Behavior Terms Every Parent Should Know
If your child is being disciplined, suspended, or has a behavior plan, these are the terms you need to understand to protect their rights.
Key Terms (6)
A written plan based on an FBA that describes the strategies, supports, and interventions to address a student's challenging behavior. A BIP should include preventive strategies, replacement behavi...
A school-wide framework for preventing and addressing behavior problems using evidence-based practices. PBIS focuses on teaching and reinforcing expected behaviors rather than punishing misbehavior...
A review that must occur within 10 school days when a student with a disability is facing a disciplinary removal of more than 10 days. The IEP team must determine whether the behavior was caused by...
A temporary educational placement (up to 45 school days) for a student with a disability who has been removed from their current placement due to certain serious behaviors: carrying a weapon, posse...
A consequence that increases the likelihood that a behavior will occur again in the future. Positive reinforcement adds something desirable (praise, a token, a preferred activity); negative reinfor...
Explicit instruction in social interaction skills such as turn-taking, reading body language, starting conversations, understanding perspectives, and resolving conflicts. Social skills training is ...
Parent Tips
If your child is being suspended repeatedly, ask the school: "Has a Functional Behavior Assessment been done?"
A school MUST conduct a Manifestation Determination before suspending a student with an IEP for more than 10 cumulative days.
The school cannot change your child's placement for discipline if the behavior is a manifestation of their disability.
A BIP should focus on teaching replacement behaviors — not just punishment. If the BIP is all about consequences, push back.
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) should be school-wide. Ask if your child's school implements it.
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