What is a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) and when is it required?

• A. A plan with behavior support strategies based on an FBA to address problem behaviors; required when behaviors hinder learning
• B. A plan to modify curriculum for all students; required when behavior issues arise
• C. A legal document to file for sped services; required at initial eligibility
• D. A plan for parent-teacher conferences; required quarterly

Answer: (A)

A Behavior Intervention Plan is a targeted plan that outlines specific behavior support strategies for a student, created from a Functional Behavior Assessment. The idea is to identify why the problem behavior occurs (the function, such as gaining attention or escaping a task) and then teach and reinforce replacement behaviors while providing environmental or instructional supports. It specifies what adults will do (antecedent changes to prevent the behavior, teaching new skills, predictable consequences, and positive reinforcement), how progress will be monitored, and who will implement the plan across the student’s environments.

This plan is required when a student’s behavior interferes with learning or safety, so the IEP team uses it to help the student access and participate in education effectively. It isn’t about modifying the curriculum for all students, nor is it a general document for initial sped eligibility or a plan for parent-teacher conferences. The BIP centers on behavior-specific supports tied to data from an FBA and is designed to be reviewed and adjusted as the student’s needs and progress change.