Dr. Ron Leaf, co-founder of Autism Partnership, presented at an all-day training for Moreno Valley Unified School District special education teachers of the autism programs, selected Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and school psychologists The participants were trained on how to effectively implement Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies to reduce inappropriate and aggressive behaviors in order to increase student learning.
The training took place at the Professional Development Center, and was followed up with four days of hand on training with students with autism. Under the direction of Pamela Bender, Executive Director of SELPA, Program Specialist Julie Williams was able to coordinate the training to include as many participants as possible.
Dr. Leaf shared that very few districts are training their staff with intensive hands on training like the one they presented for Moreno Valley Unified School District. He noted he was impressed with Moreno Valley USD’s effort to provide their staff the necessary training to handle intensive behaviors using ABA strategies.
Ms. Williams stated, “Interventions based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), such as Discrete Trial Teaching (DTT) are the most researched and widely used interventions for students with ASD. Having highly trained and skilled staff is a critical component of our programs.”
Support from Superintendent Dr. Martinrex Kedziora and the Board of Education, made the training became a reality.
“We are very supportive of any opportunity to bring in training that will guide our staff to better support our students,” said Board member Susan Smith.