Basic FBA to BSP

Using FBA to Develop Function-

Based Support for Students with
Mild to Moderate Problem Behavior

Module 5: Selecting Function-based

Behavior Support Strategies
The Basic FBA to BSP Process
1. Define the Problem Behavior

2. Conduct assessment for behavior support planning

a. Functional Behavioral Assessment
• Defining behavior in observable & measureable terms
• Ask staff and student about where, when, & why behavior occurs
• See the behavior during specified routines
• Hypothesize a final summary of where, when, & why behavior occurs

3. Design an individualized behavior support plan (BSP)

• Ensure technical adequacy
• Ensure contextual fit

4. Ensure Fidelity of Implementation

5. Monitor Plan Impact on Student Behavior

Adapt BSP and

implementation as needed
based on on-going
monitoring
Adapted from Horner, Albin, Todd, Newton & Sprague, 2011
 Basic FBA to BSP Training Series
• Module 1- Defining & Understanding Behavior
• Module 2- FBA: Practice Interviewing
• Module 3- FBA: Practice Observing
• Module 4- Critical Features of BSP
• Module 5- Building BSP from FBA
• Module 6- Implementation & Evaluation
• Module 7- Leading a BSP Team
 Basic vs. Complex FBA/BSP
Focus of this
training series
Basic
For: Students with mild to
moderate problem behaviors
(behaviors that are NOT
dangerous or occurring in
many settings)
What: Relatively Simple and
Efficient process for behavior
support planning based on
“practical” FBA data
Developed Team of school-based
by whom: professionals (e.g., PBS team
members whose job
responsibilities include FBA
and behavior support
planning)
Complex
Students with moderate to severe
behavioral problems; may be
dangerous and/or occurring in
many settings
Time-intensive process that
involves emergency planning, family-
centered planning, and collaboration
with outside agencies
School-based team including
professionals trained to develop and
implement intensive interventions for
students with severe problem
behaviors (e.g., behavior
specialist)
4
 Module 5 Objectives
By the end of this Module Team Leaders will be able to:

1. Explain the differences between the Alternative/Replacement Behavior

and the Desired Behavior

2. Describe the different types of behavior support strategies/ interventions

that must be included as part of the BSP

3. Discriminate between function-based and non-function-based teaching

and antecedent strategies

4. Identify function-based strategies for rewarding replacement/desired

behavior AND minimizing the payoff for problem behavior

5. Label missing and incorrect components, when provided with sample

behavior support plans
Review
 Critical Components of Behavior
Support Plans

• #1: Competing Behavior Pathway

• #2: Function-Based Behavior Support
Strategies
• #3: Implementation Plan
• #4: Evaluation Plan
Competing Behavior Pathway
 Review
• What are the three essential characteristics
of replacement/alternative behavior?

1. Same function as the problem behavior

2. Easier to do than the problem behavior
3. Socially acceptable
 Identifying Appropriate Replacement Behavior
• During independent reading time in language arts,
Audrey makes noises, talks out, and walks around
the room. The FBA has shown that this behavior is
maintained by adult attention.

Which is the best replacement behavior? Why/Why

Not?
1. Serve
• Ask to sit at the teachers desk during reading same
Function?

• Raise hand and ask for a break 2. Is it

Easier?
• Request help/adult attention 3. Is it
Socially
• Ask for a reward for completing the task Acceptable?

• Request an easier task

 Activity #1 (page 69)
• Using the following scenario, identify an
appropriate replacement behavior to teach
Sally.

When Sally is asked to join a reading group, she makes

negative self-statements and writes profane language on
her assignments. FBA data indicate that this problem
behavior is maintained by avoiding having to work with
peers.
 Selecting Function-Based
Behavior Support Strategies
Why Do We Consider Function?
• Function-Based Strategies
– directly address the function of the problem behavior and are
expected to improve behavior
• Neutral Strategies
– unrelated to function of the problem behavior; might be a good
behavior management strategy, but may or may not be
effective in improving behavior
• Contraindicated Strategies
– provides access to maintaining consequence following problem
behavior and is likely to make the problem worse
 Function-Based Intervention
Strategies
Function-Based strategies…
• DIRECTLY address the function of the problem
behavior by:
#1. Providing a way to access the maintaining
reinforcer by engaging in appropriate behavior
or…
#2. Preventing access to the reinforcer following
problem behavior
 Identifying Behavior Support Strategies
Setting Event Antecedent Teaching Consequences
Strategies Strategies Strategies Strategies

