Behavior at school often communicates a need. When behavior interferes with learning, participation, safety, or access to school, families may hear the terms Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
What is an FBA? An FBA is a process used to better understand behavior. It typically looks at what happens before a behavior, what the behavior looks like, what happens afterward, patterns across settings, and possible functions the behavior serves. Good behavioral decision-making depends on useful data rather than assumptions.
What is a BIP? A BIP uses information about behavior to identify proactive supports. A strong plan may define target behaviors, identify triggers or setting events, teach replacement skills, describe reinforcement strategies, clarify staff responses, and explain how progress will be measured.
Questions parents can ask Parents can ask what data supports the team's conclusions, whether behavior occurs in particular settings or times, what replacement skill is being taught, how staff will respond consistently, and how the team will know whether the plan is effective.
Prevention matters Effective behavior support should not focus only on what happens after a problem. Environmental supports, communication strategies, predictable routines, sensory regulation, relationship-building, and explicit teaching can all be important parts of prevention.
Dickerson Education Advocates can help families review behavior records, prepare questions, and identify issues to discuss with the IEP team.
Important: This article provides general educational information and is not legal advice. Individual circumstances vary.
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