Behavioral assessments and positive behavioral interventions are required as part of an IEP.^[1] Districts are required to provide positive behavioral interventions and supports to address a student’s behavior that is interfering with the student’s ability to access their education or if the student’s behavior is impacting other students.^[2] To figure out what type of behavior supports a student requires, a district must conduct assessments. A Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) is one type of assessment that is conducted by a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). An FBA helps identify what the behavior is, why it is occurring, and how teachers, staff, and others can effectively respond to the student’s behavior through a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

If your child is displaying behaviors in school that are impacting their ability to learn or engage with others, you should make a request in writing to your child’s IEP Team or the district asking them to conduct an FBA. Your request should also describe what type of behaviors your child is displaying and why you believe your child needs to be assessed for a BIP.^[3]

1. 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.324(a)(2)(i); Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56341.1(b)(1).[↩]
2. 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1414(d)(3)(B).[↩]
3. See Chapter 15, Information on the Rights of Students with Behavioral Needs and Students Who are Bullied.[↩]