The IEP: Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)

Functional Behavior Assessment

Think of a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) as the “detective work” phase of the IEP process. Instead of just looking at what a student is doing, an FBA digs into why they are doing it.

The Core Purpose: Identifying the “Function”

The goal of an FBA is to identify the purpose behind a specific behavior. Generally, behaviors fall into four main categories:

• Sensory (It feels good or relieves discomfort)
  
• Escape (Avoiding a task, person, or environment)
  
• Attention (Seeking a reaction from peers or adults)
  
• Tangible (Trying to get a specific item or activity)

How It Works: The ABC Model To find the function, the IEP team collects data using the ABC framework. This helps look for patterns over time rather than judging a single isolated incident.

A - Antecedent: What happened immediately before the behavior? (e.g., The teacher asked the student to start a math worksheet.)

B - Behavior: What did the student do? (e.g., The student ripped up the paper.)

C - Consequence: What happened immediately after? (e.g., The student was sent to the hallway.)

In this example, the “Function” is likely Escape—by ripping the paper and being sent away, the student successfully avoided the math work.

When is an FBA required?

While a team can request an FBA anytime behavior interferes with learning, it is legally required under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) when:

• A student’s behavior results in a change of placement (like a suspension longer than 10 days).
  
• The behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the student’s disability.

The Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

The BIP uses the data from the FBA to create strategies that teach the student replacement behaviors—healthier ways to get their needs met (e.g., teaching a student to ask for a “break card” instead of ripping up their paper).

It also provides additional accommodations and supports that are required to support your student’s unique needs (e.g. access to a break space within the classroom).

Annual Review: The BIP is part of the IEP and is documented on the Special Considerations page. The IEP team will review the BIP at every Annual Review.

Parent’s Role: As a parent, you are the leading expert on your child. Your perspective is the ‘missing piece’ that helps the team understand not just what a behavior looks like at school, but why it might be happening. By sharing your child’s history—including medical diagnoses, past experiences, or even what strategies have (or haven’t) worked at home—you help the team build a complete picture. This partnership ensures the team creates a plan that truly supports your child’s unique needs.