The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

Course Syllabus

SPLED 597/809: Behavioral Change Procedures and Management I (3)

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Overview

To be a successful behavior analyst, one must use the concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, along with data collection, behavioral assessment, and single-case design to develop interventions that lead to positive behavior change. In the intervention courses you will learn how to use assessment data to guide intervention development. In this specific course you will learn to select and apply evidence-based interventions for acquisition and also strengthen and weaken target behaviors.

This course is delivered through a system of video streamed lectures; online practice activities and assignments; asynchronous online communication between students and instructors (discussion forums); and online proctored examinations.

Certification as a BCBA

This course is part of a seven-course sequence designed to cover the required course content prescribed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). The BACB, as part of its 5th Edition Task List and Standards that go into effect in January 2022, requires (a) a graduate degree; (b) 21 credits (315 hours) of content-specific, graduate-level coursework in behavior analysis; (c) supervised fieldwork; and (d) satisfactory performance on a certification exam in order to become a BCBA.

You are responsible for ensuring that you meet all of the current BACB requirements for certification. Please visit the BACB website for detailed information about its certification process.

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Course Objectives

The primary purpose of the 21-credit ABA program is to prepare students to work in the field as behavior analysts. Each course is designed to prepare students to master the content required by the BACB 5th Edition Task List and to sit for the certification examination.

In this course students will learn how to do the following:

• Provide a rationale for using evidence-based practices and evaluating those practices to produce desired client outcomes. 
• Use evidence-based practices to assess, select, and alter socially significant behaviors. 
• Select and apply appropriate interventions, instructional and reinforcement-based, to strengthen behaviors according to the given client, history, environment, resources, and community.
• Select and apply appropriate interventions, both non-punishment and punishment, to reduce problem behaviors according to the given client, history, environment, resources, and community.
• Assess and alter interventions based on given data.

After completing this course students will be able to do the following:

Tasks to Be Completed From the BACB 5th Edition Task List

Task Code	Task Description
G-1	Use positive and negative reinforcement procedures to strengthen behavior.
G-2	Use interventions based on motivating operations and discriminative stimuli.
G-3	Establish and use conditioned reinforcers.
G-4	Use stimulus and response prompts and fading (e.g., errorless, most-to-least, least-to-most, prompt delay, stimulus fading).
G-5	Use modeling and imitation training
G-6	Use instructions and rules.
G-7	Use shaping.
G-8	Use chaining.
G-9	Use discrete-trial, free-operant, and naturalistic teaching arrangements.
G-10	Teach simple and conditional discriminations.
G-12	Use equivalence-based instruction.
G-13	Use the high-probability instructional sequence.
G-14	Use reinforcement procedures to weaken behavior (e.g., DRA, FCT, DRO, DRL, NCR).
G-15	Use extinction.
G-16	Use positive and negative punishment (e.g., time-out, response cost, overcorrection).
G-17	Use token economies.
G-18	Use group contingencies.
G-19	Use contingency contracting.
G-20	Use self-management strategies.
G-21	Use procedures to promote stimulus and response generalization
G-22	Use procedures to promote maintenance.
H-1	State intervention goals in observable and measurable terms.
H-2	Identify potential interventions based on assessment results and the best available scientific evidence.
H-3	Recommend intervention goals and strategies based on such factors as client preferences, supporting environments, risks, constraints, and social validity.
H-4	When a target behavior is to be decreased, select an acceptable alternative behavior to be established or increased.
H-5	Plan for possible unwanted effects when using reinforcement, extinction, and punishment procedures.
H-6	Monitor client progress and treatment integrity.
H-7	Make data-based decisions about the effectiveness of the intervention and the need for treatment revision.
H-8	Make data-based decisions about the need for ongoing services.
H-9	Collaborate with others who support and/or provide services to clients.

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Required Course Materials

 

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

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Technical Requirements

For this course we recommend the minimum World Campus technical requirements listed below:

Technical Requirements

Operating System	Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems.  To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Browser	Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using. Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.    To determine if your browser is supported, please review the list of Canvas Supported Browsers. Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements	For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software	All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.
Hardware	Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution Audio: Microphone, Speakers Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.
Mobile Device (optional)	The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.

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Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ)

During the semester you will receive information for completing the Student Education Experience Questionnaire (SEEQ). Your participation is an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback on your learning experience. Your feedback is important because it allows us to understand your experience in this course and make changes to improve the learning experiences of future students. Please monitor email and course communications for links and availability dates.

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If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the World Campus HelpDesk.

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Course Schedule

• Course length: 16 weeks

Important notes:

• Unless otherwise specified, all assignments and activities are due at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the due dates noted in the Course Schedule.

