Importance Of Functional Behavior Assessments

My practicum is in the Wappinger Falls District, at Brinckerhoff Elementary School. At my school, I have been learning a lot about what a school psychologist does and how the job varies across the board. Thus far, I have been exposed to a lot of assessments, functional behavior assessments, individualized education plans, counseling, and attending many meetings about students with staff and parents. My supervisor is new to the school, and I have been learning about what it’s like to start in a new school with fresh eyes, and figuring out your role. My supervisor used to work out of district, and she was moved to this school this coming school year. We have been learning together on what her role entails, which has been challenging yet rewarding. It has been challenging because there is no …show more content…
During practicum, I have been using data collection for Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs). Functional Behavior Assessments data collection and progress monitoring are very important in order to determine if students are making any progress in regards to their behaviors that are problematic to the teacher, and/or other students. Based on the data that we collect, we decide on the behaviors that we want to focus on with the teacher. When using data collection, technology resources are being used to determine if the data shows an increase or decrease in targeted behaviors. Moving forward during my practicum, I would like to expand my knowledge in different data collection options. Currently I have been using simple methods of collecting data. However, moving forward I would like to expand my comfort level and focus on different and more effective ways to collect and record data. I would like to share things that I have learned with my practicum supervisor to see if I would be able to utilize some of the methods I learn in my school, and use them during my