Prevent/Modify Teach Replacement / Reinforce Alt/Des

“Triggers”/ Prompts Desired Behavior Behavior
for Alt/Des

Team identifies a
range of strategies/
interventions to
address:
- Prevention
- Teaching Response to Problem
Behavior/
- Consequences

We consider the FUNCTION of the problem behavior when

selecting these strategies.
Prevention Strategies
Setting Events & Antecedents
 Setting Events vs. Triggers
• Setting Events indirectly “set-up” the problem
behavior by temporarily altering the value of
maintaining consequences

• Antecedents occur immediately before and act as

“triggers” for problem behavior

Bonus Question:
What if the FBA information does not specify a setting
event??
 Setting Event Strategies
Setting Event Manipulate Teach Behavior Alter Consequences
These strategies are Strategies Antecedent
designed to:
Eliminate or Prevent/Modify Teach Reinforce Alt/Des
-Eliminate identified Neutralize
Setting Events
“Triggers” Replacement
Behavior
Behavior

setting events

Or

Prompt Teach Desired Response to Problem

Alt/Des Behavior Behavior/ Behavior/
-Build in a Academic/ Corrective
Social Skills Feedback
neutralizing routine
to defuse the effects
of a setting event
 Example: Eliminating Setting
Events
• When asked to write in his daily journal in first
period, Sam is most likely to engage in escape
maintained problem behavior on days that he
forgets to take his medication before school.

• Sam’s team members (including his parents) have

decided that Sam will go to the school nurse’s office
each morning to take his medication.

*By ensuring that Sam takes his medication, the team

will be eliminating the setting event.
 Example: Eliminating Setting
Events
• When asked to transition to a new activity, Charlie
sometimes has tantrums (crying, screaming,
flopping) that result in adult attention. This is most
likely to occur when Charlie has not interacted with
an adult for several minutes.

• Charlie’s team members have decided that she will:

a) Be given a class “job” which will require her to interact
with staff frequently
b) Receive frequent, intermittent teacher attention for
appropriate and neutral behavior
 Neutralizing Routines

Setting EventsAntecedentsBehaviorConsequence

• Neutralizing Routines:
• Diminish the effects of setting events that have already
occurred
• Act
as “separating events” that occur between the setting
event and the triggering antecedent
Example: Neutralizing Routines
• When asked to complete academic tasks Ramona is
more likely to engage in adult attention maintained
problem behavior on days when she has a Conflict at
Home before school.

• Ramona’s team has decided to:

- Build in a morning “check-in” on these days,
during which Ramona spends 5-10 minutes talking
with a preferred adult before going to class.

• The purpose of this routine is to help neutralize the

effects of having the conflict at home.
 Antecedent Strategies
Setting Event Manipulate Teach Behavior Alter Consequences
These strategies are designed Strategies Antecedent
to prevent problem behavior
by: Eliminate or Prevent/Modify Teach Replacement Reinforce Alt/Des
Neutralize “Triggers” Behavior Behavior
1. Eliminating/ Setting Events

Modifying
antecedents that
“trigger” the behavior

AND Prompts for Teach Desired Response to Problem

Alt/Des Behavior/ Behavior/
Behavior Academic/ Corrective
2. Prompting Social Skills Feedback

Replacement/Desired
behavior (pre-
correction)
 Antecedent Strategies: Prompting
• After the replacement behavior has been taught, Prompts
and Pre-corrections are used to support and help remind the
student to use replacement/desired behavior.
• Consider using:
– Visual prompts
• Pictures, symbols, highlighted text, color-coded materials
– Verbal prompts
• Remind the student to use the replacement response before
entering the situation(s) where problem behavior is likely
– Gestural or model prompts
• Provide gestural cues to remind student to use the replacement
behavior or model the correct behavior before problem behavior
occurs
 Antecedent Strategies:
Prompting Example
During circle time, when there is a lack of adult attention,
Micah gets out of his spot, lays on peers, and grabs the
teachers materials to obtain adult attention.

