Functional Behaviour Assessment

Field Observation Project Classroom observations totaling 15 hours are required. For these observations candidates will be responsible for arranging observations where they will have the opportunity to observe an individual with special needs. The observation report narrative will be limited to two (2) pages. The observation site must be a legitimate educational environment. The age range must include an individual who reflects the focus of this class and your specialty area (childhood or adolescence). Candidates must include the observation permission form when submitting report (included on Moodle). These reports must be completely free of the use of any individual names. Once candidates have arranged for their observation site, they must include the name of the teacher and student. Candidates must assure complete confidentiality. These observations will be assessed according to the Field Observation Project Grading Scale (see Assessment of Candidates). Field Observation Project Guidelines Part 1: A. The observation report should follow this format in terms of headings and content. The report should be a MAXIMUM of two (2) typed pages (may be single spaced - font must Times or Times New Roman and be no smaller than size 12.) There is no minimum # of pages. p. 15 B. Observation related research article summaries p. 16 C. Reference Page p.17 Part 2: The Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) p. 18-19 Part 3: Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) p. 20 should be included on the forms provided in Appendix C. Part 4: Permission form p. 21 This report should be strictly objective. Candidates must focus on what they observe - not what they do not observe. If candidates find themselves writing the words "didn't," "not," "nothing" or anything indicating the absence of behavior, they should consider revising their statement. Most importantly, candidates must "see, hear, count or measure" the behavior in order to write about it. Describing an individual in terms of what he/she doesn't do tells the reader nothing. Describing the individual in terms of what he/she does provides an accurate picture. For example, an individual who remains silent while being observed does not mean that he/she cannot speak. It simply means that he/she remained silent. It is appropriate that candidates report any information they may receive from the teacher about a student's communication skills. However, candidates must report only what they see and hear. Candidates must avoid assumptions such as "it seems, the student did this because… he appeared to be happy, she seemed to like it, and judgment statements such as "only, simply, just, merely, etc.) Part 1-A. Observation Report Format (use headings/address all areas) (See blank form p. 15) I. Introduction: Where did you observe? What types of individuals are served? What is the age range of the individuals served? What is the philosophy of the organization, agency, school or teacher? Describe the setting (urban, suburban, rural, and building handicap accessibility.) II. Environment: Describe the learning environment, living area or work area in terms of size, structure, furniture, arrangement, noise level, lighting, ventilation, orderliness, skill areas or centers, age-appropriateness, and evidence of assistive technology or UDL. III. Behavior Management: How do the teachers, aides, supervisors, or individuals themselves monitor, encourage or inhibit behaviors. Mention any use of reinforcers, prompts, evidence of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, RTI (Response to Intervention), etc. IV. Individual Observed: Select and describe an individual in terms of approximate age, physical characteristics, speech/language, attention/focus to task, participation, etc. V. Individual Relationships: A. Describe the individual's interactions with peers. B. Describe the individual's interactions with others. VI. Independence: Describe the behaviors you observed that indicate levels of independence. Part 1-B. Observation Related Research Articles Summaries (See form p.16) In addition to the observation report, you will be required to select and submit a brief review of 5 research articles. Each review should include a brief (no more than two -2 paragraphs) analysis of the study – purpose of the study, subjects of the study, methodology used to conduct the study and how the article informs your observation – why you chose this particular study and how it relates to your observation, e.g. the nature of the individual observed/environment/teaching strategies/behavior management/technology/etc. These articles must relate to the age range of your certification (childhood/adolescence) and specific exceptionality you have observed. Using the library electronic database, selection of the articles must be peer-reviewed, research based. The articles must show evidence of investigation of the most recent literature - within the past 5 years. Part 1-C. Reference Page (see form p.17) Following the article summaries, include a separate reference page following APA 6th edition (American Psychological Association) format. This reference manual is available in the library as well in the selected examples provided on Moodle (Reference Samples). Part 2: FBA (see form pp. 18-19) Conduct a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) based on the Observation(s) Part 3: Develop a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) based on the FBA (see form p.20) Part 4: Permission form (p. 21) I will upload the plan sheets....everything must be done on the sheets For the behaviour intervention plan, behaviors must be recorded every 30 seconds (you can find examples online) please follow the instructions outlined as this is worth 70% of final grade. If you do not feel that you can complete it, please let me know. There must be 5 peer-reviewed articles on the behavior as well, each must be summarized into no more than 2 paragraphs and must pertain to the behaviors exhibited in the plan. If you need more pages please let me know