Functional Behavior Assessment

A functional behavioral assessment, or FBA, is a process of learning about why an individual or student develops certain behaviors. Conducting an FBA helps plan for positive behavioral interventions that are part of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP). There are seven steps to conducting an FBA:

1. Identify and agree on the behavior that needs to change
2. Determine where the behavior occurs and where it does not
3. Collect data
4. Develop a hypothesis about why the behavior occurs
5. Identify other behaviors that can be taught
6. Test the hypothesis by creating interventions and testing them
7. Evaluate and fine-tune as needed