As part of his plan, Micah’s team has decided to:

1.Put an outline around Micah’s spot on the carpet and tape a
“raise hand” picture on the floor in front of his spot (visual
prompts)
2.Model how to “raise hand to get teacher’s attention” on the
way to the card (model prompt to precorrect)
 Antecedent Strategies: Modifying
Triggers
When identifying preventive antecedent strategies:
- Eliminate or alter the antecedent so student will no longer
need to use problem behavior

The BEST antecedent MODIFICATIONS directly

address:
#1. The identified ANTECEDENT
#2. The FUNCTION of the problem behavior
 Identifying Antecedent Strategies
• During independent reading time in language arts, when several
minutes have passed without teacher attention. Audrey makes
noises, talks out, and walks around the room. This behavior is
maintained by adult attention. Addresses:
1.Antecedent? Function?

• Which is the best antecedent modifying strategy to

prevent problem behavior?
• Have peers remind the student to stay in her seat
• Give student more time to finish her reading assignment
• Teacher will provide frequent praise for reading quietly and
staying in her seat
• At the beginning of independent reading, explain to the class
why it is important to sit quietly
• Provide student with readings on preferred topics
 Identifying Antecedent Strategies
• When Pam is asked to work on long-division problems
in math class, she argues, refuses to work, and uses
profanity to avoid/escape difficult tasks.
Addresses:
1.Antecedent? Function?

• Which is the best antecedent modifying strategy to

prevent problem behavior?
• Have student check in with teacher at beginning of class
• Give student more time to complete the difficult tasks
• Give student an easier math assignment she can be successful
with
• Warn student she will be sent to office for using profanity
• Allow student to practice long-division on the computer
 Activity #2 (page 70)
• For this example, please describe an appropriate antecedent
modification that addresses both the triggering antecedent
and the function of the problem behavior?

When asked to read independently at his seat,

Ronnie makes inappropriate noises and makes faces
at peers. Based on the FBA data collected, the team
agreed that the function of Ronnie’s behavior is to
obtain peer attention.
Teaching Strategies
Replacement &
Desired Behaviors
Teaching
strategies help Setting Event
Strategies
Manipulate
Antecedents
Teach Behavior Alter Consequences

make problem
behavior
inefficient by Eliminate or Prevent/Modify Teach Replacement Reinforce Alt/Des
Neutralize Setting “Triggers” Behavior Behavior
teaching: Events

1. Functionally-
equivalent
alternative
behavior

2. New desired Prompt Replacement/

Desired
Teach Desired Behavior/
Academic/ Social
Response to Problem
Behavior/ Corrective
skills/behavior Behavior Skills Feedback
Always Start with the Replacement
Behavior

Desired Natural
Behavior Consequence

Targeted Routine
Setting Antecedent Problem Maintaining
Event Behavior Consequence

Replacement
Behavior

You have already

selected a function-
based alternative
behavior!!!
 Next, teach
Setting Event Manipulate Teach Behavior Alter Consequences
content/skills Strategies Antecedents
needed to
support student Eliminate or Prevent/Modify Teach Replacement Reinforce Alt/Des Behavior
in achieving the Neutralize Setting
Events
“Triggers” Behavior

Desired
Behavior

This may be
something to
focus on right Prompt Alt/Desired Response to Problem
Behavior Teach Desired Behavior/ Behavior/ Corrective
away, or only Academic/ Social Feedback
after the student Skills
is consistently
using the
replacement
behavior
Teaching Strategies: Desired Behavior

• Common Skill Deficits That Can Lead to

Problem Behavior:
– Academic deficits
• Avoiding difficult tasks

– Organizational skills deficits

• Escape from academic task demands
• Avoidance of adult attention

– Social Skills deficits

• Attention seeking
• Avoiding peer attention
 Teaching Strategies: Desired
Behavior (cont’d)
To teach desired skills we may need to consider:
- Additional assessment to identify specific skill deficits
- More focused instruction in class
- Appropriate instructional grouping
- Additional support and practice at home
- Special Education support for academic skill deficits
 Teaching Desired Behavior:
Successive Approximations
• It is typically necessary to teach
approximations of the desired behavior to
move from the Replacement Behavior to the
Desired Behavior.
Dexter
Desired Behavior: Complete Multi- Natural
Digit Math Problems independently Consequence:
Success on
Antecedent: Approximation Step #3: Ask for problems, more
Task too teacher help math tasks
difficult

