Annette Little
Grad Ed-Applied Behavior Analysis
Professor
Biography
Dr. Annette Little taught special education classes in residential treatment centers, public schools, and alternative schools for 8 years before moving into higher education. She then spent 4 years directing research projects in the areas of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports, reading and writing strategies for students at risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, and prevention of behavior problems at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Little is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and has worked in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis since 2007. She has taught classes in general education, special education, and applied behavior analysis in higher education institutes since 2005. Dr. Little joined Lipscomb University in 2013. She is currently serving as the director of the Studies in Applied Behavior Analysis programs at Lipscomb University.
Academic Degrees
PhD from Vanderbilt University, May 2007; MA from Austin Peay State University, August 2002; BS from The University of Tennessee at Martin, December 1994
Academic Department
Classes
- Foundations of Applied Behavior Analysis
- Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis
Research Interests
Prevention of interfering behaviors
Research and Publications
Barton-Arwood, S. M. & Little, M. A. (2013). Using graphic organizers to access the general curriculum at the secondary level. Intervention in School and Clinic, 49, 6-13.
Lane, K. L., Graham, S., Harris, K. R., Little, M. A., Sandmel, K., & Brindle, M. (2010). Story writing: The effects of self-regulated strategy development for second grade students with writing and behavioral difficulties. Journal of Special Education, 44, 107-128.
Lane, K. L., Little, A. L., Menzies, H. M., Lambert, W., & Wehby, J. H. (2010). A comparison of students with behavioral challenges educated in suburban and rural settings: Academic, social and behavioral outcomes. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 18, 131-148.
Little, M. A., Lane, K. L., Harris, K., Graham, S., Story, M., & Sandmel, K. (2010). Self-regulated strategies development for persuasive writing in tandem with schoolwide positive behavioral support: Effects for second grade students with behavioral and writing difficulties. Behavioral Disorders, 35, 157-179.
Sandmel, K., Brindle, M., Harris, K., Lane, K. L., Graham, S., Nackel, J., Mathias, R., & Little, A. (2009). Making it work: Differentiating tier two writing instruction with Self-Regulated Strategies Development in writing in tandem with School-Wide Positive Behavioral Support. Teaching Exceptional Children, 42, 22-35.
Lane, K. L., Little, M. A., Casey, A. M., Lambert, W., Wehby, J. H., Weisenbach, J. L., & Phillips, A., (2009). A comparison of systematic screening tools for emotional and behavioral disorders, Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, 17, 93-105.
Lane, K. L., Little, M. A., Redding Rhodes, J., Phillips, A., & Welsh, M. T. (2007). Outcomes of a teacher-led reading intervention for elementary students at-risk for behavioral disorders. Exceptional Children, 74, 47-70.
Lane, K. L., Weisenbach, J. L., Little, M.A., Phillips, A., & Wehby, J. (2006). Illustrations of function-based interventions implemented by general Education teachers: Building capacity at the school site. Education and Treatment of Children, 29, 549-571.
Lane, K. L. & Little, M. A. (2006). Antisocial Behavior (pp. 495-496). In N. J. Salkind (Ed.). The encyclopedia of human development: behavior modification and therapy: Volume 1. (pp. 103-105). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Lane, K. L., Wehby, J., Little, M. A., Cooley, C. (2005). Academic, social, and behavioral profiles of students with emotional and behavioral disorders educated in self-contained classrooms and self-contained schools: Part I – Are they more alike than different? Behavioral Disorders, 30, 349-362.
Lane, K. L., Wehby, J., Little, M. A., Cooley, C. (2005). Students educated in self-contained classrooms and self-contained schools: Part II – How do they progress over time? Behavioral Disorders, 30, 363-374.
Lane, K. L., Pierson, M., Robertson, J., & Little, A. (2004). Teachers views of prereferral interventions: Perceptions of and recommendations for implementation support Education and Treatment of Children, 27, 420-439.
