School Social Workers Perceptions of the Use of Functional Behavior Assessments

Purpose: Conducting functional behavior assessments (FBAs) is an important component of meeting the behavioral needs of students exhibiting significant behavioral problems. However, the practices and perceptions of school social workers (SSWs) in the use of FBAs are relatively unknown. Method: The proposed study explored the perceptions of 310 SSWs, across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Wisconsin about the processes involved in conducting an FBA. Descriptive and inferential statistics were estimated using the general linear model. Results: Findings suggest that theoretical orientation is associated with perceived usefulness of FBAs. Additionally, perceptions about the activities involved in conducting FBAs and decision-making practices varied as a function of level of competence about facilitating FBAs. Discussion: Overall, findings suggest that SSWs possess the skills needed to facilitate FBAs and face similar barriers of conducting FBAs of other school-based clinicians.

Perceived Skills and Training Needs Among Singaporean School Personnel in Using Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavioral Interventions

The aim of this exploratory study was to investigate the level of skills and training needs reported by special educators and teaching associates in functional behavioral assessment (FBA) and behavioral interventions within special education (SPED) schools in Singapore. The Skills and Needs Inventories in Functional Behavior Assessments and Interventions (SNI-FBAI), a self-report inventory, was administered to 378 special educators and 38 teaching support staff across seven SPED schools in Singapore. Perceived ratings across both groups were obtained across 13 items for skills and six items for training needs in FBA and behavioral interventions. The results suggested that special educators and teaching associates indicated relatively lower ratings on their perceived skill in more items related to conducting an FBA when compared with items related to behavioral interventions. In terms of training needs, both groups rated developing skills in FBA and behavioral interventions for managing severe challenging behaviors as a priority area for training.

Classroom-Based Strategies to Incorporate Hypothesis Testing in Functional Behavior Assessments

When results of descriptive functional behavior assessments are unclear, hypothesis testing can help school teams understand how the classroom environment affects a student’s challenging behavior. This article describes two hypothesis testing strategies that can be used in classroom settings: structural analysis and functional analysis. For each strategy, we (a) review relevant examples from the literature, (b) identify advantages and disadvantages, and (c) offer recommendations for when and how to use them.

Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans: Legal Requirements and Professional Recommendations

Functional behavior assessments (FBAs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPs) are critical components in the education of students with, or at risk for, emotional disturbance (ED). The purpose of this article is to compare the legal requirements with the professional requirements for FBAs and BIPs. The comparison is first according to the procedural dimension (e.g., the when and how questions) and then on the substantive dimension (the what question). The results reveal a dramatic difference between the legal requirements under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act and the professional recommendations for best practice. Our recommendation for both scholars and practitioners is not to fuse or confuse these two levels: one representing the mandatory minimum and the other representing the professional desideratum. Rather, due differentiation provides a proper framework for proposed additions to federal and state laws, strategic opportunities for advocacy in the litigation process, and ample latitude for effective choices for prophylactic practice.