My Best Assessment

Teaching in the field of Special Education is profoundly rewarding, though it presents unique challenges that significantly impact students, peers, staff, and family members. For instance, I had a student, “John”, a 22-year-old young man with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and severe Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Autism Spectrum Disorder is a complex neurological and developmental disorder affecting a person’s behavior, communication, learning, and social interactions (Special Olympics Missouri, 2022). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can significantly interfere with daily life (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, 2024). The combination of ASD and OCD poses substantial challenges, often leading to behaviors ranging from rocking back and forth to more aggressive actions such as hitting, shouting, spitting, kicking, and throwing objects. Social situations also make John very anxious. "Social processes have their own internal dynamic, their own inner contradictions." (Au, W. 2008)

In order to address John’s needs effectively, we utilized a pre-assessment to guide our intervention strategy. A pre-assessment is a strategy at the start of instruction that reveals a student's current knowledge and skills, thereby informing teaching and learning approaches (Assessment Network, 2021). In this case, a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) was necessary.

The Functional Behavior Assessment is one of the most effective tools that I have used during my time in the field of Special Education. It is an evidence-based, empirically validated approach to addressing problem behavior, widely regarded as a recommended practice in the field. The Functional Behavior Assessment process involves identifying the cause or function of behavior before developing intervention for behaviors that may disrupt school, home, or community settings. This method helps in understanding the underlying reasons for behavioral challenges, as behaviors often serve a purpose, whether consciously recognized or not. This video will provide you with additional information about an FBA Video (Teachers in Education, 2021). By identifying the cause of a behavior, schools and families can devise strategies to alter unwanted behaviors (Lee, A. M., JD, November 2023).

Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, which occurs through interaction with the environment. Behaviorists believe that actions are shaped by environmental stimuli (MSEd, November 2022). In this case, John responds well to conditioning as many of his behaviors are influenced by his environment. Therefore, it is crucial that all visual aids and strategies are easily accessible to both John and the staff. Accessibility is determined by our needs, environmental interactions, and personal preferences (AEM Center, September 2023).

Our approach involved a collaborative team effort, including the Special Education Teacher, Ancillary Staff, and Parents, to define John’s challenging behaviors. Together, we identified the reasons for these behaviors and developed a comprehensive Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). This BIP was systematically and consistently implemented across all settings, including at home. After a month of implementation, the team reconvened to evaluate the effectiveness of the BIP and make necessary adjustments.

In conclusion, addressing the challenges in Special Education requires a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that considers the unique needs of each student. Tools like the Functional Behavior Assessment and strategies rooted in behaviorism are invaluable in understanding and modifying behaviors. Collaborative efforts among educators, ancillary staff, and families ensures the consistent application of interventions, ultimately supporting the student’s growth and development. Through these methods, we can create a positive impact on the lives of students with special needs, helping them to navigate and succeed in their environments.

References

AEM Center. (2023). AEM Center. What is Accessibility

https://aem.cast.org/get-started/defining-accessibility

Assessment Network, (February 2021). Pre-assessment: Where teaching and learning begins https://www.assessmentnetwork.net/2015/07/pre-assessment-where-teaching-and-learning-begins/

Au, W. (2008). Unequal by design: High-stakes testing and the standardization of inequality. Routledge.

Lee, A. M., JD. (2023, November 22). What is a functional behavioral

assessment (FBA)? Understood.

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/functional-assessment-what-it-is-an

d-how-it-works

MSEd, K. C. (2022). What is behaviorism? Verywell Mind.

https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-psychology-4157183

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, (2024). National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd#part_2228