This comparison draws in part from “Are Performance Management Portfolios a viable alternative to Scorecards?” by Francis Hwang, PhD, BCBA-D, LBA, Assoc. BA CABAS (BehaviorLive), and extends it with peer-reviewed research from our library of 27,900+ ABA research articles. The decision framework, BACB ethics code references, and cross-links below are synthesized by Behaviorist Book Club.
View the original presentation →Behavior technician performance management is a high-stakes organizational function: the quality of BT performance directly determines the quality of ABA services delivered to clients. Two primary approaches have emerged in ABA organizations: scorecard systems, which evaluate BT performance against standardized criteria at regular intervals, and performance management portfolio systems, which track individualized competency development through accumulated evidence over time. Both have empirical support; both have limitations. The choice between them — or the decision about how to integrate them — should be driven by what each organization needs its performance management system to accomplish.
| Factor | Evidence-Based Approach | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | PMPS: Documents individualized competency growth over time; supports developmental supervision | Scorecard: Evaluates performance against standardized thresholds; supports accountability and comparability |
| Individualization | PMPS: Goals and criteria adapted to each BT's starting point, experience level, and developmental needs | Scorecard: Identical criteria applied to all BTs regardless of experience level or individual goals |
| Competency Coverage | PMPS: Can capture complex, contextual competencies — difficult behavior management, flexible naturalistic teaching | Scorecard: Best suited to measurable, threshold-defined competencies — data accuracy, program implementation fidelity |
| Motivational Impact | PMPS: Reinforces growth and professional development; creates ongoing engagement for high performers | Scorecard: Effective at creating accountability; may provide limited motivation for BTs who consistently exceed threshold |
| Administrative Demand | PMPS: Higher — requires evidence collection, reflection documentation, and developmental feedback skills | Scorecard: Lower — standardized criteria and structured evaluation format reduce administrative burden |
| Retention Impact | PMPS: Supervisory relationship quality associated with developmental systems predicts higher job satisfaction and retention | Scorecard: Accountability function supports fairness; purely evaluative systems without developmental component associated with lower satisfaction |
The ABA Clubhouse has 60+ on-demand CEUs including ethics, supervision, and clinical topics like this one. Plus a new live CEU every Wednesday.
Use this framework when approaching are performance management portfolios a viable alternative to scorecards? in your practice:
Does the data support a need for intervention? Is there a meaningful impact on the individual's quality of life, safety, or access to reinforcement?
YES → Proceed to assessment NO → Document reasoning, monitor
A functional assessment should guide intervention selection. Avoid defaulting to standard protocols without individual analysis. Consider environmental variables, setting events, and private events.
YES → Select evidence-based approach matched to function NO → Complete assessment first
Goals should be co-developed. Assent and informed consent are ethical requirements. The individual's preferences and values matter in selecting both goals and methods.
YES → Proceed with collaborative plan NO → Engage in shared decision-making
This course covers the clinical and ethical dimensions in detail with structured learning objectives and CEU credit.
Are Performance Management Portfolios a viable alternative to Scorecards? — Francis Hwang · 1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $30
Take This Course →We extended this decision guide with research from our library — dig into the peer-reviewed studies behind each approach, in plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
279 research articles with practitioner takeaways
258 research articles with practitioner takeaways
233 research articles with practitioner takeaways
1 BACB Supervision CEUs · $30 · BehaviorLive
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Research-backed answers for behavior analysts
All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.