Overlapping Training and Roles in Behavior Analysis and School Psychology: What Behavior Analysts Need to Know

Introduction

In school settings, behavior analysts (BCBAs) and school psychologists (SPs) play essential roles in supporting students with challenging behaviors. While each profession has its own training and scope of practice, there's significant overlap in their responsibilities, particularly in behavioral assessment and intervention.

Effective collaboration between BCBAs and SPs can lead to better student outcomes, yet there are often challenges in how these professionals work together. A recent study by Snyder, Huber, Hornsby, and Leventhal (2023) examined the similarities and differences in their training, roles, and collaborative experiences. This post provides a breakdown of their findings and what behavior analysts need to know about working alongside school psychologists.

Why Collaboration Matters

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Work

Schools rely on multiple professionals to address the complex needs of students. BCBAs and SPs bring different, yet complementary, expertise to their work. By collaborating effectively, they can:

• Prevent and address student behavioral challenges proactively
• Ensure evidence-based interventions are implemented consistently
• Share knowledge and improve problem-solving approaches

However, interdisciplinary collaboration isn't always easy. Differences in training, terminology, and job expectations can cause confusion or inefficiencies. Understanding where these fields overlap—and where they differ—can help BCBAs improve their partnerships with SPs.

Comparing Training and Professional Roles

Similarities in Training

Both BCBAs and SPs receive education in:

• Behavioral assessment and intervention
• Data collection and analysis
• Supporting students with disabilities
• Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs)

Key Differences in Training

Despite their shared competencies, important distinctions exist:

• School psychologists receive formal training in cognitive, academic, and social-emotional assessment. They also have coursework in counseling and mental health.
• Behavior analysts receive in-depth training specifically in applied behavior analysis (ABA), including reinforcement procedures, preference assessments, and discrete trial training.

These differences can sometimes create gaps in each professional’s ability to fully implement behavioral interventions or assessments independently, making collaboration even more critical.

Key Findings from the Study

Training in Behavior Support Practices

The study found that while both groups engage in similar tasks, differences in their training impact how they approach behavior support. Some key findings include:

• FBAs: Both groups are trained in functional behavior assessments, but BCBAs receive more in-depth preparation.
• Behavior Intervention Planning (BIPs): BCBAs lead in designing BIPs, while SPs receive more training in behavioral consultation.
• Preference Assessments: BCBAs receive extensive training, whereas SPs are less familiar with these methods.

Participation in School Meetings and Behavior Intervention

Both professionals are involved in school-based decision-making, but their participation differs:

• IEP Meetings: Both BCBAs and SPs commonly attend and contribute.
• Eligibility Meetings and Problem-Solving Teams: SPs are more likely to participate due to their role in broader student evaluations.
• FBA and BIP Meetings: BCBAs tend to take the lead, though SPs are often involved.
• Manifestation Determination Reviews: SPs are more likely to participate in these meetings compared to BCBAs.

Collaboration Formats and Frequency

How do these professionals typically communicate?

• Most common methods: In-person meetings, emails, and phone calls
• Post-pandemic shifts: Increased use of video conferencing for collaboration
• Collaboration imbalance: SPs tend to adopt BCBAs’ input more frequently than the other way around

This suggests that some BCBAs may not fully utilize the expertise of SPs, missing opportunities for more integrated student support.

Barriers and Facilitators to Collaboration

Challenges to Effective Collaboration

The study identified several barriers that can make teamwork difficult:

• Limited time: Heavy caseloads and busy schedules reduce opportunities for collaboration.
• Role misunderstandings: Lack of awareness of each other's training leads to confusion.
• Administrative constraints: School policies and funding impact how professionals can collaborate.

Factors That Foster Better Collaboration

For improved teamwork, schools and professionals should consider:

• Clear role definitions: Ensuring that both BCBAs and SPs know their responsibilities
• Joint professional development: Training sessions that highlight shared skills and complementing strengths
• Regular communication: Scheduled meetings to discuss student progress and intervention approaches

Takeaways for Behavior Analysts

Understanding the overlapping training and responsibilities of BCBAs and SPs can lead to more effective collaboration. To improve teamwork with school psychologists, BCBAs should:

1. Acknowledge shared expertise. SPs bring valuable skills in consultation, cognitive assessment, and academic supports.
2. Improve communication. Proactively schedule time for collaboration rather than relying on informal interactions.
3. Recognize different perspectives. Be open to learning from SPs and integrating their insights into behavior support plans.
4. Advocate for structural support. Work with school administrators to establish better frameworks for interdisciplinary teamwork.

By strengthening collaboration, behavior analysts can contribute to more cohesive and effective student support systems.

Final Thoughts

The study by Snyder et al. (2023) highlights the critical overlaps and gaps in training between BCBAs and school psychologists. While both professionals share a commitment to supporting students, better collaboration is needed to maximize their combined expertise.

Are you a school-based behavior analyst? How do you collaborate with school psychologists in your setting? Share your experiences in the comments below!

For more details, you can access the original study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00904-y.