Episode #194: The Importance of Data and Decision-Making with Dr. Rick Kubina

Dr. Rick Kubina, a distinguished Professor of Special Education at The Pennsylvania State University, has had a dynamic career, collaborating with prominent figures in the fields of special education and applied behavior analysis (ABA). In our discussion, we delve into a topic that is close to my heart as both a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): the critical role of data in effective decision-making. Dr. Kubina emphasizes that the foundation of quality decision-making lies in the integrity of the data collected. Without accurate baseline data, it’s impossible to chart a meaningful course toward improvement. He advocates for standardized measurement tools, arguing that consistent data collection is key to achieving standardized outcomes, which are crucial for comparing and understanding progress across diverse populations.

In addition to his academic work, Dr. Kubina serves as the research director for CentralReach LLC, a company that provides innovative practice management and clinical solutions for therapy service organizations, particularly those focused on ABA, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. CentralReach’s platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for data collection, billing, scheduling, and staff management, all designed to streamline operations and enhance outcomes for clients, especially those with developmental disabilities like autism. As the field evolves, Dr. Kubina is keenly aware of the potential and challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI). CentralReach is committed to harnessing the power of AI to improve data-driven decision-making while addressing concerns about its integration, ensuring that AI serves as a powerful, supportive tool for practitioners in the future of therapy and education.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Dr. Rick Kubina is a distinguished Professor of Special Education at the Pennsylvania State University, where he specializes in innovative approaches to learning and education. His expertise is in reading instruction, instructional design, and educational assessment. Dr. Kubina’s research explores the intersection of learning, science, and technology, encompassing explicit instruction methodologies, Precision Teaching techniques, and the integration of robotics in learning environments. Dr. Kubina’s professional achievements include co-founding the educational technology company Chartlytics, which later merged with CentralReach, where he now serves as Director of Research. He is also the former Editor of the Journal of Precision Teaching & Celeration. Currently, Dr. Kubina collaborates with school district administrators, healthcare providers, and technology experts, focusing on implementing Precision Teaching methods, effective practice methods, digitization of behavioral health processes, and artificial intelligence applications in education and behavioral health.

What’s Inside:

• Why quality decision-making is critical to data.
• Streamlining the data process and creating standardized outcomes.
• How AI can serve as a powerful, supportive tool for the field of ABA.

Mentioned In This Episode

• Rick Kubina – CentralReach, LLC | LinkedIn
• CentralReach
• Join us in the ABA SPEECH Connection Membership 
• Register for our Naturalistic Interventions Course 
• Rose Griffin (@abaspeechbyrose) on Instagram

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