Asked to do Approximation Step #2:

multi-digit With permission student can cross off Function:
multiplication 60% of difficult items Escape Difficult
or division Math Tasks
math
worksheets Approximation Step #1: Ask for break
using only 3 break tokens per period

Replacement Behavior: Ask for Break

from Difficult Double Digit Tasks
Consequence Strategies
These strategies Setting Event Manipulate Teach Behavior Alter Consequences
Strategies Antecedent Explicitly Teach Reinforce alternate &
help make Prevent problem & Replacement & desired behavior &
problem prompt
alternate/desired
Desired Behaviors extinguish negative
behavior
behavior behavior

ineffective by: Eliminate or Modify/Prevent Teach Replacement Reinforce Alt/Des

Neutralize Setting “Triggers” Behavior Behavior
Events
1. Maximizing
Reinforcement
for
Replacement
& Desired
behaviors
Prompt Alt/Desired Teach Desired Behavior/ Response to Problem
Behavior Academic/ Social Behavior
AND… Skills

- Redirection
2. Minimizing
reinforcement
-Extinction
for Problem
Behavior
Consequences: Reinforcing the
Replacement Behavior
• When the student engages in the Replacement
behavior, provide the student with an outcome that
matches the FUNCTION of the problem behavior.

Example:
If student raises hand and requests a break from a
difficult task quickly respond, by allowing the
student to take a break.
 Consequences: Reinforcing the
Replacement Behavior
• It is extremely important that the Replacement
behavior is reinforced:
– Immediately
– Consistently
and…
– Regularly (MULTIPLE opportunities to practice)

• This is necessary for the Replacement behavior to

successfully compete with the problem behavior.
 Consequences: Reinforcing
Desired Behavior
• The goal is to ultimately have the student move from the
Replacement behavior to the desired behavior.

• Start with reinforcing REASONABLE approximations of the desired

behavior
• Considerations:
• What is the student currently doing?
• How does this compare to what we want?
• Will rewards be delivered often enough to strengthen and
maintain behavior?
• Do we have a powerful reinforcer? Consider FUNCTION!
 What are REASONABLE
Expectations?
• If the student is currently out of seat and off task for
the most of the class period and is not turning in any
completed assignments.
– Probably NOT reasonable to expect:
• To earn reinforcer, student will be on task for entire class
period, and complete all assignments for one week.
– More reasonable INITIAL goal:
• Student will: a) be in seat and on task for at least 20
minutes of the class period, and b) turn in assignments
that are at least 30% completed for 2 consecutive days.
When possible… use consequences for desired
behavior that match the FUNCTION of the
problem behavior.
• If the function of behavior is to Gain Peer Attention,
for being in her seat and working quietly for 30
minutes the reinforcer might be:
– 15 minutes to work with a peer buddy

• If the function of behavior is to Avoid Difficult Tasks,

for staying on task and completing over 50% of an
assignment the reinforcer could be:
– a “Free Homework Pass”
 Reinforcing Replacement/Desired Behavior
• When Pam is asked to work on long-division problems in math
class, she argues, refuses to work, and uses profanity in order to
avoid/escape the difficult task. (Alt Behv: ask for easier task.)
Reward for
alternative
behavior
Which are the best reinforcement strategies (2)? serves same
function?
• Student earns teacher praise for staying on task
• Student is given an easier task when asks appropriately Reasonable
• Student can earn one “free homework pass” after expectations
for desired
completing all math assignments for three weeks behavior?
•Student can earn “skip 5 problems” card for each 5 long-
division problems completed
• Student earns 5 extra recess minutes for completing all
worksheet items
 Reinforcing Replacement/Desired Behavior
• During independent seatwork, Ronnie makes inappropriate
noises and makes faces at peers. The function of Ronnie’s
behavior is to obtain peer attention. (Alt Behv: ask Function?
to work with peer.) Reasonable
Which are the best reinforcement strategies (2)? expectation?

• Student is allowed to sit by a preferred peer for 15 minutes, if he is quiet

and on task during seatwork every day for a week
• Student will receive a “free homework pass” if he has no problem
behavior during independent seatwork
• When student is on task with no problem behavior for 15 minutes, he will
be allowed to sit at back table and read with a peer
• Student is allowed to work with a peer when he makes noises and faces
• Student is allowed to work with a peer when asks appropriately
 Activity #3 (page 73)
• Using the following example, please describe how
you would maximize rewards for both the
Replacement and Desired behaviors.

