What is Behavior Intervention?
Behavior intervention is tailored according to each case separately. It applies scientific behavior modification techniques in sequential, organized steps to achieve the best outcomes. Benefits of a positive behavior intervention plan include:
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The Process
In order to provide proper support for students with behavior issues that become continuous, it will be necessary to complete a functional behavioral analysis (FBA)
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Direct Assessment
To start the FBA process, the FBA team (not defined in IDEA, but typically consists of the student’s teachers, and other professionals who have directly observed the child, as well as, the parent) use both direct and indirect means to assess the problematic behavior. Direct assessment typically tracks the frequency of disruptive behaviors and the time of day, often teams will utilize a scatter plot to show clearly the behavior pattern. In addition, the observers track antecedent behavior, which is behavior that precedes the behavior and may indicate the trigger for that behavior. One tool that is used is an antecedent behavioral consequences chart (ABC). An observation note example could be: “The teacher asked the class to get their math books out of their desks. Rick threw his math book. The class was disrupted.” Indirect Assessment interviewing teachers, parents and other adults who have contact with the student, asking questions about the behavior and when and where it occurs. For example, how often does the behavior occur? Who is usually present? Are there times when it doesn’t occur? These questions can help the FBA team determine if the issue at hand is due to a performance deficit (the student won’t do what is asked of him or her) or a skills deficit (the student cannot do what is asked of him or her). In some cases, it can also be beneficial to interview the student in an informal matter. |
After the data is gathered from the ABC chart, scatter plot and interviews, this information can be condensed and recorded on a data triangulation chart. This chart can give clues to the function of the behavior and will be used in the FBA meeting. Note that these specific tools are being used here as examples of what a quality FBA will consider; there is no provision in the law that requires a school or school district to use them.
As the FBA team discusses the data that’s been collected, it forms a hypothesis about possible deficits and causes for the behavior. It then puts this hypothesis to the test by creating variations in the learning requirements and environment to see if and how the student responds. |
Team may create a behavior intervention plan (BIP):
BIP targets one to three of a student’s undesirable behaviors with interventions that are linked to the functions of the behavior; each intervention specifically addresses a measurable, clearly-stated targeted behavior. A BIP can include prevention strategies, which stop the behavior before it begins, as well as replacement behaviors, which achieve the same function as the disruptive behavior without causing disruption. The environment is considered, and the FBA/BIP team may determine that a change in a student’s schedule or in the arrangement of is or her classroom is called for. |
What Tools Can You Use With Students?
The following resources provide strategies teachers can use that can be implemented in a Behavioral Intervention Plan.
Provides classroom strategies that can be utilized in Behavior Intervention Plan.
Provides tools, strategies, de-escalation techniques, and articles on Behavior Intervention for special needs students.
An in depth look at the Behavior Intervention Process
There are many resources on PBIS World that could be helpful in many settings for educators. Even parents, home schoolers, and many others may find useful intervention ideas.