Many behavior analysts report concerns regarding ethical issues related to providing school based services in the public school setting. This maybe complicated by the differing governing bodies and ethical guidelines set forth by different professions. Schools follow guidelines for teaching and behavior support outline by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Special Education teachers follow ethical guidelines set forth by the Council for Exceptional Children. Behavior Analysts follow ethical guidelines set forth by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Many times the issues that behavior analysts face are related to supervision, implementation, and support plan development. This session will focus on ethical dilemmas faced by behavior analysts providing services in public school settings. By understanding the laws and ethical guidelines as they relate to each other, behavior analysts can work with IEP teams to improve services and resolve ethical dilemmas in the school setting. Case studies and problem solving strategies will be provided.

Objectives:

1. Understand the governing bodies that guide education and behavior services in the public school setting.
2. Develop problem-solving strategies to dissipate ethical dilemmas when providing services in the public school setting.
3. Evaluate situations so they better understand when to remove themselves from problematic situations that arise when providing services in the school based setting.

About the Presenter

Peggy Schaefer-Whitby

Peggy Schaefer Whitby is an associate professor at the University of Arkansas and serves as the program coordinator for special education. Her research interests are in the area of implementing evidence-based practices and sexuality education. She currently works on several state and federally funded projects to help families access evidence based services in rural areas. Dr. Schaefer Whitby has multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals including Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Journal of Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, and Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Most importantly, Dr. Schaefer Whitby is passionate about the education of children with autism and developmental disabilities. She believes that school is the great equalizer as it provides access to evidence based services for all children. People with disabilities deserve access to education so that they can reach their highest potential and be inclusive members of society.