Instructional Strategies
What is the first step before giving a direction?
Gaining the student’s attention.
What is the purpose of collecting data?
To track progress, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and make data-driven decisions
When do you take ABCs?
New behavior, behaviors that last longer than 5 minutes, when BCBA specifies otherwise
What should your first word be when using the walkie?
Designated code “stand-by”, “proximity” or “teams”, location, student initials, repeat twice
When should an incident report (IR) be written?
When there's suspected injury, safety concern, or policy violation
Name a simple way to make learning fun.
Use games, songs, movement, or preferred materials.
Name a type of data you might collect.
Frequency, duration, ABC, task analysis, per opportunity, interval
What measuring tool is used to observe and measure how often behaviors occur in ABA?
Frequency and rate
Who should respond to walkie calls?
Designated staff like leads, BCBAs, APS, or floaters
Are staff allowed to use personal phones while supervising students?
No
What’s a good strategy if a student is distracted during a task?
Shorten the task, simplify instructions, or use a motivating item.
When should data be recorded?
Immediately or as close to the behavior as possible
When to zero data?
(Daily) Zero data every day the student is present. (Upon Arrival) Zero data as soon as the student arrives on campus.
Should walkie messages include student names?
No – use initials or locations
What should employees avoid doing to keep a respectful work environment?
Gossip, Gossip, unprofessional/ unethical behavior
What are three strategies to keep students engaged during a group activity?
Use movement breaks, keep instructions short, and offer choices.
If a student completes a task with help, should it be marked as independent?
No
What is baseline data in ABA?
Initial measurements of a behavior before any intervention is applied
When can a para use the walkie?
Anytime safety support or communication is needed
Give examples of AACA dress code requirements.
Pants and shorts are limited to khaki or denim material, no tears. No low-sagging pants. No athletic wear, no leggings, jeggings, tights, or yoga pants. No open toe or open back shoes.
Give an example of how you would teach the same skill (wash hands) across multiple modalities.
For “washing hands”: show a video (visual), sing a handwashing song (auditory), and do hand-over-hand practice (physical/kinesthetic).
Why is accurate data so important for IEPs?
It determines goals, progress, and services
Continuous vs. Discontinuous Measurement – what’s the difference?
Continuous: every instance of a behavior during a specific observation period; Discontinuous: Checking if a behavior happens or not during parts of the time, like in short intervals.
What is the emergency code for immediate help?
Use your campus-specific code (e.g., “TEAM”)
What are examples of unauthorized absences during your shift?
Sleeping on the job, leaving work before shift is over, extended time in breakroom or break areas