An Overview of the PEAK Relational Training System: An Evaluation and Curriculum Guide for Teaching Basic and Advanced Language Skills (21-22 ASD Tri-State Webinar Series)
Audience: Advocates, Educators, Other District/School Staff, Parents | Topic: Autism, Special Education | Hosted by: Office of Special Education
On-Demand format
About the Webinar:
Presented by Abby Pfister M.Ed., BCBA & Jennifer Quaranta M.A., BCBA
Originally Aired: September 29, 2021
PEAK (Promoting Emergence of Advanced Knowledge) is an evidence-based assessment with a corresponding curriculum. PEAK is based on traditional ABA approach combined with the science of Derived Relational Responding, which teaches the ability to make relations between concepts. Improving the ability to make relations helps children to acquire skills they were never directly taught to them, which can reduce the amount of time the child needs ABA therapy. It also helps with teaching problem solving skills, advanced language skills, and reduces rote memory which is a common criticism of the traditional ABA approach. The PEAK Relational Training System was developed so that it could be used by teachers, parents, caregivers, and behavior analysts. Although PEAK was created from behavior analytic foundations, instructions are written in a non-technical way so that everybody can understand.
The PEAK Relational Training System includes four training modules. The four modules of PEAK provide a comprehensive and individualized curriculum that can help an individual acquire new skills and learn the important ability to make relations that can be applied to a variety of scenarios encountered throughout life.
This session will provide an overview of the PEAK Relational Training System and Assessment. It will also provide a brief overview of the 4 PEAK modules and data collection system. At the end of the session, teachers currently using PEAK will share their experiences getting started with this system.
Watch
This webinar is posted the Nebraska Autism Spectrum Disorders Network website.
Learner Outcomes:
At the end of the session participants will be able to:
- Describe the components of the PEAK relational training system.
- Identify the 4 PEAK Modules.
- Be familiar with the PEAK Assessment materials and basic steps to get started.
- Describe how the PEAK relational training system can be used as a stand-alone curriculum or in conjunction with existing intensive teaching/verbal behavior programs.
About the Presenter:
Abby Pfister
Abby Pfister began working with individuals with disabilities, including autism, while in college. Abby's experiences as both a general education teacher and special education teacher fuels her passion for supporting teams with the implementation of EBP (Evidence Based Practices) to build effective individualized programing for all students with autism. She currently works as the Northeast Regional Coordinator for the Nebraska ASD Network. Abby received her Bachelors of Science degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Wayne State College. She also holds a master's degrees in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College and in Special Education from Concordia University- Seward. She is currently enrolled in the Behavior Analysis graduate certificate program through Florida Institute of Technology. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their three kids doing ALL things sports related and she will do almost anything as long as it is paired with a good cup of coffee.
Jennifer Burgard-Quaranta
Jennifer Burgard-Quaranta, or Jen Q as most know her, began working with individuals with disabilities, including autism, while in high school. Her experiences include working with individuals in early childhood through senior citizens across a variety of settings. She currently works as the Southeast Regional Coordinator for the Nebraska ASD Network. Her undergraduate work, from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater was in the area of Intellectual Disabilities. She holds master’s degrees in Severe and Multiple Disabilities with an emphasis in Autism from the University of Arizona, and Educational Leadership from Doane College in Nebraska. Jen became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in June of 2020. In her spare time, she enjoys leading two Girl Scout troops. She also serves in various capacities within the local Girl Scout council and at the national level.
Contact Information
Rhonda DannerDanner_R@cde.state.co.us
Certificate
After watching this recorded webinar a certificate for 1 hour is available. Complete a brief survey and short knowledge check. A certificate will be generated if a passing score of 80% is achieved.
Evaluation Survey & Knowledge Check
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