📘 New Discipline Policy, Rising Behaviors: A BCBA’s Guide to Ethical Crisis Response in May

Published by Inclusive Behavior Consulting | May 9, 2025
Author: Katie Conrado, M.SpEd & BCBA | Founder, Inclusive Behavior Consulting

As we head into the final stretch of the school year, school-based BCBAs are being pulled in two directions:

1. A sweeping new federal executive order on discipline, and

2. A rise in end-of-year behavioral escalations that leave staff and students overwhelmed.

This post breaks down what the new April 23 Executive Order means for your daily practice — and how you can navigate crises while staying rooted in ethics, evidence, and compassion.

⚖️ The April 23 Executive Order: What BCBAs Should Know

The current administration's Executive Order on “Reinstating Common Sense School Discipline”  directs schools to move away from equity-based discipline frameworks. It:

• Rejects the use of racial disparity data in discipline as evidence of discrimination

• Frames equity efforts as harmful “behavior modification techniques”

• Calls for new federal guidance and model policies within 30–120 days

• Labels trauma-informed, restorative, or culturally responsive approaches as potentially discriminatory

🚨 What this means for BCBAs:

• Staff may be told to stop using data to identify disparities — even if required for FAPE or IEP development

• Positive behavior supports, SEL, or de-escalation tools may be deprioritized

• Pressure may rise to “just suspend” or “write up” students without function-based supports

📣 We’ll share weekly updates as this policy unfolds — including how to stay aligned with IDEA, Section 504, and BACB ethical standards.

📋 Your Ethical Compass in Uncertain Times

In moments like these, our professional ethics help us stay focused on what matters: student dignity, evidence-based practice, and safety.

From the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts, consider:

• 1.08 – Nondiscrimination: We must behave equitably regardless of race, disability, or socioeconomic status

• 2.01 – Providing Effective Treatment: Interventions must be based on evidence, maximize benefit, and minimize harm

• 2.14 – Behavior-Change Interventions: Must prioritize positive reinforcement and be designed around the student’s needs

• 3.12 – Advocating for Appropriate Services: We are ethically obligated to educate teams and advocate for what’s right — even when it’s hard

These standards remind us: our job isn’t just compliance — it’s leadership.

🔥 May Focus: Crisis Response That Protects Everyone

Behavior spikes are normal this time of year — but that doesn’t mean they’re easy.

To support your team, we’re focusing this month on trauma-informed, legally compliant crisis response practices that actually reduce future risk.

🎁 FREE TOOL: Crisis Response Checklist

Help your teams prepare, respond, and debrief more effectively — without blaming or burning out.

💡 3 Crisis Response Moves You Can Use This Week

1. Pre-Teach Transitions

Events like field day, assemblies, or early dismissal can trigger huge dysregulation. Use visual schedules, sensory breaks, and social stories to prep students in advance.

2. Protect Student Dignity in Every Step

Avoid shaming, isolating, or restraining unless absolutely necessary. Ensure responses align with BIPs and emphasize safety and regulation.

🔎 Ethics Alignment:

• 2.15 – Minimizing Risk

• 2.16 – Describing Interventions Before Implementation

3. Debrief Every Crisis (Even Briefly)

After the incident, take 2–5 minutes to reflect:

• What triggered it?

• What supports were missing?

• What’s the plan for tomorrow?

Use our checklist to keep things short, actionable, and safe.

🎓 CEU Launch: Crisis Debriefing Done Right

Need a refresher on leading trauma-informed, ethical debriefs with school teams? Our new 1-hour CEU course is live next week!

📘 You'll learn:

• How to create a non-blaming debrief process

• What to document (and why)

• How to support staff regulation and retention during tough weeks

👉 Pre-enroll here →

💬 Final Thoughts: Lead with Values, Not Fear

Policies change. Pressures rise. But you know what works:

• Function-based interventions

• Collaborative teams

• Consistent, compassionate response systems

• Rooted ethical practice

Even in the middle of legal uncertainty and system strain, you are the anchor. You model regulation. You protect relationships. You lead ethically.

And we’ve got your back — every step of the way.

—

Katie Conrado, M.SpEd & BCBA

Founder, Inclusive Behavior Consulting

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