Practitioner Development

Essential Readings in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Behavior Analytic Training Programs

Li et al. (2024) · Behavior Analysis in Practice 2024
★ The Verdict

A ready-to-use DEI reading list lets you plug cultural competence into any supervision cycle without extra prep work.

✓ Read this if BCBAs who supervise students or staff in any setting.
✗ Skip if Practitioners who already run a full DEI curriculum and have a locked reading list.

01Research in Context

01

What this study did

Leng et al. (2024) sent a short survey to behavior-analytic training programs.

They asked: Which articles do you already assign on diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The answers became a single, vetted reading list any supervisor can copy.

02

What they found

The survey showed a small core of DEI papers that programs assign again and again.

The final list gives you ready-made readings instead of hunting Google Scholar.

03

How this fits with other research

Zarcone et al. (2019) first told us to treat DEI like any behavior target. Li et al. now hand you the teaching materials to hit that target.

Allen et al. (2024) and Ecko Jojo (2024) take the same values into practice and supervision. Use Li’s list in class, then follow Allen for identity-first language and Ecko Jojo for disability-affirming accommodations.

Whitehouse et al. (2014) used the same survey trick to build a reading list, but for developmental-disability interventions. Li repeats the method for DEI, proving the toolbox still works.

04

Why it matters

You no longer have to guess which DEI paper is worth your supervisees’ time. Pick two readings from Li’s list for your next supervision cycle. Discuss them, role-play the skills, and track cultural responsiveness like any other skill acquisition. Your trainees leave with both CEUs and stronger client relationships.

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→ Action — try this Monday

Email your trainees the top two papers from Li’s list and schedule a 15-minute discussion at your next meeting.

02At a glance

Intervention
not applicable
Design
survey
Finding
not reported

03Original abstract

Cultural responsiveness is imperative for the success of behavior analysts. As topics within diversity, equity, and inclusion are emphasized within coursework and supervision, there is a growing need for resources. To date, there is limited research on suggested readings within diversity, equity, and inclusion for behavior analysts. We surveyed behavior analysts to construct a list of essential readings within diversity, equity, and inclusion and reported common publications that instructors assigned and students were assigned within behavior analytic coursework.

Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2024 · doi:10.1007/s40617-023-00856-3