Microcredentials in Behavior Analysis Grant

 

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) is announcing a call for proposals to strengthen the quality of both the science and practice of behavior analysis by developing microcredentials that target foundational training in the behavior-analytic science. Individuals can earn microcredentials for demonstrating specific skills they have mastered. The skill must be observable and measurable. A series of microcredentials could also be awarded for demonstration of “sets” or stacks of related skills.

 

Potential microcredentials could include (a) assessment of skills that individuals already possess (with no additional instruction provided) or (b) a combination of a programmatic learning experience followed by demonstration of the specific skill.

 

Microcredentials can be related to any sub-area of behavior analysis, such as education; organizational behavior management; adult or family clinical practice; experimental analysis of behavior; behavior pharmacology and neuroscience; applied animal behavior; autism; developmental disabilities; philosophical, conceptual, and historical issues, and community, social and sustainability issues.

 

The amount awarded will be up to US $10,000 to those within the Tiered Model of Education system (i.e., faculty/staff members within ABAI Accredited or ABAI Recognized programs).

 

Grant Application Details

Eligibility: Only individuals within programs that are within the Tiered Model of Education (ABAI Accredited or ABAI Recognized) may submit proposals.

 

Eligibility Considerations: To be considered for funding, the delivery of the microcredential must be based on evaluation of the observable, measurable behavior using a rubric to determine mastery of the skill. The skills must be stated in verb-object form. Proposals that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

 

Other evaluation criteria include:

 

  • - The extent to which the proposal demonstrates inclusion of individuals with appropriate knowledge and technical expertise.
  • - The potential “reach” of the project, with preference to projects that include broadly accessible online/remote instruction.
  • - The perceived importance of the skill for a broad array of behavior analysts. Microcredentials from any sub-area of behavior analysis can achieve high ratings. Funding preference will be given to proposals that address skills related to the experimental analysis of behavior or theoretical/conceptual issues in behavior analysis.
  • - Funding preference will be given to proposals that include “stacks” of micro-credentials.
  • - The existing availability of infrastructure to support the project (e.g., access to badge management platforms, etc.).
  • - The extent to which the proposed budget matches the necessary scope of work.
  • - The perceived feasibility of the project, including the clarity and feasibility of assessment, initial instruction (if applicable), and remediation plans.
  • - The perceived likelihood that completing the micro-credential will result in lasting, generalizable skill development for those who complete it.
  • - The potential sustainability of the micro-credential over time.

 

Proposals will be evaluated with a scoring system that awards points for each of the criteria listed in the Evaluation Criteria bullets immediately above, corresponding to the criteria listed the related sections of the proposal. Scores will be arranged according to NIH scoring guidelines, with scores ranging from 1 to 9, where lower scores indicate more positive ratings.

 

Ownership: The microcredentials developed as a result of the award will be owned and operated by the program or individual who develops them. The ABAI grant support must be credited in all micro-credential materials supported by the award.

 

Timelines and Payout: Successful proposals must be completed within one year of the award. Funding will be distributed in parcels, with a portion issued at commencement of the project and a portion distributed after work is underway.

 

Ineligible Costs: Institutional, indirect, or overhead costs are not permitted.

 

Please find full details of the grant application here.

 

Contact Information: Interested individuals with questions should contact info@abainternational.org.