In this episode, Audra and Caitlin tackle one of the hardest parts of working in special education and behavior support: talking with families when things are not improving yet. When behaviors are escalating or strategies aren’t working, those meetings can feel tense for everyone in the room. The conversation explores how educators and BCBAs can stay transparent, rely on objective data, and keep relationships strong with families even when the news is difficult. Instead of panic, blame, or sugarcoating, the focus is on collaboration, trust, and problem-solving together.

🔑 Key Takeaways
• Tip 1: Start with transparency — Families usually know when things aren’t going well. Honest communication builds trust.
• Tip 2: Lead with data, not emotion — Share observable patterns (frequency, timing, context) instead of subjective language.
• Tip 3: Share what’s been tried — Explain strategies already attempted, what’s happening now, and the next steps.
• Tip 4: Stay calm when emotions rise — Pause, slow the conversation, and return to shared goals for the student.
• Affirm the child first — Let families know you genuinely value their child before discussing challenges.
• Follow up in writing — Send a short recap so families can process and avoid misunderstandings.

📦 Resources Mentioned
• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
• Share strategies for navigating difficult parent conversations
• Ask questions or suggest topics for future episodes

🙌 Join Us & Share
• How do you handle tough conversations with families when behavior plans aren’t working?
• What strategies help keep meetings collaborative instead of confrontational?
• Have you found ways to share difficult data without escalating stress for families?
• Join the discussion in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group
• Know a teacher or BCBA who dreads parent meetings? Send them this episode 🎧

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

Running small groups in an ABA classroom can feel like juggling flaming data sheets. Two learners. Two programs. Two sets of behaviors. In this Misfit Minute, Caitlin shares four practical tips for running dyads and small group instruction without sacrificing instructional quality.

🔑 Key Takeaways
• Prep for success — have materials, reinforcers, pencils, and data sheets ready before you start. Less scrambling, more teaching.
• Plan the rotation — decide who gets your attention first and what the other learner will do while waiting. Keep them engaged.
• Position strategically — sit between students when possible so you can monitor engagement, behavior, and prompting easily.
• Quality over quantity — five strong, meaningful trials beat fifteen rushed ones every time.
• Expect it to feel clunky at first — rhythm builds with practice for both you and your learners.

📦 Resources to check out
• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
• IEP Goal Bank & Assessment System → https://abainschool.com/iepgoals
• Episode #62 Running Social Skills Groups → https://abainschool.com/ep62

🙌 Join Us & Share
• Do you prefer dyads or 1:1 instruction?
• What helps you keep the “waiting” student engaged?
• Drop your favorite small group tip in the Facebook group 💬
• Know a teacher overwhelmed by small groups? Send them this Misfit Minute 💙

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!

The past few years have reshaped classrooms in ways many educators are still trying to make sense of. In this episode, Audra and Caitlin react to real conversations from teachers and parents about burnout, behavior changes, staffing shortages, placement decisions, and the growing gap between expectations and reality in special education. They share honest reflections, practical perspective, and reassurance for educators wondering if it’s just them… or if things really have changed.

🔑 Key Takeaways
• Post-COVID behavior shifts are still impacting classrooms — many educators report lasting changes in student readiness and regulation.
• Burnout often comes from systems, not students — paperwork, staffing shortages, and unrealistic expectations wear people down.
• No two schools are the same — a difficult placement doesn’t mean the entire field is broken.
• It’s okay to leave a setting that isn’t sustainable — protecting your mental health helps students too.
• Placement decisions must be individualized — least restrictive environment looks different for every student.
• Social media advice has limits — meaningful strategies require knowing the actual child.
• Independence skills matter more than academics at school entry — self-care and routines set the foundation for learning.
• If you’re still in this field, your commitment matters — staying doesn’t mean it’s easy; it means it’s meaningful.

📦 Resources Mentioned
• Join the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group → https://abainschool.com/misfits
• Share your experiences with post-COVID classroom changes
• Submit future episode topics in the group

🙌 Join Us & Share
• Are you seeing lasting behavior or readiness changes in students?
• What’s been the biggest contributor to burnout in your role?
• What has helped you stay in the field — or decide to leave?
• Share your perspective in the Misfit Behaviorists Facebook Group
• Know an educator who feels exhausted or discouraged? Send them this episode

Join the Facebook group for collaboration and freebies: The Misfit Behaviorists

😍 More, you say? We’re here for you!

• Apple podcast | The Misfit Behaviorists
• Instagram | @‌themisfitbehaviorists
• YouTube | @‌themisfitbehaviorists

👋 Find us!

• Audra | ABA in School
• Caitlin | Beltran’s Behavior Basics
• Sami | B.A.S.S.

🖱️ Rate, Review, Like & Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Showing this love helps us get out to more educators out there!