Relevant Experience
- 8 years teaching in residential treatment facilities, alternative schools, and public schools
- 14 years in practice as a behavior analyst providing in-home and community services
Talks and Presentations
Smith, C., Little, M. A., Urbanczyk, B., & Plunk, L. (2020, May). Poster: Collaboration between school personnel and behavior analysts. The Association for Behavior Analysis International Annual Conference, Virtual.
Smith, C., Little, M. A., Urbanczyk, B., & Plunk, L. (2019, November). Collaboration between school personnel and behavior analysts. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Weaver, L., Tobenski, K., Holt, R., Santana, A., Scretchen, P., Little, M. A. (2019, November). Panel discussion: Creating a culturally aware and responsive environment. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2019, June). Discussant: An open dialogue on cultural diversity as a first step toward developing professional self-awareness. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis Middle Regional conference. Nashville, TN.
Ashmeade, K. & Little, M. A. (2018, November). Diversity vs. Inclusion: Understanding personal identity in applied behavior analysis. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2017, October). The Rural Culture in TN: Applications for ABA Implementation. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2017, July). Understanding behavior. Family and Friends Conference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2017, May). The utilization of professional learning communities to build stronger supervision. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.
Fox, J., Little, M. A., & King, S. (2017, May). Preliminary Analysis of a Survey Evaluating Applied Behavior Analysts’ Knowledge and Use of Evidence-Based Practice. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.
Anglim, M., Little, M. A., & Timm, J. D. (2017, May). Differential Reinforcement of Alternative Behavior, Differential Reinforcement of Lower Rates of Behavior, and Self-Monitoring of Adult Student Behavior. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.
Parker-Peters, M. & Little, M. A. (2017, March). Effects of Political Mandates on Liberal Arts EPPs. Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges of Teacher Education, Tampa, FL.
King, S., Little, M.A., & Fox, J. (2016, October). EBP: Every Behaviorist’s Problem. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. & Lambert, J. (2016, October). Professional Learning Communities: Working Together to Build Stronger Supervision. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2016, October). Presidential Remarks and Welcome. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2016, June). The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Behavior Management that Works in Any Classroom Setting. Summer Alumni Summit, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2016, May). Supervising the Supervisor: Accountability in Field Supervision. The Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.
Little, J. W. & Little, M. A. (2016, May). Sexuality and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Disability MegaConference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2015, October). TABA Welcome and Presidential Address. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Fox, J., Simcoe, K., Mahoney, & M., Edwards, S. (2015, October). Evidence-based Practice in ABA: Overview, Application, and Implications. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Houchins-Juarez, N. & Little, M. A. (2015, October). Current Issues in Supervision. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis. Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2015, August). Supporting Your Child with Special Needs. Parent University, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2015, June). President’s Welcome and TABA Business. Middle Tennessee TABA Conference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2015, June). Social Emotional Learning through an ABA Lens, 2015 Social Emotional Learning Conference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2015, May). Data Driven Supervision in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Association for Behavior Analysis International, San Antonio, TX.
Little, M. A. & Little, C. F. (2015, May). Farm as Recreation and Strengthening Social Skills. Disability MegaConference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2015, April). Presidential Address. West Tennessee TABA conference, Memphis, TN.
Juarez, A. P., Fox, J., Lambert, J., Little, M. A., Meindl, J. (2014, October). A Debate: Defining, Considering, and Implementing Punishment-based Procedures. Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Barton-Arwood, S., Music, A. (2014, October). A Process for Supervision of Candidates in the Field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2014, October). Modeling Evidence in Field Work. Association for Christian Educator Preparation Programs, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Spooner, H., & Skeen, J. (2014, August). Reach Higher: Opportunities for Uniting with Higher Education. PATH Intl. Conference, Region 5, Murfreesboro, TN.
Little, M. A. (2014, August). Socials Skills Instruction on the Farm. Uniting EAAT and Higher Education, Murfreesboro, TN.
