The Clowder of Cats Contingencies

Weird title, yes? I have heard over and over in schools that maintaining order in a classroom is like herding cats. Just imagine that for a minute: cats going every which direction and one poor individual to try to group them all together. How do you get them to comply AND learn?

Teachers I get where you are coming from! It is extremely hard to see 100+ students a day who you are responsible to teach and keep engaged in the material. You are expected to follow a lesson plan, remember every accommodation for students who need them, grade all of their work, stay in contact with the families, attend staff trainings....etc etc etc.

The last thing a teacher would want to do is to have a BCBA come in a say "Hey we are going to start to take data on the classes behavior." Now before you flip the table let me explain why and how simple it can be done.

GROUP CONTINGENCIES Y'ALL

What is a group contingency?
When reinforcement is provided for a group based on one or more of the groups responding.

Are there different types of group contingencies?
There are three types all have different protocol for the group to receive reinforcement:

• Independent Group Contingency: reinforcement is available for the whole group but is provided only to those who respond. 
• Interdependent Group Contingency: reinforcement is provided based on responding of the entire class (if everyone does it we all get a prize). 
• Dependent Group Contingency: reinforcement is provided based on the responding of one member of the group or a select group within the class.

Cool Meghan you just gave me a bunch of jargon, how does this apply to running a classroom?

Its time for a practical example

Target Behavior: you want to increase weekly test scores. 

Reinforcement: the class will not be given homework over the weekend (negative reinforcement)

Here's how each group contingency would provide reinforcement:

Independent: for each student who gets an 80% or above on the weeks test, they will not be given homework. Any student who has 79% or below will be assigned homework. 

Dependent: After the tests are scored the teacher will pick a test at random and if it has a score of 80% or above the class will not receive homework over the weekend. 

Interdependent: if everyone in the class scores 80% or above the whole class will not have homework over the weekend. Although if one member of the class receives a grade of 79% or below the entire class will be assigned homework. 

What else should I consider if I want to run a group contingency?

If using a dependent or interdependent group contingency make sure to put in safe guards for the student. Remember the entire class is counting on one person or a small group of people to get their reinforcement. If that student does not meet the criteria and the class losses out on reinforcement (no homework on the weekend) they could be socially punished by their peers. 

Here are some of the ways to ensure that this isn't punishing:

- Have a TA grade the tests and select one at random and put the grade on your desk (no name provided)

- Write down all of the grades on post-its, fold them up and put them in a hat. Have a student pick a piece of paper and reveal the grade. 

Also make sure that your target behavior is reasonable for the entire class. Your data will reflect if any student is repeatedly losing the opportunity for reinforcement. 

Lastly, make this fun for your students! With the right group contingency, clearly written protocol, and ethical considerations this is an easier/effective way to effect group responding. 

Now, who is excited about group contingencies?

Crunch Time

I officially have 17 days until I take the BACB exam. Which means I have turned into huge ball of stress. I have given up on meeting mastery criteria for the BDS Modules and strictly been working on SAFMEDS (Say All Fast a Minute Each Day Shuffled) and The White Book (Cooper, Howard, and Hewitt- you know whats up).  The last few weeks are going to focus on:

Ethics: one of the hardest parts of the exam due to the scenario questions and all of the components to the right to effective treatment.
Single Subject Research Designs: baseline logic, advantages/disadvantages, and when appropriate to use a design.
Teaching Procedures: history and criteria for each procedure (Personalized System of Instruction, Direct Instruction, Incidental Teaching, and Discrete Trial Training).
Motivating Operations: value and behavior altering, examples

Let's hope this is the only time I have to take this exam.

In other news here is my bucket list for November:

• Take the BACB exam
• Increase motivation for exercising 
• Reinforcement contingency for healthy eating 
• Make a bunch of Christmas presents (pictures coming soon)
• Plan fun autumn activities

Posts coming soon to help me review!

Its the most whimsical time of the year

My favorite holiday has to be without a doubt Halloween. The memories of dressing up as something clever, trick or treating with kids from the neighborhood until our feet killed, and trading my loot with my brother. Now that my trick or treating years are behind me I have found my passion for Halloween has only gotten better. Each year I (and the boyfriend) challenge ourselves to make creative and unique costumes.

This being the first year we are living together we are lucky enough to host a Halloween party. I am full of ideas for decorations and costume props. What is one thing on this list that you cannot wait to do?

Hello Autumn

Tis the season of the leaving changing, warm sweaters, and the smell of cinnamon is in the air: AUTUMN!

Also this is the season of the beginning of school. I have started getting used to my new job and I hope my students feel the same. There has been some hiccups here and there but overall I am feeling confident of my work. Although I have been a behavior therapist for a few years the amount of work can still be daunting. From IEP goals to managing behavior plans it can be stressful making sure that you are doing all that you can for your students.

That being said here is my autumn bucket list:

TRAVEL
- A day trip to Salem (witches, Halloween, and museums- oh my!)
- Apple Picking in New Hampshire
- Nature Hikes to see the foliage
- Watch a high school football game (go Tigers!)

