1. Why This Episode Matters

• Supervision shapes the next generation of BCBAs—it's more than a checklist.
• The field is expanding, but we lack solid data on effective supervision practices.
• This article offers clarity that would’ve saved me hours of trial and error early on.

2. The Big Picture: Rising Need for High-Quality Supervision

• ABA demand is growing, creating a greater need for qualified BCBA supervisors.
• The BACB Ethics Code and Task List offer limited real-world guidance.
• Many new supervisors default to mimicking their own mentors—often without evidence.

3. Article Overview

Title: Supervision Behaviors of Board Certified Behavior Analysts with Trainees
Authors: Oliveira, Rodriguez, & Rosales (2024)
Journal: Behavior Analysis in Practice

Purpose:

• Identify current supervisory practices used by BCBAs
• Compare practices to BACB guidelines
• Examine links to BCBA exam pass rates

Why It Matters:

• Fills a gap in supervision research
• Data on 46 recommended practices and their impact
• Expert feedback from experienced supervisors

4. Study Methods (Simplified)

• Recruitment: 317 BCBAs across varied ABA settings
• Measures: Survey with 46 practices, demographics, trainee pass rates
• Expert Panel: Seasoned supervisors offered ratings and commentary
• Analysis: Practice frequency, correlations with outcomes, thematic feedback coding

5. Who Responded?

• 41% certified ≤5 years
• 60% supervise RBTs; ~50% supervise BCaBAs or BCBA trainees
• ~50% carry caseloads of 12+ clients
• Most have supervised only 1–3 trainees

6. Top 5 Most Frequent Supervisory Behaviors

1. Communicating Supervision Conditions
2. Designing Effective Training Activities
3. Using Behavioral Skills Training (BST)
4. Providing Immediate Praise
5. Providing Immediate Corrective Feedback

Reflection: These behaviors align closely with Ethics Code Section 5 and are easier when you're face-to-face with your trainee.

7. Midrange and Less Common Behaviors

• Written evaluations: ~40–50%
• Delegation of tasks: <30%
• Including trainees in parent meetings: ~30–50%

8. Least Frequent Supervisory Behaviors

1. Self-Assessment of Supervisory Competence
2. Formal Evaluation of Supervision Practices
3. Structured Supervision Scheduling

Reflection: These require time and planning, which newer supervisors may lack—but they're essential for long-term impact.

9. Correlations with Exam Pass Rates

• 7 practices linked to higher pass rates, including literature reviews and joint PD
• One negative link: over-focus on one client may hinder broader competence

Note: These are correlations, not causations—use them to guide, not dictate, your supervision.

10. Expert Panel Insights

• Create supervisory contracts early
• Schedule regular meetings
• Conduct formal performance reviews
• Invest in your own learning as a supervisor

Common Concern: Supervision is often treated as a secondary responsibility—this needs to change.

11. Key Takeaways

1. “In-the-moment” skills are common but not enough
2. Written, scheduled, reflective supervision is underutilized
3. Broad, literature-based training may boost exam performance
4. Balance client depth with Task List breadth
5. Self-evaluation is vital

12. Practical Tips for Supervisors

• Create a Supervision Contract Template
• Block Weekly Supervision Time
• Use BST Consistently
• Rotate Through All Task List Domains
• Seek Feedback from a Supervisor or Mentor
• Use Simple Feedback Surveys from Trainees

13. Related Episodes & Articles

• Episode 10-sup10: “Organizational Perspectives on ABA Supervision”
• BACB Ethics Code Section 5.0
• Fifth Edition Task List, Section 1

14. References

• Oliveira, T. M., Rodriguez, K. E., & Rosales, M. P. (2024). Behavior Analysis in Practice.
• BACB (2022). Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.
• BACB (2022). BCBA/BCaBA Task List.
• Smith, J. A., & Lee, R. T. (2023). Journal of Organizational Behavior Analysis.

15. Final Thoughts

I hope this breakdown offers a roadmap for meaningful supervision. Before you go, ask yourself:

• Which “in-the-moment” strategies are your strengths?
• Which reflective practices could you introduce this week?
• Who could mentor you in improving your supervision?

Thanks for tuning in. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a colleague. See you in the next episode!