Roles and Responsibilities of School-Based Behavior Analysts: A Survey

Abstract

Behavior analysts have been working in and with public schools for decades. However, there is a paucity of research related to their work; specifically, their roles and responsibilities and needed support. We conducted a 37-item online survey of 98 nationally certified behavior analysts who work in public schools in a Southeastern state in the United States to gather information about what these professionals do and whether they feel supported to complete their work effectively. The roles and responsibilities of school-based behavior analysts vary but frequently include facilitating professional development opportunities including coaching, administration and supervision tasks, and supporting programming for both special and general education students with less emphasis on direct services to students. When asked about the types of students with whom they work, behavior analysts shared they work with a variety, including those with and without disabilities. Behavior analysts shared mixed results related to their feelings of support from school districts and their supervisors. We discuss implications for practitioners and future research.