During independent reading time in language arts,

Audrey makes noises, talks out, and walks around
the room. The FBA has shown that this behavior is
maintained by adult attention. (Alt Behv: Ask to
work with teacher.)
Consequences: Responding to
Problem Behavior

• Responses to Problem Behavior should

focus on two things:

#1. Redirecting to the Replacement Behavior

#2. Extinction of the Problem Behavior

 Responding to Problem
Behavior: Redirection
• At the earliest signs of problem behavior, quickly redirect to
the alternative behavior

Example:
• During independent work, Annie often talks out to get
teacher attention. If ignored, Annie will begin yelling and
throwing materials.
• When Annie first starts talking out, her teacher will immediately
remind her how to appropriately get adult attention and will praise
Annie’s use of the alternative behavior.

Bonus Question:
What type of reminder might Annie’s teacher use?
 Responding to Problem Behavior:
Extinction
• Do NOT allow the problem behavior to “work” or “pay off” for
the student.

Escape/Avoid
• Eliminate/minimize the amount of missed instructional time or work
provided to a student for engaging in problem behavior
• But… make sure student is capable of doing work… or provide
support/instruction so student can complete the work

Attention (Adult/Peer)
• Eliminate/minimize the amount of attention for engaging in problem
behavior
• Limit verbal interactions/explanations
• Create a signal to cue the student to use the alternative behavior instead
• Teach peers to ignore problem behavior/walk away
 Responding to Problem Behavior:
Extinction
• Important to note that extinction should always be
combined with high rates of reinforcement for
appropriate behavior.

Example:
• Darci engages in problem behavior that results in
peer attention.
– Darci’s peers will receive “Duck Bucks” for ignoring her
inappropriate behavior.

• Darci will also be learning how to interact with peers

appropriately and will earn time with peers for
alternative/desired behavior.
 Identifying Consequence Strategies:
Responding to Problem Behavior
• During independent seatwork, Ronnie makes inappropriate
noises and makes faces at peers. The function of Ronnie’s
behavior is to obtain peer attention. Redirection? Extinction?

Which are the best strategies for responding to problem behavior (2)?
• The teacher speaks to the student in the hall and reminds him of the
classroom rules
• Peers explain to the student that he is being disrespectful
• The student is reminded that his parents will be called if he continues to
behave inappropriately
• Peers are taught to ignore the inappropriate behavior
• When the student begins to engage in the problem behavior, he is
immediately prompted to appropriately ask to work with a peer
 Identifying Consequence Strategies:
Responding to Problem Behavior
• During independent reading time in language arts, Audrey makes
noises, talks out, and walks around the room. The FBA has
shown that this behavior is maintained by adult attention. (Alt
Behv: ask for help from teacher.)
Which are the best strategies for responding to problem
behavior (2)? Redirection? Extinction?
• When student begins to engage in problem behavior, she receives a
brief visual prompt to ask for teacher help/attention
• Peers receive “Duck Bucks” for ignoring problem behavior
• Student goes to school psychologist’s office to discuss her behavior
• Teacher minimizes attention for problem behavior

• Student stays in from recess to finish assignment with teacher

 Activity #4 (page 74)
• Using the following example, please describe how
you would minimize rewards for inappropriate
behavior (include an example of redirection and
extinction).

• When Pam is asked to work on long-division

problems in math class, she argues, refuses to work,
and uses profanity in order to avoid/escape the
difficult task. (Alt Behv: Ask for easier task.)
 Key Points from
Module 5
 All BSPs begin with a complete and accurate FBA
Summary Statement.
 Replacement behaviors should be: functionally
equivalent, easy to do, and socially appropriate.
 All BSPs must contain Preventive, Teaching and
Consequence strategies.
 Consequences must address both rewarding
appropriate behavior AND minimizing the payoff
for problem behavior.
 Check for Understanding #1
(Page 75)

What are the first 2 critical components of Behavior

Support Plans?

1. The Competing Behavior Pathway

2. Function-based Strategies
 Check for Understanding #2

What are the three types of intervention strategies

that should be included as part of any behavior
support plan?

