Applied behavior analysis provides a technology of human behavior that demonstrates great potential for improving socially important outcomes for individuals. School‐based consultation may provide a vehicle for delivering applied behavior analysis services in schools to address academic referral concerns. In this article, we propose that school‐based consultants should use the principles of applied behavior analysis as a guide for their consultation efforts. We provide the conceptual rationale for the use of applied behavior analysis as a guide for school‐based consultants and specific procedural recommendations for applying a behavior analytic approach to school‐based consultation.