FBA vs. BIP
These two go hand-in-hand. An FBA figures out WHY a behavior is happening; a BIP creates a plan to address it. You can't have an effective BIP without a thorough FBA.
Functional Behavior Assessment
Behavior Intervention Plan
Identify the function (reason) behind a challenging behavior
Create a structured plan to reduce the behavior and teach replacement skills
"Why is this behavior happening?" — identifies triggers, patterns, and consequences
"What are we going to do about it?" — specific strategies and interventions
Typically a school psychologist or behavior specialist through observation and data collection
Developed by the IEP team based on FBA findings
Yes — the FBA always comes before the BIP
No — the BIP is built from FBA data
Antecedent analysis, behavior description, consequence mapping, hypothesis statement
Prevention strategies, replacement behaviors, reinforcement plan, crisis procedures
Required when behavior impedes learning; required before any change of placement for discipline
Required when the FBA indicates the behavior needs systematic intervention
34 C.F.R. § 300.530(f) — required in disciplinary removals
34 C.F.R. § 300.324(a)(2)(i) — must address behavior that impedes learning
The Bottom Line
Think of the FBA as the investigation and the BIP as the action plan. If your child has a BIP that isn't working, ask whether the FBA was thorough enough — the plan is only as good as the assessment behind it.
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