What is an FBA in Special Education?

Special Education FBA: What exactly is it? This is an important acronym in the world of special education so let's discuss what it is. An FBA is a Functional Behavior Assessment. An FBA is used to find out why exactly a specific behavior is happening.

Basically, a Functional Behavior Assessment is a very systematic process used to collect data based around a problem behavior. This data is collected through observation, ABC data checklists, and rating scales, and interviews completed by staff and parents.

When Should an FBA be Considered?

A Functional Behavior Assessment or FBA should typically be considered when the behavior is interfering with the child's learning or the learning of others OR additional information is required to provide appropriate educational programming for the student. The goal of an FBA is to describe the behaviors, discover the reasons why those behaviors are occurring, and develop a plan to teach replacement strategies for those behaviors.

What is the Difference Between an FBA and a BIP?

A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) go hand in hand but are very different things. The FBA is used to collect data on the behavior. This typically means taking effective ABC data to help the team discover the function of the behavior. Then, if warranted a Behavior Intervention Plan is written to provide staff with the most up-to-date behavioral interventions for the student.

The Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) outlines the exact interventions that will be used to reduce, replace or reinforce desired and challenging behaviors. This document is a formal document that is attached to the student's IEP and is made aware to parents and all staff working with the child. The BIP should be revisited each year to see if any changes need to be made.

What is the Most Important Part of an FBA?

The most important part of an FBA is determining the function of the behavior. This is the main reason that a Functional Behavior Assessment is created. Once the team can determine the reasoning for why the behavior is taking place, then they can make some changes to the child's setting or routine to decrease this unwanted behavior.

Who Conducts an FBA?

Different people from the child's educational team may conduct the FBA. Typically, it is the school psychologist or special education teacher who collects the data for the Functional Behavior Assessment. Check out 4 strategies to collect data in special education.

FREE FBA CHECKLIST

Finally, you can grab this FREE FBA chart to get started on determining the function of the behavior below! Simply enter your email address and it will be sent directly sent to your inbox!

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