Does your child have school behaviors that interfere with learning? Do you know what schools should do to help address these interfering behaviors? Has school mentioned an FBA and/or BIP, and do you know what these acronyms mean?
Schools can conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to better understand why a student is having the interfering behaviors…in other words, what is the purpose or function of their behavior? The FBA information allows the IEP team (also known as the case conference committee) to develop a behavioral intervention plan (BIP) to help eliminate the behaviors.
Parents whose children struggle with behaviors at school should understand the basics of an FBA and BIP. They should also know that the U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) advises schools to appropriately conduct an FBA and use the FBA to develop the student’s BIP.
The USDOE recently issued a guidance document so schools can better support students’ behavioral needs: Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments. Parents should reference the document, regardless of whether their child has an IEP (individualized education program). The USDOE’s guidance document provides examples of ways an FBA and BIP can be helpful. It also answers such questions as:
- What is a functional behavioral assessment (FBA)?
- What are common characteristics of an FBA and behavioral intervention plan (BIP)?
- How can an FBA be used to inform Instructional Strategies?
- What guiding principles support the effective development and implementation of FBAs and BIPs?
- How can FBAs support students with disabilities?
Ability Allies advocates for students with disabilities. If you have questions about your child’s behavior at school or questions about special education and your rights, please contact Ability Allies. Our intake form for services is available on our website.