Behavioral Intervention Plans (Elementary): Developing a Plan to Address Student Behavior

Wrap Up

After a team conducts a functional behavioral assessment (FBA), they have a better understanding of the target behavior and its hypothesized function. With this knowledge, the team can then develop a behavioral intervention plan (BIP). The BIP will include function-based interventions that address the hypothesized function of the target behavior by teaching a replacement behavior, a more acceptable way for a student to have their needs met. The BIP typically includes more than one function-based intervention to fully address the target behavior’s context and function. The following table outlines these intervention types.

Once the team identifies a functionally equivalent replacement behavior, they must develop a plan to effectively teach and reinforce this new behavior in the student’s learning environment. Before implementing an intervention, teams must collect baseline data to capture the typical nature of the student’s behavior. This provides teams with a benchmark for evaluating the intervention’s effectiveness. After the intervention is implemented, regular progress monitoring should follow the same data collection procedures used for collecting the baseline data. Common progress monitoring methods include direct behavior rating, scatterplot recording, and systematic direct observation.

The BIP team should establish a review schedule to examine the progress monitoring data and to determine whether the interventions require any adjustments. The team can use the following decision-making rules when analyzing student data.

• If data indicate that interventions have been successful, the team should consider fading one or more aspects of the intervention to increase the student’s independence.
• If data indicate that interventions have been inconsistently successful, the team should continue implementing the BIP as designed and consider additional ways to support generalization of the replacement behavior.
• If data indicate that interventions have not been successful, the team should examine the BIP and determine which aspects need to be changed or strengthened.

When thoughtfully designed and consistently implemented, a BIP offers multiple benefits, including improved student behavior, increased student engagement, a more positive classroom environment, and greater clarity and consistency among educators.

When you are ready, proceed to the Assessment section.