Roles, Responsibilities, and Perceptions of Behavior Specialists in Public Schools

We will present results of a state-wide survey of school-based Behavior Specialists, exploring their training in common behavioral practices, current roles and responsibilities, and confidence in implementation of common behavioral practices. We will discuss practical implications based on responses from Behavior Specialists, their supervisors, other administrators, teachers, and other colleagues.Participants will be able to: 1. Identify varying responsibilities assigned to Behavior Specialists in schools and how frequently they engage in common behavioral practices. 2. Compare how Behavior Specialists, school administrators, and other school practitioners (e.g., general educators, special educators, related service providers) rate the importance of common behavioral practices and supports, commonly assigned to Behavior Specialists. 3. Articulate recommendations for pre-service and in-service training programs, hiring and supervision of behavior specialists, and utilizing behavior specialists to be more effective in their roles.