Functional Behavior Assessment

Function-based interventions may be more effective than interventions based on topography of behavior for improving students’ classroom behavior. A functional behavior assessment (FBA) identifies contextual variables that are associated with or have a functional relation with challenging behaviors. This chapter discusses the essential elements of an FBA, including types of FBA procedures, procedural guidelines form implementing a school-based FBA, and conducting FBAs in the context of school-based consultation. Finally, case examples of FBAs are provided to demonstrate the process of implementation in academic settings.