HOLIDAYS
- Make an epic Halloween couples costume (Egon Spangler and Janine from Ghostbusters)
- Hand out candy for Halloween
- Make some delicious Thanksgiving side dishes/desserts
- FRIENDS-GIVING!

PROJECTS
- The Harry Potter banner (see above)
- Fun drink coasters
- Halloween/Thanksgiving decorations
- Begin working on Christmas presents

HEALTH
- Continue swimming and cycling twice a week
- Stay away from as much candy as possible around Halloween
- Focus on drinking more water
- Keep to a max of 4 coffees a week

CAREER
- Take the boards exam
- IEP work, behavior plans, and creating more effective data sheets
- Study ASL
- Become more active in the after school activities


When I am not working on the bucket list I will most likely be in footie pajamas sticking my nose in a book. Or looking something like this:

Where are you going? Where have you been?

So it has been close to a month since I have posted. There have been several life changes that have occurred that have left very little free time. Here is a run down:

Career: I am now a BT for a high school (of all places). The students so far are great, low levels of problematic behaviors. Most of my days are shadowing students in their assigned classes, assisting with homework, and collecting data for IEP goals. It is a completely new environment, there is so many different opportunities for these students from majoring in subject areas, after school programs, and the freedom of an open campus. The coworkers are super helpful and down to earth. The entire school staff seems to be friendly and most who are hired make a career within this school district. Also the BCBA that supervised me during the summer program will be working on my case load, yay having my work hours count.

Home: FINALLY I am moved into my new place with the boyfriend. It is taking some time getting used to each of our different schedules but it is coming along. It is great since we do have weekly activities put in place so we each get some solo time to chill. Also great news is we have an office where I have been able to begin studying for the boards again.

Personal Goals: With a job, a home, and health in check things are falling into place. I joined a gym where one of my classmates from Simmons goes to and we are planning a work out schedule. I am excited to get swimming, cycling, and running weekly. Also I am in the works of working some after school activities at work which should be a great experience.

As I begin studying I will be posting more about ABA theories and techniques. Furthermore, I will begin posting craft projects and all things autumn.

What is up with that?

So August I have a few questions already:

1. Why did I have to get rear ended when I was at a full stop by a woman eating a cheeseburger at 8am?
2. Why do I have to miss 3 days of work?
3. Why is whip lash so painful?

Luckily there was no damage to my car, but now I have to stay out the rest of the week at work. Ugh 3 days of no work makes Meghan a dull girl. I am not a very good patient because I am super fidgety even though I know I should be resting. Also I tend not to take meds even though I know they are prescribed to help. So I blog instead to get my mind off the fact that I cannot move my neck.

Summer camp is now in its final week and a half and I am sad but also excited. The kids have been so good this summer and my co-workers have been super helpful. The days go by so fast and half of the day is spent at the pool which is fun for everyone. Although now I can start thinking about my position come September. Meaning I still have to clothes shop (professional attire with high school kids) and make a map because that school is massive.

With September comes moving into the city. So much stuff to still go through to either donate or pack that my head is about to explode. Its game time for a bunch of life changes and I am stuck lying down perfectly still. Ugh help!

August Bucket List

I can't believe today is the first day of August! The summer has flown by with many ups and downs. Unfortunately my application for the BCBA exam was denied for August (thanks Simmons). After 3 weeks of playing email tag with the boards, one experience audit, and long winded conversation with Simmons about the errors- I get denied. For anyone that reads this blog, if you are completing your mentoring here are a few things you HAVE TO DO in order to be accepted.

1. Work 30 or more hours a week where a BCBA is overseeing you
2. Do NOT have group meetings more than once in a two week period
3. Your mentor meetings can only be 5% of your work experience for that week (so if you meet every two weeks you have to have a 3hr meeting to get the full 60 hours of work accounted for).
4. Make sure you save a hard copy of every single feedback form
5. When applying for the exam, submit an original copy of your EVF(s)
6. Start the modules EARLY as I had posted in the past, they are time consuming and the last thing you want is to feel rushed.

That being said, I am going to focus on the positives with my August Bucket List:

1. Studying: Now that I have a few more months to study I can take the modules at a less stressful pace as well as review CHH and other text. Goal for the modules= at least 60% complete
2. Moving: I will be moving closer to the city this coming September and I need to get a move on donating and packing. September 1st will be here before we know it!
3. Exercise: Focus on running 3 times a week and adding arm/abs to the routine
4. Work: I have 2 more weeks left for summer program! The experience has been wonderful but I am ready to have a week and a half off before the school year begins.
5. Reading: I will finish the current book I am reading The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and begin reading a book from the stack of books I have collecting dust.
6. Blogging: I will focus on posting more terminology, interesting research, study tips, etc.
7. Craft: I have a list of crafts I have been meaning to make, this month I will at least make 2 of them (some are scrabble letter coasters, dry erase office calendar with paint chips, etc.)
8. Shopping: With my new job in the fall I need to rock the "business casual" dress code. This is new for me and I have to start the process of buying more appropriate attire. Looks like my days of yoga pants and converse are over!
9. Vacation: Plan a few fun things for my week off like going to the beach or hanging out with friends have not seen in a long time.

What are your plans for August? How are you preparing for the end of Summer 2014?