Mission:
The Behaviour Analysis In Schools SIG aims to be a group that promotes the development of high standards of practise in the application of behaviour analytic principles in schools in the UK. Our mission includes:
- Promoting a network for professionals and practitioners in both behaviour analysis and school settings
- Promoting knowledge and understanding of behaviour analytic approaches within all school contexts (i.e., both mainstream settings and those supporting learners with additional needs)
- Supporting existing and emerging schools and units to include behaviour analytic practices (e.g., Functional Behaviour Assessments, School Wide Positive Behaviour Support, Precision Teaching, and classroom management strategies)
- Promoting and generating new research within school settings
- Contributing to the development of standards for behaviour analytic service delivery and accreditation within schools
Our mission links directly with the mission and objectives of UK-SBA across four key domains:
- Promoting the recognition of behaviour analysis as a scientific approach in all school settings
- Contributing to the development of standards in education, training and experience in the principles, practice and skills of behaviour analysts
- Communicating and sharing information about behaviour analysis to other educational providers
- Promoting and generating new research
Specific Aims:
We facilitate four meetings per year with SIG members alongside a free CEU event. Members put forward ideas around key topics of interest to support both practitioners and school settings. The meetings are then separated out for Heads of Schools and practitioners.
The Vision
The primary vision of the Behaviour Analysis In Schools SIG is to expand our network of professionals working in the field of behaviour analysis across a range of education settings. As such, the SIG aims to promote best practice and outcomes for children and young people in education settings in receipt of behaviour analytic services.
How do I join the BAiS SIG?
You need to be a member of UK-SBA in order to join the BAiS SIG. You can be a UKBA(cert), aUKBA(cert), practicing member or a student member. If you are working within a school setting then please apply to join the SIG using your work email address. You can request to join by emailing the Chairs of the group ([email protected]). If you are working independently as a behaviour analyst within school settings, and do not have a school email address, then please email including your reason for requesting to join. If you are a student member of UK-SBA and are interested in joining this SIG then you can request to join with a recommendation from your supervisor.
For more information:
Please contact the Chairs of the BA In Schools SIG, Emma Hawkins:
Latest Meetings Minutes
Date of Meetings: Tuesday 5 March 2024
Venue: Microsoft Teams
Heads of Services Meeting:
Attendance: Seven different services were represented in the meeting. 12 professionals attended the meeting.
Discussions:
- The meeting was chaired by Emma Hawkins, Director of Education at Jigsaw School.
- A brief update was provided from each service.
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion was the main topic discussed in the meeting
- There was a further discussion around Post-16 and Post-19 transitions.
- AOB included a discussion about sponsorship of overseas staff.
- Next meeting on Tuesday 18 June 2024 will cover mental capacity assessments and incident/stress management models for staff.
Practitioners Meeting:
Attendance: Seven different services were represented in the meeting. 17 professionals attended the meeting.
Discussions:
1/ The meeting was chaired by Emma Hawkins, Director of Education at Jigsaw School.
2/ The possibility of putting together a special issue for the Tizard Learning Disability Review was discussed.
4/ Assent & assent withdrawal was discussed. Information on how each setting is incorporating assent into practice was discussed. Further discussion took place on how to measure assent/assent withdrawal.
5/ Discussed Competence Area 1.1 of the UKSBA Framework: Diversity & Culture with suggestions on how each area could be assessed.
6/ Next meeting on Tuesday 18 June 2024 will cover: strategies for managing inappropriate language and Competence Area 1.2 of the UKSBA Framework.
Next meeting:
Tuesday 18 June 2024 1.30-2.30pm (Heads of Services) and 2.30-3.30pm (Practitioners) followed by a CEU event 3.45-4.45pm.
The title of the CEU event is as follows: “Transforming ABA Practice: A Neuroaffirmative Future.” This will be presented by Emma Hawkins (Director of Education at Jigsaw School) & Olivia Kurzeja (Senior Behaviour Analyst at Step by Step School). 1.0 ethics CEU to be provided.