News & Events

Rivermont Schools’ supervisees had an unforgettable experience during their latest group supervision meeting when Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni, renowned behavior scientist and co-author of Deliberate Coaching: Optimizing Teaching and Learning Through Behavioral Science, made a surprise visit. His visit set an inspiring tone for the launch of our new book study, leaving supervisees with invaluable insights to carry forward in their journey toward becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs). 

Last semester, Rivermont Schools completed its first supervisee book study, exploring Quick Wins! Using Behavior Science to Accelerate and Sustain School Improvement by Dr. Gavoni and Anika Costa. This semester, under the leadership of Courtney Peterson, supervisees are diving into Deliberate Coaching, a book designed to help educators create sustainable change in student behavior through a capacity-building coaching model. Dr. Gavoni’s presence provided a meaningful introduction to the study, reinforcing the critical role of behavior science in schools. 

During his time with our supervisees, Dr. Gavoni emphasized the importance of shaping adult behavior to create lasting change in student outcomes. He spoke about the challenges of working in schools and the necessity of local performance management, stressing that effective coaching extends beyond data and behavior plans—it requires real-time engagement, continuous reinforcement, and buy-in from everyone involved. 

Supervisee Jamila Harris shared her experience applying principles from Quick Wins in her classroom, noting a positive cultural shift as staff embraced new strategies. Dr. Gavoni affirmed the power of these small yet impactful changes, explaining how Deliberate Coaching builds upon Quick Wins to maintain momentum and drive long-term success. 

This surprise visit was not only a motivational boost but also a powerful reminder of the impact that behavior science has in education. Rivermont Schools is proud to provide opportunities like this for our supervisees, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and support necessary to thrive as future BCBAs.