Course Orientation

Readings	Syllabus BACB Documents Examity Student Quick Guide Practice Exam
Assignments	Orientation Tasks

 

Lesson 1: Introduction to Intervention

Task List	H-1 H-2 H-3 H-4 H-6 H-7 H-8 H-9
Readings	Cook et al.
Assignments	Reading Discussion 1  Group Seminar to be scheduled Assignment 1

Lesson 2: Using Reinforcement to Strengthen Behavior

Task List	G-2 G-3 G-5 G-13 G-17 G-18 G-19
Readings	Textbook Chapters 11 and 12, 28, and 29 St. Peter Pipkin & Vollmer
Assignments	Reading Discussion 2  Group Seminar to be scheduled Assignment 2

 

Lesson 3: Establishing Stimulus Control

Task List	G-2 G-4 G-10
Readings	Texbook Chapter 17 Cihon et al. Fisher et al.
Assignments	Reading Discussion 3 Group Seminar to be scheduled Assignment 3

 

Lesson 4: Instructional Procedures I - Modeling & Imitation

Task List	G-9 G-6 G-5
Readings	Textbook Chapter 21 Cardon & Wolcox Rosales et al.
Assignments	Reading Discussion 4 Group Seminar to be scheduled Assignment 4

Exam 1 (Lessons 1–4): Online Proctored

Time Frame	One week to complete.

Lesson 5: Instructional Procedures II - Shaping & Chaining

Task List	G-7 G-8
Readings	Textbook Chapters 22-23 Kobylarz et al.
Assignments	Reading Discussion 5  Group Seminar to be scheduled Assignment 5

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Online Proctored Exams

In this class you will take your tests remotely and they will be proctored by a service called Examity®. Review the Student Quick-Guide for instructions on how to use Examity®. Please log in as soon as possible to set up your profile. You will not be able to schedule exams until your profile is complete.

This course may require you to take exams using certain proctoring software that uses your computer’s webcam or other technology to monitor and/or record your activity during exams. The proctoring software may be listening to you, monitoring your computer screen, and viewing you and your surroundings. By enrolling in this course, you consent to the use of the proctoring software, including but not limited to any audio and/or visual monitoring which may be recorded.

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Contact Information

 

• If you have questions concerning your registration status, billing, tuition and fees, or the proctored exam process, contact World Campus Student Enrollment Services at 800-252-3592 or 814-865-5403 or by email at pennstateonline@psu.edu.
• If you have questions concerning the textbooks, contact Barnes & Noble College customer service at (908) 991-2665.
• If you have a question about technical difficulties, contact the World Campus HelpDesk online or by phone at 800-252-3592 or 814-865-0047. 
• If you have questions concerning Penn State's ABA sequence, you may contact Dr. David Lee, the academic coordinator for the program, at 814-865-3567 or by email davidlee@psu.edu.
• If you would like information regarding the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) or their certification process, please visit the BACB website.

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Course Requirements

This course is divided into nine lessons.

During each lesson students will be expected to do the following:

1. View and read lesson content delivered through streaming video and/or online text.
2. Complete the assigned readings from the textbook and/or articles and complete the associated reading discussion activity.
3. Complete all self-checks and practice activities that are provided on the course website.
4. Participate in the live online group seminar or watch the posted recording.
5. Complete a graded assignment. 

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Grading

• There are nine reading discussions worth 5 points each (45 total points).
• There are nine graded assignments worth 10 points each (90 total points).
• There are two exams worth 30 and 50 points respectively (80 total points).

It is possible to earn a maximum of 215 points in this course. You should note that any delay in receiving assignments or exams might result in considerable delay in the issuance of a final grade.

Activity	Points
Reading Discussions	45
Assignments	90
Exam 1	30
Exam 2	50
TOTAL POINTS	215

 

Letter Grade	Percentage Range
A	94%–100%
A−	90%–93.99%
B+	87%–89.99%
B	83%–86.99%
B−	80%–82.99%
C+	77%–79.99%
C	70%–76.99%
D	60%–69.99%
F	59.99% or below

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies.

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Statement of Ethical and Professional Conduct

While enrolled in this course and all graduate programs, individuals in the Applied Behavior Analysis program preparing to become behavior analysts are expected to adhere to the Code of Professional Practice and Conduct for Educators promulgated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (22 PA Code 235). Copies of the Code are available at the Pennsylvania Department of Education Website. The program faculty considers violations of the code to be serious and will implement sanctions, including course failure and/or expulsion from the program.

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Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .

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University Policies

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University’s educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities, including World Campus. The Disabilities and Accommodations section of the Chaiken Center for Student Success website provides World Campus students with information regarding how to request accommodations, documentation guidelines and eligibility, and appeals and complaints. For additional information, please visit the University's Student Disability Resources website.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.

If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:

• Anywhere in the United States: Call the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or text LIONS to 741741. You can also contact your local crisis services or hospital for emergencies.
• Outside the United States: Please contact emergency services in your current location. You can also use the International Crisis and Emergency Services listings.
• At University Park: Assistance is available at Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) locations on campus.
• At a Penn State branch campus: You can search for counseling information at your campus.

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or dependents with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.

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Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.

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