportunities to ensure that we provide the best possible education for our students.

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