Cooperant Learning Podcast | Micro-credentials in Behavior Analysis | Dr. Kent Johnson

Keywords

behavior analysis, micro-credentials, education, BCBA, training, professional development, instructional design, ABA

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Kent Johnson discusses the evolution of competence in behavior analysis, emphasizing the need for a new approach to training and professional development. He introduces the concept of micro-credentials as a way to demonstrate mastery of specific skills, comparing and contrasting it with traditional CEUs. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining scientific principles in the field while adapting to the changing landscape of education and practice. Johnson advocates for a grassroots approach to developing micro-credentials, aiming to enhance the relevance and effectiveness of professional development in behavior analysis.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Competence in Behavior Analysis

11:29 The Evolution of Behavior Analysis

17:06 Understanding Micro-Credentials

39:06 Micro-Credentials in Practice

55:48 Future of Micro-Credentials and CEUs

Guest

Dr. Kent Johnson:

Founder and Executive Director, Morningside Academy, Seattle, Washington, 1980 to 2023 Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, 2023 into the future

• Morningside operates a scientifically driven “catch up” school, with a program for children and youth with learning and attention problems, and a “get ahead” program for average and above-average middle school youth.

• Morningside Academy’s procedures have been formalized as The Morningside Model of Generative Instruction (MMGI), including instructional design, classroom management, teaching procedures, and student and program evaluation procedures.

Founder and Director, Morningside Teachers’ Academy, Seattle, Washington, 1990 to present Founder and Executive Director Emeritus, 2023 into the future

• Morningside is also an international center for teacher education and coaching, internships, and instructional design training. We focus upon reading, mathematics, writing, thinking, reasoning, problem-solving and organizational skills. We have implemented MMGI in 142 schools, school districts, agencies, and businesses throughout the United States and Canada since 1991. Morningside hosts an annual Morningside Summer Institute (MSI), as well as school-year trainings. See our website, www.morningsideacademy.org for details.

Author and Publisher, Morningside Press, Seattle, WA, 1990 to present

• Morningside is also a laboratory for developing instructional methods and instructional materials.

• We have published 34 instructional programs, including scripted instruction, frequency building practice exercises, and procedures for classroom implementation in reading, writing, and mathematics

President-Elect, Association for Behavior Analysis International, 2023-24 President, Association for Behavior Analysis International, 2024-2025 President, Society for Behavior Analysis, 2025-2026 (the not-for-profit arm of ABAI)

Further reading: Oregon State University: What is a micro-credential? https://ecampus.oregonstate.edu/news/what-is-a-microcredential/

Education Week: This Teacher PD Approach Has Spread to More Than 30 States https://www.edweek.org/leadership/this-teacher-pd-approach-has-spread-to-more-than-30-states/2025/05

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