SP0009, page 2 of 4
Rev. 7/06
The Direct FBA Process
The Direct FBA is a comprehensive assessment process that is appropriate when the target behavior is severe in duration, frequency,
and intensity and/or is complex and deeply ingrained in the student’s behavior patterns. The process is also appropriate when critical
decisions are being made in regard to verifying a disability, making placement decisions, or choosing intervention methods that are
intensive or intrusive.
Step 1 Dening the Target Behavior
The team (either SAT or IEP) will use interviews, school records, behavior observation documentation, incident reports, and
other appropriate methods to identify the most severe and difcult behavior as the target behavior.
Step 2 Collecting Data
The team will collect measurable and observable data by direct observation of the target behavior in the environment in which
it occurs. Documentation of possible functions of the behavior and environmental factors that support the behavior are part of
the observation process. Direct observation, using chartering and narrative data, provides a baseline to compare to data col-
lected after implementation of the intervention. In addition rating scales, school records, narrative documentation, academic
performance, and other related information are important. The data will include:
• Charting the frequency and/or duration of the behavior. This is the primary method of data collection. This data can be
samples taken periodically through the day or continuous charting done through the day. This information may help pinpoint
critical times and situations at which the behavior occurs.
• Where the behavior occurred
• Who was involved (peers and adults)
• What happened just before the behavior (predictors/antecedents)
• What happened just after the behavior (consequences)
• What was done to prevent or intervene in the behavior
• How did the behavior resolve or end
• Possible reasons for the behavior (attention, avoidance, opposition)
• The classroom environment and structure at the time of the behavior
• The instructional delivery used and level of adult attention given
• Academic and behavioral expectations
• Recent changes in student’s life in or out of school
• Community, medical, or other related issues/other agencies involved when appropriate
Step 3 Developing an Hypothesis
The data collected about the target behavior is used to make a best guess (hypothesis) as to the function or purpose of the be-
havior. This step may be the most difcult because the team must make conclusions about behavior that is usually intertwined
with other behaviors and the motivation for the behavior may be unclear or complex. The best course of action is to focus on the
target behavior and the hypothesis of why you think the behavior occurred. The intervention steps of FBA test the hypothesis
and allow for renement of the intervention plan or to reject the hypothesis and return to the data to form a new hypothesis and
intervention strategy.
Step 4 Planning Interventions
A written Behavior Intervention Plan specically identifying the new skills to be taught, modications to be made in the envi-
ronment and instructional delivery, accommodations made to the curriculum, and changes in behavior management strategies
will be developed by the team. It is important to make clear who is responsible for implementing the plan and monitoring the
effects of the plan. Techniques such as reinforcement types and schedules, structure and instruction provided, the type of prog-
ress feedback to be given to the student, and data to be collected to monitor the plan are specied. Remember to consider the
student’s strengths and weaknesses and what strategies have been helpful or unhelpful in the past. If appropriate, the student
should be involved in developing the intervention. For complete details see the Behavior Intervention Plans handbook.
Step 5 Evaluating Effectiveness of the Plan
The team uses data that is relevant to the target behavior (i e. usually the same data collected in Step 2) to assess the effectiveness
of the intervention. Data that is measurable and observable is collected during the intervention process. Direct observation of
the student’s behavior should be compared to the baseline data collected in Step 2. In addition collecting data on the occurrence
of the new skill shows progress and provides positive feedback to the student. If the data is favorable the intervention continues.
If the data is not favorable the team returns to Step 1 and reevaluates the target behavior and data collected, reformulates the
hypothesis, makes appropriate modications to the intervention, implements the new plan, and collects data to reevaluate the
new plan.