Little, M. A. & Little, C. F. (2014, July). Social Skills Instruction for Children and Young Adults. Social Emotional Learning Conference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2014, July). Using Data to Promote Responsible Decision Making. Social Emotional Learning Conference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. & Anderson, A. (2014, June). Distinctly Christian: Teaching ABA in a Traditionally Atheistic Field. Summer Alumni Summit, Nashville, TN.
Little, J. W. & Little, M. A. (2014, May). Growing Up With Autism. Disability MegaConference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Barton-Arwood, S., & Music, A. (2014, May). Fidelity of Supervision of Field Experience (Group and Individual). Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.
Music, A. & Little, M. A. (2014, May). Using Behavioral Skills Training for Skill Acquisition of Task List Items. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Chicago, IL.
Little, M. A. & Scretchen, P. (2013, November). Enhancing the social life of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Society of Middle Tennessee, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. & Anderson, A. (2013, October). Embedding the Bible in an Ethics Course: Using a Behavioral Approach. Association for Christian Educator Preparation Programs. Memphis, TN.
Little, M. A. & Barton-Arwood, S. (2013, June). Treatment integrity of ABA supervision. Onward and Outward 2013 TABA Regional Conference. Franklin, TN.
Little, M. A. & Barton-Arwood, S. (2013, May). Evaluating fidelity of implementation in supervision of candidates working toward ABA certification. Association for Behavior Analysis International, Minneapolis, MN.
Little, M. A. & Beddow, P. (2012, October). Social validity in school-based programs. Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Zhang, J., & Davis, B. (2012, October). Working with the system during the economic downturn. Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Barton-Arwood, S., Little, M. A., & Lunsford, L. (2012, October). Evaluating fidelity of implementation: Supporting correct and sustained use of evidence-based practices. Tennessee Council for Exceptional Children, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. & Scretchen, P. (2012, June). Using behavioral methods to enhance the social life of adults with ASD. Disability MegaConference, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Stenson, C., Gilchrist, L, & McGraner, K. (2012, March). PhDs and EdDs: A Panel Series Discussion on Education’s Two Terminal Degrees. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2011, October). Working together in the public school system. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A. (2011, October). Communicating with families. The Tennessee Association for Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Little, M. A., Scretchen, P., & Coffey, S. (2011, June). Connecting behavior and communication using ABA techniques. Ninth Annual Tennessee Disability MegaConference. Nashville, TN
Eadie, M. L. & Little, M. A. (2011, April). How DynaVox helps develop language and provide behavioral support. The Middle Tennessee TABA conference. Nashville, TN
Little, M. A., McCoy, J., & Ashmeade, K. (2009, September). Autism treatments across disciplines. Tennessee National Association for the Dually Diagnosed. Nashville, TN
Lane, K. L. & Little, M. A. (2009, May). A comparison of systematic screening tools for emotional and behavioral disorders. Association for Behavior Analysis International. Phoenix, AZ
Little, M. A., Anderson, A., White, K. M. (2008, September). A presentation of case studies utilizing an integrative approach to treating individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Tennessee National Association for the Dually Diagnosed. Nashville, TN
Little, M. A. (2008, May). Behavioral Approaches for Coping with & Redirecting/Reducing Restricted & Repetitive Behaviors. Autism Society of Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.
Harris, K., Lane, K. L. Sandmel, K., Brindle, M., Little, M. A., & Graham, S. (2008, April). Strategies instruction and positive behavioral support for second graders at risk for EBD. A paper presented at Council for Exceptional Children. Boston, MA.
Little, M. A., Lane, K. L., Harris, K., & Graham, S. (2008, February). Self-regulated strategies development for improving the writing skills of students with internalizing behavior patterns and writing concern. A paper presented at the Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, Kansas City, Missouri.
