Introduction to Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)

Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) are powerful tools used in the field of education to help students who are struggling with behaviors that are impacting their ability to learn and succeed in the classroom. In this blog, we will explore what FBAs and BIPs are, why they are important, who should conduct them, and how to implement them effectively.

First, let’s take a look at what FBAs and BIPs are. FBAs is a process used to identify the specific behaviors that are causing problems for a student, as well as the reasons why those behaviors are occurring. This information is then used to develop a BIP, which is a plan of action designed to address the problematic behaviors and help the student succeed.

Why are FBAs and BIPs important in education?

These tools are essential for helping students who are struggling with behaviors that are impacting their ability to learn and succeed in the classroom. By identifying the specific behaviors that are causing problems and the reasons why they are occurring, teachers and other professionals can develop targeted interventions that are much more likely to be effective.

Who should conduct FBAs and BIPs?

FBAs and BIPs are typically conducted by a team of professionals, including teachers, school counselors, and special education professionals. It is important that this team is able to work together to gather information and develop an effective plan of action.

When should teachers create a BIP?

Teachers should create a BIP when a student’s behavior is impacting their ability to learn and succeed in the classroom. This might include behaviors such as disruptions, defiance, or aggression. If a student’s behavior is causing problems for the student or for other students, it is important to take action to address it.

How to implement a BIP effectively?

Once a BIP has been developed, it is important to implement it consistently and with fidelity. This means that all members of the team must be trained on the BIP and should be following it as closely as possible. It is also important to monitor the student’s progress and make adjustments to the BIP as needed.

Let’s take an example of a student named “Sandy” who is struggling with disruptive behavior in the classroom. The team of teachers and school counselors conducts an FBA and discovers that Sandy’s disruptions are related to difficulty in paying attention and staying on task. They develop a BIP that includes strategies such as providing Sandy with a quiet workspace, breaking assignments into smaller parts, and providing additional support during transitions. After implementing the BIP, Sandy’s disruptive behavior decreases and her ability to stay on task improves.

Strategies to support students with BIPs

When it comes to supporting students with a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP), there are a variety of strategies that can be effective. Here are a few examples of strategies that teachers and other professionals can use to help students succeed:

• Positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool that can be used to encourage positive behaviors.
• For example, if a student is struggling with disruptions in class, the BIP might include a system of rewards for staying on task and on-task behavior. The student might earn tokens for staying on task, which can then be exchanged for a prize or privilege.
• Clear expectations and consequences: Students with BIPs often benefit from clear expectations and consequences. This means that the student should know exactly what is expected of them and what will happen if they do not meet those expectations.

For example, a student who is struggling with aggression might have a BIP that includes a “3 strikes” rule, where they are given a warning for the first two incidents of aggression but are removed from the classroom for the third incident.

• Self-monitoring: Self-monitoring is a strategy that can be very effective for students with BIPs. This involves teaching the student to track their own behavior and to be aware of when they are struggling.

For example, a student who is struggling with staying on task might be taught to use a timer to track how long they are able to stay focused. This can help the student to become more aware of their own behavior and to take steps to improve.

• Social Skills training: Social skills training is another strategy that can be effective for students with BIPs. This might include teaching the student how to make friends, how to initiate conversations, and how to respond appropriately to different social situations.

For example, a student who is struggling with aggression might be taught how to use appropriate words and tone of voice when expressing frustration.

• Collaborative problem solving: Collaborative problem solving is a strategy that can be very effective for students with BIPs. This involves teaching the student how to work with others to solve problems.

For example, a student who is struggling with disruptions in class might be taught how to work with their classmates to create a plan for staying on task.

There are a variety of strategies that can be effective in supporting students with BIPs. These might include positive reinforcement, clear expectations and consequences, self-monitoring, social skills training, and collaborative problem solving. These strategies can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each student and should be implemented consistently and with fidelity in order to be most effective.

Example of using strategies with a student

Let’s take an example of a student named “John” who has a BIP for his aggression and defiance. The team implements a positive reinforcement strategy where John earns tokens for positive behavior, such as staying on task and following instructions. The teacher also sets clear expectations and consequences; for example, if John demonstrates aggressive behavior, he will lose his tokens for the day. She taught John self-monitoring techniques, such as tracking his behavior in a journal.

The teacher also provides John with social skills training and teach him how to express his frustration in a calm and appropriate way. Lastly, they involve John in a collaborative problem-solving process where he works with his classmates to come up with a plan for staying on task.

In conclusion, FBAs and BIPs are powerful tools that can help students who are struggling with behaviors that are impacting their ability to learn and succeed in the classroom. By identifying the specific behaviors that are causing problems and the reasons why they are occurring, educators can develop targeted interventions that are much more likely to be effective. It is important to conduct FBAs and BIPs with a team of professionals, implement them consistently and with fidelity, and monitor progress.