1. Prevention Strategies
2. Teaching Strategies

3. Consequence Strategies
 Check for Understanding #3
(Pages 76-78)
• Use the information in the following Competing
Behavior Pathways to determine if the plans include
appropriate strategies for:
– Preventing problem behavior
– Teaching alternative and desired behavior
– Rewarding appropriate behavior
– Responding to inappropriate behavior

If not, please circle/explain what is missing/wrong, and

propose an appropriate strategy.
Example A.
Routine 1st Period Writing
Setting Event
Parent brings to Antecedent
school (does not Asked to finish
interact with peers homework or
on bus) write in his
journal
independently
Setting Events Manipulate Antecedent
Arrange time for positive Remind student before
adult attention before writing independent-work time that he
on days when student is may choose to work quietly with
brought by parent a peer
Allow student to sit with
preferred peer in 1st period
writing
Desired Behavior
Complete writing
assignment and turn in
work
Problem Behavior
Out of seat (walking around
room), making noises, and
talking to peers
Replacement
Behavior
Ask to work with a peer
Teach Behavior
Teach student to appropriately
ask to work with a peer
Explicitly teach what “on-task”
behavior looks like (and does not
look like) in writing class
Consequence
Good grades, teacher
acknowledgement
Consequence/Function
Access Peer Attention
Peers laugh and talk with him,
and talk about it after class
Alter Consequences
Rewards
Student can work with peer when
asks appropriately
Student can earn 5 minutes of free
time with a peer, if stays on task
for 90% of period for 5
consecutive days
Response to Problem
When student starts to get out of
seat/engage in problem behavior,
remind him to ask appropriately
to work with a peer
Example B. Desired Behavior Consequence
Work with peers to Success, sense
Routine: Social Studies complete group of
assignment accomplishment,
peer attention
Setting Event Antecedent
Student gets to
school late and
Asked to Problem Behavior Consequence/Function
complete a Whining and refusing Student is told to go complete
misses breakfast project with a to do work her work in the office
group (2-3
peers) Avoids working with
peers
Replacement
Behavior
Ask appropriately if
she may work on the
assignment alone

Setting Events Manipulate Antecedent Teach Behavior Alter Consequences

Arrange for more When passing out
opportunities to work with assignments provide student
peers on days when student with a choice of working with a
has not had breakfast group or completing the
assignment alone
Provide social skills training Rewards
focused on how to work Student will be allowed to work
cooperatively with peers 3 x per alone when asks appropriately
week
Desired
Behavior??

Place a “reminder” card on Replacement

student’s desk stating that
she may ask to work alone at
any point during the group
task
Behavior?? Response to Problem
At first sign of problem behavior,
student will be told to go to
resource room to complete work
on her own

Student is told that she may work

alone after she either a) asks
appropriately, or b) completes
one part of the task with peers
Example C. Desired Behavior Consequence
Complete Success, sense of
Routine: Math Class assignment without accomplishment,
problem behavior improved grades

Setting Event Antecedent

None identified Asked to Problem Behavior Consequence/Function
complete long Verbally refuses, Student is reprimanded and
division tears up worksheet sent to hall
problems
Avoids difficult tasks

Replacement
Behavior
Ask appropriately for
a break or easier task

Setting Events Manipulate Antecedent Teach Behavior Alter Consequences

None identified - Provide visual prompts - Teach Jim how to - For every 5 difficult math
(highlighted text, graphic appropriately ask for a ‘break’ or problems that Jim completes, he
organizers) for writing for an easier task and when will be allowed to skip 5 problems
assignments (appropriate times) to do so

- Put visual reminder on desk
to prompt Jim to ask for a
break or easier task
- Provide additional small-group
instruction in multi-digit
multiplication and division
Replacement
Behavior??
- When Jim first begins to get
upset, ask him to go to the hall

- If Jim continues to engage in

problem behavior, he will
complete his assignment with
teacher during “free choice time”
 Task
• Over the next week…
Using the FBA Summary Statement for Kelly from
page 79 in your guide.

a) Complete the Competing Behavior Pathway

b) Select function-based Prevention, Teaching
and Consequence strategies.

Use the form provided on page 80 of your guidebook

62
 Comments/Questions
about Module 5
• On page 81 please write any
comments/questions you may have pertaining
to this module.

• Thank you for your time & attention!

63