If you ask most people where Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) began, they’ll point to Baer, Wolf, and Risley’s 1968 article—the one that defined the field’s seven core dimensions. But here’s the twist: ABA didn’t start there. The real story is more complex, more fascinating, and—like all good stories—it challenges what we think we know.

Storytelling isn’t just an art; it’s a science of behavior change. A well-told story functions like a structured sequence of verbal behavior, carefully shaping the listener’s understanding, beliefs, and actions. In behavior analysis, storytelling does more than entertain—it educates, persuades, and transforms. It helps us make sense of history, recognize the patterns that led to major breakthroughs, and understand why the field evolved the way it did.

So, what’s the real story of ABA’s origins? To get there, we need to go beyond Baer, Wolf, and Risley and look at the pioneering work that came before them—the research programs, the key figures, and the...

Storytelling and Behavior Analysis: A Shared Foundation

Behavior analysis and storytelling might seem like separate disciplines, but they share a fundamental connection—both shape behavior through carefully arranged contingencies. Our field’s history includes powerful narratives, none more influential than Catherine Maurice’s Let Me Hear Your Voice, a firsthand account that introduced countless families to behavior analysis. Storytelling has always been a vehicle for disseminating science, yet we often underestimate its strategic role in shaping public perception and policy. I’ve spent years leveraging narrative in behavior analysis, whether through filmmaking, multimedia dissemination, or large-scale data analysis. When capturing discussions with thought leaders like Steven C. Hayes—one of the most highly cited researchers across all sciences—I’ve seen firsthand how behavior analysis is still defining its larger story. Skinner’s last words highlight this ongoing evolution: “A better ...

Kent Johnson, PhD: The Founding of Morningside Academy

Dr. Kent Johnson is a renowned educator and researcher in the field of education, particularly known for his work in instructional design, applied behavior analysis (ABA), and precision teaching. As the founder and executive director of Morningside Academy, Dr. Johnson has dedicated his career to developing and refining effective instructional methods that help students who have struggled in traditional educational settings. His expertise and contributions have shaped The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction, a scientifically driven framework that has impacted countless students and educators across North America. Morningside Academy continually refines its teaching methods based on empirical evidence. Through ongoing assessments and research partnerships, the school ensures that its instructional practices remain at the cutting edge of educational science. This commitment to evidence-based instruction is a key reason why M...

Introduction to Kent Johnson, PhD

Kent Johnson, PhD, has dedicated his life to transforming education through his innovative approach to learning known as The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction. As the Founder and Executive Director of Morningside Academy in Seattle, Washington, Kent Johnson, PhD, has fundamentally reshaped how struggling students can become agile, independent learners. His visionary methods, initially developed from his childhood curiosity about learning, have become central not only to the Academy’s ongoing success but also to behavioral science education. This article explores Kent Johnson, PhD's inspiring journey and his impactful contributions, giving you a peek into the profound new course on The Behavior Academy's called "The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction" empowering educators worldwide

Early Life and Inspiration

Kent Johnson, PhD, discovered his passion for teaching early, driven by his curiosity about how learning occurs, particularly...

In the field of applied behavior analysis, there are two key credentials that professionals can obtain: BCBA® certification and licensure as a Behavior Analyst. While they may seem similar, they serve different purposes and are governed by different entities.

Breaking Down BCBA State Certification

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®) oversees the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) certification. This certification is a professional credential that signifies a certain level of competence and expertise in the field of behavior analysis. It is recognized internationally and allows professionals to practice behavior analysis under certain conditions. The certification process involves meeting specific educational and experiential BCBA requirements, passing an examination, and adhering to the BACB®'s ethical guidelines.

On the other hand, licensure as a Behavior Analyst is a state-level credential. It is granted by individual states and allows professionals to practic...

As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) with over 15 years of experience and creator of over 250 hours of content with some of the world's best behavior analysts, including Patrick C. Friman, Steven C. Hayes, Gregory P. Hanley, and many more, I am well-positioned to guide you through the BCBA® CEU requirements for 2025.

Guide to BCBA Requirements

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) is a graduate-level certification in behavior analysis. Professionals certified at the BCBA® level are independent practitioners who provide behavior-analytic services. They may supervise the work of Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts® (BCaBA®s), Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT®s), and other professionals who implement behavior-analytic services.

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board, Inc.® (BACB®) has been the leader in behavior analyst certification for over two decades. The BACB® is a nonprofit corporation that was established in 1998 to meet professional certification n...

The Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) credential is a nationally recognized certification that signifies a high level of competence in the principles and practices of applied behavior analysis (ABA).

While the BCBA salary by state can vary, this certification, granted by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®), a nonprofit organization that sets professional standards for behavior analysis, is universally respected. The BCBA® certification is highly sought after and respected in various fields, including healthcare, education, and social services, where professionals work to improve the lives of individuals through behavior change.

The BCBA® salary varies significantly across the United States, reflecting the diverse economic conditions, cost of living, and demand for services in each state. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the BCBA salary by state in 2023, based on information from the BACB® and labor market analytics from ZipRecruiter.

BCBA® Sa...

What Is The Essential For Living Curriculum And How It Transforms The Lives Of People With Disabilities

The Essential for Living curriculum, often abbreviated as EFL, is a comprehensive tool designed to help individuals with moderate to severe disabilities. This curriculum focuses on teaching functional skills, life skills, and daily living skills, which are crucial for these individuals to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. The EFL curriculum is not specific to any one disability; instead, it is designed to cater to a wide range of individuals with varying levels of needs and abilities. I had the pleasure in graduate school to see and test protocols in the EFL while coincidentally being a student at the Florida Institute of Technology where Dr. Patrick McGreevy was a professor of mine.

The assessment process in the Essentials for Living curriculum is thorough and comprehensive. It is not a simple checklist but a deep dive into the individual's abilities and needs. The asses...

Who is Patrick McGreevy and What Is Essential for Living®?

Dr. Patrick McGreevy, a renowned figure in the field of applied behavior analysis, has a rich history that spans over five decades. His journey began in the late 1960s when he stepped into a public-school classroom as a teacher of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The materials provided to him and the teaching procedures to which he was exposed in graduate school seemed inadequate for these children, which led him to seek out more functional materials and more effective teaching procedures.

This marked the beginning of his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of individuals with moderate-to-severe disabilities through applied behavior analysis and precision teaching. I had the pleasure of being one of his graduate students at the Florida Institute of Technology and remain connected to him to this day.

Who Is Patrick McGreevy?

In the early part of his career as a teacher and behavior analyst, ...

Who Is Troy Fry? Meet BCBA, Co-Author Essential For Living®

Troy Fry, BCBA is a renowned figure in the field of behavior analysis, with a career that spans several decades. His journey began in the early days of behavior analysis, a time when the field was not as ubiquitous as it is today. His work has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities by teaching them meaningful skills.

In his early life, Troy Fry was mentored by some of the greats in the field of behavior analysis, including Ray Miltenberger, Anthony Cuvo, Don Baer, Barbara Etzel, and Montrose Wolf. These mentors instilled in him a deep understanding of behavior analysis and its potential to change lives. The lessons he learned from these mentors have shaped his approach to behavior analysis and have been instrumental in his success.

Meet Troy Fry, BCBA & Co-Author Of Essential For Living

Troy Fry's educational journey is equally impressive. He received a B.A. in Science and Mathe...