Bill Text: NJ ACR30 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges institutions of higher education in New Jersey to offer courses and degree programs in applied behavior analysis.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-01-16 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Higher Education Committee [ACR30 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-ACR30-Introduced.html
ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 30
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
216th LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2014 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman DONNA M. SIMON
District 16 (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex and Somerset)
SYNOPSIS
Urges institutions of higher education in New Jersey to offer courses and degree programs in applied behavior analysis.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel
A Concurrent Resolution urging institutions of higher education to offer courses and degree programs in applied behavior analysis.
Whereas, The field of applied behavior analysis, which stems from the scientific study of principles of learning and behavior, is a well-developed discipline among the helping professions for providing services to children and adults with diverse learning and behavioral needs; and
Whereas, Applied behavior analysis involves the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications, using behavioral stimuli and consequences, to produce socially significant improvement in behavior, including the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relationship between the environment and behavior; and
Whereas, Highly trained behavior analysts can effectively apply behavioral principles to promote positive social behaviors and skill development, and to reduce or ameliorate behaviors that interfere with learning and social interaction; and
Whereas, Applied behavior analysis is often, and perhaps most notably, used to teach and treat individuals with autism spectrum disorders and related developmental disorders, and has proven valuable in helping these individuals live happy and productive lives; and
Whereas, Research studies on the use of applied behavior analysis in the education and treatment of individuals with autism and related disorders have documented its effectiveness in fostering participation in family and community activities, as well as generating improvements in many important skill areas including communication, academics, social skills, play, self care, adaptability, and employment; and
Whereas, Applied behavior analysis is also utilized to help children and adults with a variety of other challenges including, but not limited to, addictive behavior, brain injury, mental disorders, substance abuse, and juvenile delinquency; and has contributed to research in a range of fields, such as behavioral medicine, education, environmental conservation, sports performance, industrial safety, and business management; and
Whereas, Practitioners who are trained in applied behavior analysis and satisfy certain academic and experience requirements are eligible to take an exam to become board certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, a nationally accredited nonprofit corporation that implements a uniform credentialing process for behavior analyst practitioners; and
Whereas, The Behavior Analyst Certification Board offers certification at two levels: the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential for applicants who possess at least a masters degree, meet specified academic and experience requirements, and pass a standardized exam; and the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) credential for applicants who possess at least a bachelors degree, meet specified academic and experience requirements, and pass a standardized exam; and
Whereas, There is a steady and growing need for practitioners who are trained and certified in applied behavior analysis, particularly as the number of children diagnosed with autism and related disorders is on the rise, and New Jersey's rate of diagnosed autism cases is among the highest in the nation; and
Whereas, With the growing number of children diagnosed with autism, developmental disabilities, and a range of behavioral challenges that require enhanced supports, demand for the services of highly trained behavior analysts is especially great in schools, early intervention programs, residential settings, and other programs providing specialized educational services and therapies; and
Whereas, A gap continues to exist between the supply of qualified behavior analysts and the rising demand for services in applied behavior analysis; and
Whereas, It is in the public interest of this State and nation for institutions of higher education in New Jersey to offer courses and degree programs that provide training in applied behavior analysis and prepare students to become board certified behavior analysts, in order to help fulfill the critical and growing need for qualified practitioners in this field; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):
1. The Legislature urges institutions of higher education in New Jersey to develop and offer courses and degree programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA) that will prepare students to effectively deliver ABA services to meet diverse behavioral needs, and help fill the critical and growing need for highly trained practitioners in this field. The Legislature further encourages institutions of higher education to design ABA programs that satisfy the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board to qualify graduates to take the exam for certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst or Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.
2. Duly authenticated copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and the President of the Senate and attested by the Clerk of the General Assembly and the Secretary of the Senate, shall be transmitted to the Secretary of Higher Education and the president of each public and independent institution of higher education in this State.
STATEMENT
This concurrent resolution urges institutions of higher education in New Jersey to offer courses and degree programs in applied behavior analysis (ABA), in order to prepare students to effectively deliver ABA services to meet diverse behavioral needs and help fill the critical and growing need for highly trained practitioners in this field. The resolution further encourages institutions of higher education to design their ABA programs to satisfy the standards of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, which offers board certification to behavior analysts who meet certain academic and experience requirements and pass a certification exam.
Applied behavior analysis involves the design and application of behavioral methods to promote positive social behaviors and skill development, and to reduce or ameliorate behaviors that interfere with learning and social interaction. ABA is most notably used in the education and treatment of individuals with autism and related developmental disorders, and has been shown in numerous studies to help these individuals improve important life skills, including communication, academics, social skills, self care, and employment. ABA is also used to help individuals with a variety of other learning and behavioral challenges and has contributed to research in a diverse range of fields. The public would greatly benefit if more institutions of higher education in this State offer programs in ABA, particularly as New Jersey's rate of diagnosed autism cases is among the highest in the nation, and there continues to exist a gap between the supply of qualified behavior analysts and the growing demand for ABA services.
