Certification by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) as a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) is different and a separate qualification than licensure of behavior analysts at the individual state level. How behavior analysts practice in schools is determined by licensure laws and regulations, depending on the state. Licensure holds more power than certification and impacts the way in which you can practice. This assignment will help you discover if licensure exists in your state and how that affects how behavior analysts practice in schools.
Preparation
To prepare for this assignment, complete the following:
Research the licensure requirements for a behavior analyst in your state. Visit U.S. Licensure of Behavior Analysts Links to an external site. to get started.
If your state does not require licensure, research the requirements in a nearby state.
Review the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA Links to an external site..
Research your state’s special education laws.
Research any other requirements that may exist at the state level that would affect a behavior analyst’s practice in public school settings.
Instructions
Create a presentation as a means of organizing the following information:
BACB Certification and State Licensure
Describe at least 2–3 differences and similarities between BACB certification and state licensure.
Discuss the state licensure requirements for behavior analysts in your state.
If licensure does exist, what are the requirements to become licensed? What board or council has governance over the behavior analyst license? What does the license allow you to do? What are the limitations? What are the pros and cons of having a licensure requirement at the state level?
If there is no licensure requirement in your state, research a nearby state and answer the questions above.
Explain how licensure requirements, or the absence of licensure, affect a behavior analyst’s practice in public school settings. What limitations exist if any?
Identify and discuss any other specific guidance at the state level (licensure board, state professional association of behavior analysis, state department of education) that affect a behavior analyst’s practice in public school settings.
Special Education Law
Explain the role of the behavior analyst on an individualized education program (IEP) team according to the federal law (IDEA).
Explain how any specific state special education laws affect a behavior analyst’s practice in public school settings.
Use the Notes section to write out a script for your presentation.
Additional Requirements
Written communication: Should be free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: Use current APA style and formatting for citations and references. Refer to Evidence and APA Links to an external site. for citing and referencing tips.
Length: 8–10 slides, not including the title slide or reference slide.
References: A minimum of four credible professional resources.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria:
Competency 3: Identify laws and regulations centered around behavior-analytic consultation in educational settings.
Describe differences and similarities between BACB certification and state licensure.
Discuss state licensure requirements for behavior analysts in a particular state.
Explain how licensure requirements affect a behavior analyst’s practice in a public school setting.
Explain how federal and state special education law affect a behavior analyst’s practice in a public school setting.
Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly and consistent with expectations for professionals in the field of psychology.
Create a well-organized presentation with a clear purpose, addressing the appropriate audience in discipline-specific language and terminology.
Apply APA formatting to references.