Busting Common Myths About Precision Teaching: What Every BCBA Needs to Know

If you’re an ABA professional, you’ve probably heard about Precision Teaching and the Standard Celeration Chart (SCC). Maybe you’re intrigued but hesitant to dive in because of things you’ve heard. Misconceptions about Precision Teaching can create unnecessary barriers, preventing BCBAs from tapping into its true potential. Today, I want to address some of the most common myths and misconceptions about Precision Teaching and show you why embracing it can elevate your practice to the next level.

Myth 1: “Precision Teaching is Just About Academics”

The Misconception: The Common misconception that Precision Teaching is only beneficial for reading and math skills, such as fluency is one of the worst notions that I have come across in this world. This belief also restricts what Precision Teaching is capable of and defies possibility of using it for broader purposes.

The Truth: Precision Teaching isn’t limited to academics only; It is a tool that can be used in any kind of measurable behaviour. This means you can use it to track and improve behavior skills like mand training, tacting and even social interactions. Any measurable behavior can be depicted on the SCC. In my experience, I have been able to apply self advocacy, communication and social engagement interventions using Precision Teaching. The SCC has been useful in changing instructional methods in order to achieve the best possible learner results.

Your Takeaway: Don’t box Precision Teaching into an academic-only framework. Think of it as a tool for any skill you want to track and improve, from language and social skills to functional living skills. The SCC can be your guide for any behavior that you can count.

Myth 2: “It’s Too Complicated for Day-to-Day ABA”

The Misconception: Another common myth is that Precision Teaching and the SCC are too complicated or cumbersome for everyday use. Some BCBAs believe it takes too much time to learn and integrate into their existing routines.

The Truth: You might think that Precision Teaching will be difficult to learn, but that is not the case. It probably looks like it would take time to learn, but don’t worry, because when you do learn it, it will make data collection and decision making easier. Moreover, the SCC enables you to quickly identify trends... The SCC is great because it takes the emphasis out of data and allows for better and more effective planning of intervention.

Your Takeaway: The initial investment in learning Precision Teaching pays off in spades. You’ll find that your data becomes more actionable and your ability to make quick, informed decisions will improve. Once you’re comfortable with it, Precision Teaching can become one of the most efficient tools in your practice.

Myth 3: “It’s All About Speed, Not Accuracy”

The Misconception: A significant myth is that Precision Teaching is focused solely on speed, neglecting the importance of accuracy. Some practitioners fear that pushing for faster responses could compromise the quality of a learner’s performance.

The Truth: Precision Teaching is about fluency, which is the combination of both speed and accuracy. Fluency ensures that a learner can perform a skill not only correctly but quickly enough to make it functional and useful in everyday life. A fluent skill is one that is retained over time and can be applied in different settings, from home to school to social situations. Emphasizing fluency over mere accuracy leads to skills that are more durable and adaptable.

Your Takeaway: Precision Teaching’s focus on fluency helps learners achieve mastery that goes beyond the “80% accuracy” standard. It prepares them to use their skills consistently and efficiently, leading to better retention and generalization.

Why Fluency Matters: A Closer Look

Most Board-Certified Behavior Analysts begin and start setting goals for their learners towards achieving 80% accuracy in a specified number of trials or sessions.’ Even though this metric could indicate some level of learning, it doesn’t imply that the child skill acquisition will last in the future. Mastery of a skill means executing that skill correctly, but also quickly enough for it to be useful. Precision Teaching comes in handy here.

By aiming for fluency, you’re not just teaching a skill; you’re teaching a skill that will be used, retained, and generalized. This approach helps prepare learners for real-world scenarios where speed and accuracy both matter.

Breaking Down the Benefits of Precision Teaching

1. It’s Versatile

Precision Teaching isn’t limited to academic or rote tasks. Whether you’re working on functional communication, social skills, or even daily living skills like brushing teeth or dressing, the SCC can be used to track progress and adjust interventions.

2. It Simplifies Your Practice

Once you get the hang of it, Precision Teaching simplifies your data collection and decision-making processes. With real-time feedback, you can make immediate changes to your interventions, reducing the time spent on ineffective strategies.

3. It Combines Speed and Accuracy for True Fluency

Fluency is the key to mastery. Learners who are fluent in their skills are more confident and capable of applying those skills across different situations and environments. This translates to better outcomes for the learner and greater satisfaction for you as a BCBA.

How to Start Implementing Precision Teaching

Ready to overcome these myths and see what Precision Teaching can do for your practice? Here’s how to start:

1. Educate Yourself: Dive into resources, webinars, or workshops that teach the basics of the SCC and Precision Teaching.

2. Start Small: Begin by applying it to one specific skill or learner. Track the data, get used to charting, and start noticing trends.

3. Embrace Fluency Aims: Set realistic fluency aims for each skill you’re teaching. This will give you a clear benchmark to work towards.

4. Track Progress: Use the SCC to monitor both correct responses and errors. This holistic view will help you understand not just whether a learner is progressing, but how they’re progressing.

Unlocking the Potential of Precision Teaching

As a BCBA, you are the hero in the story of your learners’ success. You dispel these dangerous lies and begin to use Precision Teaching, thereby giving yourself the strength to create better and more deleterious techniques. And the SCC can be your compass, providing you the visibility and perspective to become a data driven individual, leading to improved outcomes.

Take the Next Step: Schedule a Free Consultation

If you’re ready to integrate Precision Teaching into your practice but aren’t sure where to start, I’m here to help. Schedule a free consultation, and we’ll discuss how Precision Teaching and the SCC can fit into your current ABA practice. Let’s work together to move beyond misconceptions and make real, lasting progress for your learners.

Transform Your Teaching Approach

Schedule your free consultation today and join a community of BCBAs who are making a lasting impact by mastering the art of Precision Teaching and the SCC.