The Crisis in Education Podcast
Educators are the backbone of our nation, and education is its lifeblood. But because of a number of issues exacerbated by politics and the pandemic, it is progressively faltering. From teacher shortages and failing schools to growing mental health issues, there is an undeniable growing crisis in Education at the individual, classroom, and school level. Though painful, with the right approaches, crises can be leveraged as an opportunity for growth. Therefore, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni and Drew Carter are co-hosting the Crisis in Education Podcast, where Education meets Behavior Science, to interview educational leaders, behavior scientists, and experts around the world to dissect the root causes of crisis issues and explore potential opportunities for sustainable improvement across schools and districts. [Sponsored by the Professional Crisis Management Association - pcma.com]
The Crisis in Education Podcast
Improving Behavior in Education with BCBA-D Dr. Clarence Cooper
In our recent podcast, Dr. Clarence Cooper, a doctoral-level certified behavior analyst, joined Dr. Paulie to delve into the complex world of behavior analysis consulting in classrooms. Dr. Cooper discussed the significant challenges behavior analysts face when working in educational settings. Key among these is the difficulty of applying ABA strategies within existing classroom management frameworks, often exacerbated by educators' varying levels of familiarity and comfort with ABA methods.
Dr. Cooper emphasized the critical importance of involving all stakeholders—teachers, administrators, parents, and students—in the consulting process. Building strong relationships with these groups is essential for success, as it fosters a collaborative environment where ABA techniques can be more effectively integrated and accepted. This collaborative approach not only enhances the implementation of ABA strategies but also ensures that interventions are tailored to meet the unique needs of each classroom and student, ultimately leading to more positive outcomes.
The conversation with Dr. Cooper highlighted that while the path to effective classroom consulting as a behavior analyst is fraught with challenges, the potential rewards—improved student behavior and learning outcomes—are well worth the effort. By focusing on stakeholder involvement and relationship building, behavior analysts can navigate these hurdles and make a meaningful impact in educational settings.
Dr. Cooper's email: cooperclarence@yahoo.com