Welcome to the Behavior Education Connection!In this episode, we talk about micro-data and how it can be used to guide macro decisions in public school settings. We discuss how behavior analysts can support schools in telling their data stories, and in seeking out sources of information to inform those stories.
Our guests for this episode are:
Jennifer O'Berry, Virginia Department of Education
Courtney Wolfson, Fairfax County Public Schools
Jessica Olesevich, Stafford County Public Schools
For more information, check out the Virginia Public Schools Behavior Analyst Website: https://sites.google.com/odu.edu/vapsban/home
As an added resource, check out the Professional Standards for School-Based Behavior Analysts at https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/cdse_pubs/66/
Guest Speakers:Jennifer O’Berry is the Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, and Assistive Technology Specialist for the Virginia Department of Education. She is a Board Certified and Licensed Behavior Analyst with over 27 years of experience supporting students with disabilities in both public schools and private day school programs. She is passionate about systems change, staff development, and making evidence-based practices accessible for educators and families.
Courtney Wolfson began her career as a dedicated Autism teacher, working with Kindergarten through 4th-grade students. This foundational experience led her to her current role as an ABA coach, where she supports the adults teaching in the Autism programs in utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis teaching techniques, classroom management, curriculum development, and data collection skills. She just completed her Educational Administration and Supervision endorsement, and finds immense joy in leveraging her ABA expertise to lead initiatives that drive impactful program changes, while always prioritizing meaningful instruction and student success.
Jessica Olesevich is an Assistant Principal at Conway Elementary School in south Stafford, VA. She has spent over 15 years in public education, from teaching in the classroom, to supporting from central office, to school administration. In each role, she has used the science of human behavior to guide her vision and mission.
Host:Selena J. Layden, Ph.D., BCBA-D, LBA is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education at Old Dominion University. Dr. Layden earned her doctorate degree from the College of William & Mary in Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership with an emphasis in Special Education Administration and her master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. Prior to joining the faculty at ODU, Dr. Layden worked in multiple school divisions focusing on challenging behavior and children with autism spectrum disorder. She was also the Assistant Director of Training at the Autism Center for Excellence at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Layden’s research interests focus on providing effective professional development for school personnel, improving the implementation of evidence-based practices in schools, particularly for students with autism spectrum disorder, and school-based behavior analysts.
Music: Finding Peace by Remember the Future, from Shutterstock Music
