Hello everyone! So sorry it's been so long since I posted. We have all been busy.
I wanted to take some time to talk with you abut FBAs and BIPs.
Behavior is something we deal with regularly. Sometimes it is more challenging than others, but we always keep our eyes on the prize. Appropriate behavior creates a positive learning environment in which each student can learn. Inappropriate behaviors create chaotic learning environments, suspensions and time away from teaching/learning.
Recently, a colleague and I sat with a team from another school and discussed behavior interventions. When she and I left the meeting, we agreed there are some quick interventions everyone should be aware of and try. Visuals, token systems, cool-down areas, and social stories are all easy interventions any teacher in any environment can try and they usually (after the initial investment of time and training) make everyone's life more pleasant.
So, I started looking! and thinking!
When there is behavioral trouble in the classroom, I believe teachers do the very best they can. Then they go to the principal or come to the special educator for help. We need to create a tool box so when we are needed, we have answers we can give.
Think of behavior in the same 3 tiered approach we view for RTi. The first Tier is Universal. All students receive these positive support systems and follow classroom rules that may be posted.
Tier 2 involves increased support, social skills training and parent/teacher collaboration. It can also include strategies such as check-in/check-out for some students.
Tier 3 is intensive behavioral support. These supports may include, intensive social skills training, individual behavior plans, multi-agency collaboration and any other alternatives to suspension and expulsion.
As students move into Tier 3 and we are preparing to write an Behavior Plan, please involve me. I would love to sit with you to do an FBA prior to creating the plan. Together we can judge what the function of the behavior may be and therefore pinpoint an appropriate replacement behavior.
I look so forward to working with you guys so that we can get ahead of these behavioral problems.
Remember: If a child has difficulty reading, we teach them. If a child has trouble with math, we teach them. If someone can't drive, we teach them! If someone doesn't know how to behave--we teach them!!! Punishment is not always the answer!
Information included from: RTI and Behavior: A Guide to Integrating Behavioral and Academic Supports, by Sprague, J., et al (2008).
