Our Blog

Insights, updates, and resources for ABA professionals, educators, and parents.

EFL in PracticeEvent-Based TeachingSpecial Education

Beyond Discrete Trial Training: Event-Based Teaching for ABA Classrooms and Centers

Event-based teaching helps BCBAs and educators organize individualized, functional-skill instruction within meaningful classroom and center routines. Learn how Kristina Montgomery and Emily Beal Wilkinson developed this Essential for Living approach—and how teams can use recurring events to support participation, communication, independence, and quality of life.

#Classroom Design #Daily Living Skills #Event-Based Teaching #Functional Life Skills #Generalization #In-Context Instruction

Dr. Patrick McGreevy

October 24, 2026 · 15 min read

Education & TransitionEvent-Based Teaching

Using Essential for Living and Event-Based Teaching to Prepare Students for Life After 21

Learn how SEARCH Day Program uses Essential for Living and Event-Based Teaching to teach functional life skills and strengthen transition programming for students with moderate-to-severe disabilities.

#Applied Behavior Analysis #Essential for Living #Event-Based Teaching #Functional Life Skills #Life After 21 #Moderate-to-Severe Disabilities #SEARCH Day Program #Skill Based Treatment

Edward Sidley, MA, BCBA

Oct 14

EFL FundamentalsEFL in PracticeEssential for LivingEvent-Based TeachingTeaching & Instruction

Classroom Design: Use it to Cue the Behavior You Want to See

What if the way we design our classrooms is limiting the skills our students learn? Explore how rethinking traditional special education classrooms can create more natural learning environments, promote independence, and help students develop functional life skills that matter beyond the classroom.

#Classroom Design #Daily Living Skills #Event-Based Teaching #Functional Life Skills #Generalization #In-Context Instruction #Special Education

Emily Beal Wilkinson, M.S., BCBA, LBA

Oct 11

Get the EFL Curriculum

Browse books, bundles, and digital resources in the Essential for Living store.

Visit the Store

Try the EFL App

Track skills, generate reports, and streamline assessments with the Essential for Living app.

Learn More