Harris, K., Lane, K. L., Graham, S., Little, M. A., Brindle, M., & Sandmel, K. (2007, November). The Effects of Self-Regulated Strategies Development and Positive Behavior Supports on Writing for Students At-Risk for Writing and Behavioral Difficulties. Vanderbilt Kennedy Center Event, Nashville, Tennessee.
Little, M. A. (2007, October). Self-regulated strategies development for improving the writing skills of students with internalizing behavior patterns and writing concerns. Council for Children with Behavioral Disorders, Dallas (Irving), Texas.
Lane, K. L., Wehby, J., & Little, A. (2007, February). Project PREVENT: Preliminary findings of school based interventions to prevent the development of learning and behavior problems. Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, Kansas City, Missouri.
Little, A. L., Rhodes, J. R., Lane, K. L., Zimmerman, J., & Brown, B. (2006, November 17). Outcomes of an academic intervention for first-grade students identified as at-risk for EBD. A paper presented at Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders, Tempe, AZ.
Lane, K. L., Parks, R. J., Bergman, W., Merwin, M. T., & Little, A. (2006, November 17). Outcomes of function-based interventions for middle and elementary age students who were nonresponsive to primary intervention efforts. A paper presented at Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders, Tempe, AZ.
Weisenbach, J., Little, A., Phillips, A., & Lane, K. L. (2006, November). Illustrations of function-based interventions implemented by general education teachers: Building capacity at the school site. A paper presented at the Tennessee Association of Applied Behavior Analysis. Nashville, TN.
Little, A., Redding Rhodes, J., Lane, K. L., Phillips, A., Zimmerman, J., & Brown, L. (2006, November). Supplemental reading instruction for first grade students at-risk for emotional/ behavioral disorders. A paper presented at the Tennessee Association of Applied Behavior Analysis. Nashville, TN.
Lane, K. L., Little, A., Phillips, Weisenbach, J., & Merwin, M. (2006, May). Efficacy of academic and behavioral interventions in preventing the development of emotional and behavioral disorders: Preliminary outcomes. A paper presented at an international symposium at the Association for Behavioral Analysis International. Atlanta, GA.
Lane, K. L., Phillips, A., Weisenbach, J., Little, A., & Merwin, M. (2006, May). Function-based interventions to manage problem behaviors in elementary classrooms: A systematic, validated approach. A poster presented at an international symposium at the Association for Behavioral Analysis International. Atlanta, GA.
Lane, K.L., Wehby, J., Little, A., Phillips, A., Weisenbach, J., Merwin, M., & Thompson, A. (2005, November 18). The efficacy of school-based interventions to prevent the development of learning and behavior problems at the elementary level: Preliminary findings of Project PREVENT. A paper presented at Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders, Tempe, AZ.
Weisenbach, J., Little, A., & Lane, K.L. (2005, November). A functional assessment-based intervention to increase the positive social interactions of a second-grade student in a regular classroom setting. Tennessee Association of Applied Behavior Analysis, Nashville, TN.
Lane, K. L., Wehby, J. H., Little, A., Starko, S., Thompson, A., & Raines, S. (2005, February). Project PREVENT: Screening and intervening to prevent the development of learning and behavior problems – preliminary findings. Midwest Symposium for Leadership in Behavior Disorders, Kansas City, Missouri.
Lane, K.L., Wehby, J., Little, A., Thompson, A. & Raines, S. (2004, November). Early detection of learning and behavior problems at the elementary level: Preliminary findings of project PREVENT. A paper presented at Teacher Educators for Children with Behavioral Disorders, Tempe, AZ.
Lane, K. L., Barton-Arwood, S. Savage, S., Mofield, E., Little, A., Robertson, J., Catchings, C., McDade, K., Moriarty, A., & McAtee, K. (2004, April). Positive behavior support at the high school level: What we’ve learned and recommend. A paper presented at the Tennessee Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Nashville, TN.
Community Involvement
Member of St. Christopher's Catholic Church