In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Welcome to In the Field- The ABA Podcast, hosted by Allyson Wharam. This podcast is a resource hub for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), business owners, training coordinators, individual supervisors, and graduate students accruing fieldwork in ABA.
Allyson, the creator of Sidekick, an innovative online curriculum and learning portal for behavior analysts, dives into the nuances of ABA with a focus on quality supervision, which she believes is the cornerstone of the field. Each episode offers information on topics relevant to ABA professionals, ranging from effective strategies for supervision, innovations in the field, to practical advice for improving service quality and outcomes for clients.
In the Field- The ABA Podcast is not just a show; it's a community for those who are passionate about enhancing their knowledge, skills, and practices in ABA. The podcast features interviews with experts, discussions on emerging trends, and shares actionable tips to help listeners invest in their professional growth and the advancement of the field.
Whether you are driving to an in-home session, taking a break in your busy day, or seeking inspiration and guidance, this podcast is your companion in fostering excellence in ABA. Join us as we explore, learn, and grow together in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
For more resources and information, visit our website at www.sidekicklearning.net.
In the Field: The ABA Podcast
Understanding the 6th Edition Test Content Outline (TCO) Updates
Episode Summary
In this episode, we dive into the significant updates from the 5th Edition Task List to the 6th Edition Test Content Outline (TCO) for the BCBA exam. We discuss what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how these updates impact both trainees and supervisors in the field of ABA.
Whether you're preparing for the exam or supporting trainees, this episode will help clarify key shifts, including new terminology, changes in task weighting, and the growing emphasis on cultural responsiveness, ethical considerations, and applied assessment practices.
Key Topics Discussed
✅ Task List → Test Content Outline (TCO): Understanding the name change and its implications
✅ Structural Updates: Sections are now called Domains (A-I) with minor category refinements
✅ Exam Weighting Adjustments: Changes in emphasis on key areas, including ethics, behavior assessment, and supervision
✅ New & Expanded Content Areas:
- Ethical & Professional Issues: More focus on cultural humility, bias, and professional risks
- Concepts & Principles: Additions like behavioral momentum, multiple control in verbal behavior, and matching law
- Assessment & Measurement: Emphasizing environmental constraints and procedural integrity
- Supervision & Management: Explicit focus on promoting equity and effective supervision
✅ How These Changes Affect Supervisors & Trainees: Practical strategies for integrating these updates into training and study plans
Resources Mentioned
📌 Sidekick Learning’s 6th Edition Crosswalk – Download the breakdown of changes at www.sidekicklearning.net
📌 February 2022 BACB Newsletter – Official source announcing these updates
📌 Sidekick Learning’s Supervision Curriculum & Mock Exams – Designed to align with the new TCO
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