SPED 8180 - Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Disabilities

3 cr.

This course provides an overview of the research and best practices for assessing, planning, and implementing individual, classroom and school-wide positive behavior support. Candidates employ a variety of classroom management strategies, and establish and maintain effective routines and procedures that promote positive student behavior within a safe and collaborative learning environment. Candidates will examine evidence-based strategies for conducting an effective Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and use the results to design and implement an individual Behavior Support Plan that respects student diversity and promotes student self-awareness and self-management.. Candidates will also become more proficient in designing data collection sheets and collecting and graphing data. Teacher candidates will look at patterns of problem behavior and examine it through a systems approach and explore ways to design and implement classroom and school-wide supports to prepare and maintain students by intervening safely and appropriately. Careful attention is placed on candidates’ ability to be ethical and reliable, while meeting routine responsibilities consistently. Federal and state legislation and regulations are examined with particular attention to their impact on the design and implementation of educational programs for students with behavior challenges. Required 25 hour pre-practicum.