The Basics of Behavior in Special Education

Student behavior is a very complicated component of special education, as there are many factors, and therefore, implications. The behavior of the student is going to be shaped by their home, school, and social environments, so it’s imperative that students are in positive environments with the positive and proper supports that they need [1]. There are many ways to shape positive student behavior, many of which fall into their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

Placing students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) will ensure their success, but isn’t always the end to behaviors that may occur. LRE is to have special education students with their non-special education peers as much as possible both in the classroom and extracurricular school related activities. With that being said, seclusion is NEVER the answer. You can learn more about LRE here {insert link to LRE article} and here to learn more about seclusion and restraint.

Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) looks at the function of a behavior, with the four functions being sensory, escape or avoidance, attention seeking, and access to tangibles; or referred to as SEAT [2]. The FBA counts the frequency and duration of behaviors and identifies the exact behaviors of concern. An example of an FBA can be found here. The FBA is the beginning of developing a Behavior Intervention Plan.  

Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

The purpose of the behavior plan is to create a plan that minimizes the behavior of concern using prevention strategies, as well as outlining teaching behaviors to replace that and a plan of response when the behavior occurs [3]. It’s important to include that not every student with an IEP or 504 Plan will need a BIP [4]. An example of a BIP can be found here. 

Conclusion 

With an FBA and BIP, IEP team members need to ensure that they are working together in establishing the positive and effective outcomes that the student is entitled to. For more on IEP collaborations, click here {link to collaboration article}. If there are disputes that occur relative to your child’s IEP, you can learn more about resolving conflicts here.

Sources 

[1] School Discipline Basics & Integrating Supports, Maryland Department to of Education Division of Early Intervention and Special Education Services, Nov. 2020, marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Documents/Special-Ed/MITP/about/School_Discipline_Basics.pdf. 

[2] Fullspedahead. “What Are the 4 Strong Functions of Behavior?” Full SPED Ahead, 25 Mar. 2024, www.fullspedahead.com/what-are-the-functions-of-behavior/ 

[3] Behavior Issues and Special Education, Matrix Parent Network + Resource Center, sonomacasa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Behavior.packet.rev11.2013-Eng.pdf. Accessed 29 May 2025. 

[4] Michigan, Michigan Department of Education Office of Special Education , www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/specialeducation/familymatters/FM1/BIP_FactSheet.pdf?rev=37815ab42ca64a69a6d50b9dba2dd384. Accessed 29 May 2025.