The module will consider the evidence and ethical considerations of common applications of positive behaviour support. This module forms the discretionary content described for the UKBA(cert) postgraduate curriculum. The full curriculum minimum meets the academic requirements for a student to apply to become a UKBA(cert). The module will include content on the history and theoretical foundation of PBS as a unique practice, topics of Learning Disability Services, universal and targeted supports, and the challenges of implementing PBS at scale in schools and larger organisations. Emphasis will be placed on the ethics of PBS and what it means to have a compassionate practice.

Assessment Strategy

You must achieve a threshold of 50% to pass this module. Please see below for guidance on what you must demonstrate in your work to achieve different levels of performance.

Excellent (A*, A+, A, A-) • Open minded and compassionate reflection on the ethical practice of PBS. All responses are consistent with the UK-SBA code of Ethical and Professional Conduct. • Detailed understanding of theory with no factual errors • Critical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas • Novel and innovative originality in approach, interpretation, and voice • Extensive and comprehensive independent research • Logically defended arguments with evidence for all claims • Highly focused and well structured • Excellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression • Correct format in appropriate referencing style

Good (B+, B, B-) • Honest and considered reflection resulting an ethical and compassionate practice of PBS. • Strong knowledge alongside applied understanding of PBS. • Clear understanding of theory and mostly free of factual errors • Some analysis showing critical evaluation and links between ideas • Novel originality in approach, interpretation, and voice • Considerable independent research from appropriate sources • Coherent arguments with evidence for most claims • Focused and well structured • Clear presentation with accurate and appropriate expression • Mostly correct format in appropriate referencing style

Threshold (C+, C, C-) • Honest reflection resulting in insight about the ethical practice of PBS. • Some knowledge of the practice of PBS. • Understanding the main theoretical concepts with no major factual errors • Basic analysis showing obvious points of evaluation and links between ideas • Some originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice for part of the work • Some independent research from appropriate sources • Arguments presented with evidence for the most important claims • Readable structure showing focus at times • Acceptable presentation with appropriate expression • Attempt at correct format in appropriate referencing style with no major errors

If you do not meet the threshold, then your work will be graded as a Fail (less than 50%). Fail grades vary from Poor (D+, D, D-, E+, E, E-) to Very Poor (F).

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the evidence base for interventions commonly used to support positive behaviour change.

• Demonstrate understanding of the challenges of implementing PBS in organisations.

• Describe and critically evaluate the history of PBS

• Evaluate the commonly used assessment methods in PBS for individuals.

• Explore how the scientific literature supports a current practice of PBS.