What is FBA, PBIP, PCM, FAA,

[Guest guest]

Hi,

FBA is functional behavioral assessment/analysis. This the process of collecting data involving the child's problem behavior. Examples of assessments are observations of the child and interviews with parents or teachers. The data will determine what should be done with the child in order to help decrease his behaviors. It is very effective.

When data is collected, a plan can be developed. The PBIP, the positive behavior intervention plan, spells out what should be done to help decrease the behavior. It involves positive interventions and reinforcers, but it can also involve PCM (positive crisis management). This is important to know: PCM is fully a legal intervention used to force kids lay face down on a mat. This is one of the issues the CEC has addressed recently, which somebody posted here on the sList. When parents sign off on a PBIP that states "yes" to use of PCM, they may not be fully aware of what that implies. Broward county seems to be rather strict on not allowing PCM being used on kids who do not have a behavior plan, but there seems to be very little control with those who have PCM on their PBIP. I don't think anyone checks on whether immobilization is necessary in each case (such as being

forced to lay face down on the mat).

When PCM gets in the wrong hands it is awful because it is abuse.

The PBIP should be reviewed perhaps once a month by the parents, the teachers and everyone who works with the child. The purpose is to make adjustments until the behavior is extinct.

The FAA, Florida Alternative Assessment, is the state test given to all students who otherwise should have taken the FCAT. The IEP contains a section where parents and teachers (the IEP team) answer 5 questions related to the FCAT or the FAA. Based on these questions, the team decided if the child should take the FAA or the FCAT. The FAA has nothing to do with the FBA and the PBIP.

I believe it is important for everybody, teachers as well as parents and advocates, to have a solid understanding of these terms, what they imply, what the law says and what the schools do. Some say that if we had more PBIPs, we would have less behaviors. Perhaps more parents need to ask if a plan should be written.

Liz

Subject: Re: Need Advise-School Behavior IssueTo: sList Date: Monday, September 21, 2009, 1:11 AM

In response to RM:IDK. LOLJust a little humor. Really I have no idea what all those initials are you mentioned. FBA, FAA, BIP. Please explain.>> ,> Why not request an FBA or FAA which in conjunction with all the other > evaluations clearly outlining your child's needs would then generate a BIP to > address the behaviors.>