To ensure you receive the highest quality training, this program adheres to the ABAI Tiered Model of Education. We are committed to five core component standards. Failure to meet these standards requires a formal progress plan submitted to the ABAI; therefore, strict adherence to the following protocols is mandatory for all students and site placements.

• Opportunities: The program defines practicum opportunities, learning objectives, and an evaluation system consistent with the contemporary science of behavior.

  • What does this mean? Your fieldwork is designed to be a direct extension of the contemporary science of behavior.

    • Scientific Consistency: All practicum activities must align with current peer-reviewed research and didactic course content. You will only practice techniques that have been introduced in your academic courses.

    • Measurement Systems: We utilize direct measures of performance. This includes data-based tracking of your skill acquisition, as well as procedural fidelity checks on your supervisors and instructors.

    • Competency & Fluency: You are expected to demonstrate not just the ability to perform a task (competency), but the ability to perform it with speed and automaticity (fluency) across various behavior science technologies.

• Objectives: The program specifies skills and objectives that are differentiated by the level of the degree program or education.

  • What does this mean? Learning objectives are tailored to your specific degree level and focus on modern, evidence-based practices.

    • Evidence-Based Mandate: We prioritize procedures replicated frequently within the last decade. Outdated legacy protocols are systematically replaced with current best practices.

    • Implementation Fidelity: You must consistently implement education and behavior reduction plans with high fidelity. This is tracked through direct observation and permanent product review.

    • Mastery Criteria: For students- Specific, measurable goals must be met before advancing. For Professionals-Supervisors are held to direct measurement standards to ensure quality oversight.

• Learners’ Evaluation: The program will provide an opportunity for learners to evaluate their training experience and to offer suggestions that may contribute to its improvement.

  • What does this mean? Your voice is key to the program's evolution.

    • Feedback Loops: You will be provided regular opportunities to evaluate your training experience. Communicate with your supervisor your suggestions in a professional manner.

    • Program Improvement: Your suggestions are reviewed by faculty to improve the experiential learning structure and ensure it meets student needs.

• Sites: Sites are sufficient in number, are spacious, provide a good range of training experiences, and have a sufficient number of professionals who may provide supervision to support the achievement of learning outcomes and program objectives.

  • What does this mean? Not every clinical setting is an approved site. We audit locations to ensure they provide a professional and safe environment.

    • Tripartite Agreements: Every site must have a current, written agreement specifying the expectations for the University, the Site, and the Student. This agreement ensures your protection and clarifies your responsibilities.

    • Professional Conduct: You must adhere to the highest ethical standards. This includes: Being responsive and non-defensive regarding supervisor feedback. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrating deep respect for the unique cultural and personal histories of all clients and colleagues.

    • Site Evaluation: You will formally evaluate your site’s resources, space, and range of training experiences at the conclusion of each term.

• Supervision: The program assesses experience, qualifications, and availability of site supervisor(s).” (ABAI, 2022).

  • What does this mean? Supervision is the most vital component of your growth. The program strictly verifies the qualifications of all site supervisors.