Dissertation Defense Announcement Ed.D. Program: Leslie Calabrese “Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Based Strategies for the General Education (GE) Teacher: A Qualitative Case Study of the ABLE Initiative”

Lack of classroom management is a concern for many teachers and impacts both students and teachers. However, its impact on students is of utmost concern. Lack of classroom management can lead to the impediment of educational trajectories as well as the disproportionate disciplining of students of color. Teachers claim that the inability to manage classroom behavior can lead to burnout and leaving the profession. This case study examined teachers’ beliefs and practices regarding behavior in their classroom prior to and after a four-session professional development initiative the ABLE (ABA for Behavior in Learning Environments). Research questions guiding this study are: 1. How does the information gained in the PD shape teacher practices and beliefs about student behavior? 2. What do teachers say about the presentation of the PD?

Interview data were collected from three GE elementary school teachers in a local school district whose student population is over 80% of students of color. Pre- and post-interviews, along with classroom observations and professional development sessions, informed the three case studies of the ABLE initiative and one for each of the three participants. Data collected from the interviews, observations, and professional development sessions were transcribed and coded for themes and subthemes.

Findings from this qualitative case study are that teachers were able to add to their current beliefs and strategies regarding behavior in the classroom. Findings also show that participating in a professional development initiative had a positive impact on their understanding of how to mitigate the behaviors they are experiencing. Results also showed that teachers appreciated the ability to connect with colleagues to build a community of support focused on behavior management.

Considering these findings, as teacher educator, I intend to build upon the first iteration of the ABLE Initiative to continue supporting pre-service and in-service teachers to build upon their current repertoire of classroom and behavior management strategies.