Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
Chapter 10
Behavior Intervention Plan
Components of a Behavior Intervention Plan
• A behavior intervention plan is a written plan that describes the interventions, strategies,
and supports that will be implemented to address the social, emotional, and behavioral
needs of a student.
• As part of a universal design for classroom management, a behavior intervention plan
should:
2. be based on the data obtained from the functional behavioral assessment;
4. be individualized and based on the student’s social, emotional, and behavioral needs;
5. include positive behavioral strategies; and be implemented and monitored.
• The behavior intervention plan is a team-based approach, and should include general
education teachers and other professionals who are familiar with the student, special
education teachers who are familiar with developing and implementing behavior
• A well-developed BIP incorporates the information obtained from the functional
behavioral assessment and the functional behavior analysis.
Implementation of a Behavior Intervention Plan
o The first task in developing a behavior intervention plan is that of defining the target
behavior, which should describe the target behavior as observable, measurable, and
o Any previously attempted interventions and the effectiveness of those interventions
should be noted on the BIP
o The summary of the functional behavioral assessment describes the characteristics of
Shepherd/Linn, Behavior and Classroom Management in the Multicultural Classroom
o Using data collected on the student’s target behavior, the behavior intervention team
determines if the function of the behavior is attainment or avoidance/escape of a
o Once the function of the target behavior has been identified, alternative behaviors can
o The intervention plan for alternative behaviors should include specific information on
the intervention strategy to be used, the person designated to implement the strategy,
and the method that will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy.
o The BIP needs to be evaluated for effectiveness on a continuous basis by members of
the behavior intervention team. The effectiveness of a behavior intervention plan can
Developing Behavior Goals
• A behavior goal is a broad statement about a student outcome within a specific period of
time.
• Behavior objectives are created from behavior goals, which consist of specific statements
about student performance that include the condition, the target behavior, and the
criterion of the performance.
• The writing of behavior goals and behavior objectives and the development and
Implications of Behavior Intervention Plans
• As part of a universal design for classroom management and positive behavior supports,
schools should use behavior intervention plans as an active strategy for all students
displaying behavior difficulties.
• A number of barriers have hindered the development and implementation of behavior
intervention plans in schools. These barriers include:
2. Many behavior and classroom management plans tend to be punishment based.
3. Many teachers do not have the training to develop and implement behavior
4. Many teachers do not have the time to conduct the functional behavioral assessments
and functional behavior analysis needed to effectively develop behavior intervention
plans.
Impact of Culture on BIPs
• If a teacher fails to consider the cultural and linguistic background of a student, the
behavior intervention plan is likely to be ineffective in modifying the student’s behavior.
• Unfortunately, there are few culturally sensitive strategies available for collecting data
leading to the development of a behavior intervention plan.
• Culturally sensitive data collection strategies include:
2. Involving family members in planning the data collection.
4. Examining the appropriateness of the items on the assessment.