What is necessary for a school to implement a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

• A. The plan must be developed by the student's teachers
• B. The plan must be based on a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)
• C. The plan can be created without parental input
• D. The plan must be approved by the school board

Answer: (B)

A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is a critical component in addressing the needs of students with behavioral challenges, particularly those who have been identified as having a disability under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). For a BIP to be effective and compliant with legal standards, it must be grounded in data derived from a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA).

The FBA is a comprehensive evaluation that identifies specific behaviors of concern, the context in which they occur, and the factors that may trigger or reinforce these behaviors. This assessment provides insights that are essential for developing interventions that are tailored to the individual needs of the student.

Consequently, a BIP that is not based on an FBA may lack the necessary foundation to effectively address a student’s behavioral issues, possibly leading to inappropriate or ineffective strategies. Therefore, basing the plan on an FBA is a legal and best practice requirement that ensures that interventions are appropriately targeted and effective for the student involved. This is why it is necessary for the implementation of a BIP.