BCBA Study & School-Based ABA Blog

Evidence-based guides for BCBAs and educators: exam prep, school-based practice, IEP writing, ACT Matrix, and free practice tools.

RBT PDU Requirements 2026: Everything School RBTs Need to Know

New for 2026: RBTs must complete 12 PDUs every 2 years. Learn what counts, what does not, how BCBAs can deliver in-service PDUs, and how to track compliance.

IEP Behavior Goals by Target Behavior: 50+ Examples for School Teams

Need IEP behavior goals fast? This mega list includes 50+ measurable goals organized by target behavior, plus a framework for writing function-based goals that hold up in IEP meetings.

ACT-Based Behavior Support Plans: Bringing Acceptance and Commitment to Schools

Combine traditional behavior plans with ACT and RFT to build flexible, values-based behavior support plans for students and staff in school settings.

FBA to BIP Workflow: A Step-by-Step Guide for Tier 3 Behavior Support

A complete Tier 3 workflow from referral to FBA to BIP to progress monitoring. Includes timelines, team roles, and documentation tips for legally defensible plans.

Tier 2 Behavior Support Plan: Targeted Interventions for School Teams

Tier 2 behavior support plans bridge universal supports and intensive FBAs. Includes templates, examples of CICO, behavior contracts, and when to escalate to Tier 3.

Tier 1 Behavior Support Plan Template for Schools

Build effective Tier 1 behavior support plans for universal classroom supports. Includes template, examples, and strategies for PBIS implementation without individual FBAs.

School BCBA Burnout: Why Year 2-3 Is the Breaking Point (and How to Survive)

Year 1 is exciting. Year 2-3 is brutal. Understand why school BCBA burnout peaks in years 2-3, what invisible work is killing you, and strategies to survive without leaving the field.

BCBA Supervision Requirements in Schools: What You Need to Know

Navigate BACB supervision requirements as a school-based BCBA. Covers contact hour requirements, documentation, supervisee types, and the unique challenges of supervising in school settings.

Teacher Input Forms for FBA: How to Get Useful Data from Classroom Staff

Stop getting vague, unusable teacher input for FBAs. Use these interview templates and strategies to collect meaningful, function-focused data from classroom staff in less time.

FBA Decision Matrix: When Does a Student Need a Functional Behavior Assessment?

A practical decision matrix to help school teams determine when a student needs a full FBA versus simpler behavior interventions. Save time, resources, and ensure the right level of support.

BCBA in Schools: What Does a School-Based BCBA Do?

Discover what school-based BCBAs do, how they differ from clinical BCBAs, and why districts are hiring more behavior analysts than ever for MTSS, IEPs, and PBIS support.

How to Write an FBA: Step-by-Step Guide for School BCBAs

Learn how to write a functional behavior assessment (FBA) with this comprehensive step-by-step guide designed for school-based BCBAs and behavior specialists.

IEP Behavior Goals: Complete Guide with Examples

A comprehensive guide to writing measurable IEP behavior goals with real examples for common school behaviors including elopement, aggression, task refusal, and self-regulation.

Function-Based Behavior Intervention Plans: A Practical Guide

Go beyond the basics of BIP writing. Learn how to use IISCA, Skill-Based Treatment, competition analysis, and implementation fidelity strategies to build BIPs that actually work in school settings.

Free BCBA Exam Prep: Study Strategies That Actually Work

Proven study strategies for the BCBA exam, including free resources, study schedules, and tips from BCBAs who passed on their first attempt.

Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Assumed Practices in School-Based Settings

A comprehensive guide to integrating trauma-informed principles into school-based behavior analysis, including practical strategies for assessment and intervention.