Using the ABC Method for Appropriate Student Behavior   

This course will teach you how to collect data on student behavior to identify their functions. You will use the information to help you design an effective intervention plan to address inappropriate behaviors.

This teacher professional development course prepares you to better understand and support student behaviors using the ABC Method. You will learn how to identify the antecedent to a behavior, the behavior itself, and the consequences of the student exhibiting a particular behavior. You will learn to record data, track and evaluate behaviors, and identify the function of a student's behavior in your classroom. Using the data you have collected and the identified student function, you will generate a hypothesis and an intervention plan to help address and improve your student's behavior.

You will leave the course with an action plan for a particular student that includes a function-based intervention, desired replacement behaviors, and a plan for improvement. You will also leave the course with numerous resources that will help you track behaviors and plan for your intervention using the provided templates.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

• This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 10 or later.
• Mac: macOS 12 or later.
• Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
• Microsoft Word Online
• Adobe Acrobat Reader
• Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

• Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
• Editing of a Microsoft Word document is required in this course. You may use a free version of Microsoft Word Online, or Google Docs if you do not have Microsoft Office installed on your computer. Model Teaching can provide support for this.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.

1. The Components of Behavior
   1. A definition of various forms of student behavior in the classroom
   2. The three components to consider when understanding your students' behaviors
2. Behavior Data Recording
   1. The definition of a functional behavior assessment
   2. The ABC method of collecting student behavior data
   3. Other methods for collecting student data
3. The Functions of Behavior
   1. The four functions of behavior
   2. How to generate a hypothesis about the function of your target behavior
4. Planning and Evaluating Interventions
   1. How to choose replacement behaviors
   2. How to design a function-based intervention
   3. Methods for evaluating interventions
5. Putting it All Together
   1. Using the sample provided, build your own student support plan to address a specific student's behavior.
6. Applying What you Have Learned
   1. Get ideas on how to implement the concepts into your classroom, find a list of online resources that feature ideas on addressing student behavior concerns, and read the research behind this type of support in the classroom.

What you will learn

• Evaluate the methods for collecting student data and identifying inappropriate student behavior
• Define the four functions of student behavior
• Hypothesize the function of a behavior
• Compare replacement behavior options and evaluate their feasibility
• Design and implement an intervention for managing behavior in the classroom

How you will benefit

• Understand your students and identify the root causes of their behavior and motivations more easily
• Achieve a much clearer understanding of how you can address any unwanted student behaviors and help them improve
• Communicate student behavioral concerns and progress clearly and accurately to student caregivers and any support specialists on campus
• Help students struggling with behavioral issues improve and foster a more peaceful and positive classroom dynamic