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The Virginia Applied Behavior Analysis Consortium: Preparing Behavior Analysts Using a Collaborative Model

  • Special Section: Education of Behavior Analysts
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Abstract

The development and the evolution of the Virginia Applied Behavior Analysis Consortium, a collaborative project between four institutions of higher education in the state of Virginia, are described. The main goal of the program is to address the shortage of certified behavior analysts by preparing special education teachers and autism specialists to implement effective behavior-analytic interventions in natural environments. In this article, we briefly discuss the history and the purpose of the program, its components, the evolution of the program, the advantages and outcomes of a collaborative model, and future directions for improvement.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the administrators, faculty members, and staff at all four universities for their continuous support and contribution to the founding, organization, and progress of the program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Communication Disorders and Special Education, Old Dominion University, Child Study Center 110, 4501 Hampton Blvd, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

    Laura C. Chezan

  2. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA

    Selena J. Layden

  3. Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA, 24501, USA

    Gena P. Barnhill

  4. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA

    Christine Hoffner Barthold

Authors
  1. Laura C. Chezan
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  2. Selena J. Layden
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  3. Gena P. Barnhill
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  4. Christine Hoffner Barthold
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Laura C. Chezan.

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Funding

The program described in this manuscript was funded by the Virginia Department of Education (grant number 203658).

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Chezan, L.C., Layden, S.J., Barnhill, G.P. et al. The Virginia Applied Behavior Analysis Consortium: Preparing Behavior Analysts Using a Collaborative Model. Behav Analysis Practice 11, 214–227 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-017-0195-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-017-0195-7

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