Topic Terms

What is a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan)

A BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) is a written plan developed for a student with significant behavioral challenges that outlines specific strategies and supports to address problem behavior and teach replacement behaviors.

A BIP stands for Behavior Intervention Plan. It is a written, individualized plan developed for a student whose behavior significantly interferes with their learning or the learning of others. A BIP is built on data from a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) and outlines specific evidence-based strategies to reduce problem behavior and teach the student more appropriate replacement behaviors.

Who Gets a BIP?

A BIP is most commonly developed for:

  • Students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) when behavior is a significant barrier
  • Students with disabilities who have been (or are at risk of being) suspended or expelled for more than 10 days
  • Students in Tier 3 of PBIS/MTSS who have not responded to less intensive interventions
  • Any student whose behavior significantly disrupts learning

Under IDEA, an IEP team must consider a BIP when:

  • A student's behavior impedes their learning or others' learning
  • The student has been removed from their placement for more than 10 consecutive school days (manifestation determination)

The Relationship Between FBA and BIP

A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) comes first — it identifies the function (purpose) of the behavior (i.e., is the student trying to get attention? Avoid a task? Gain a desired item? Escape discomfort?). The BIP is then built around that function.

If a student acts out to escape difficult work (the function = escape), the BIP would:

  • Modify the work to be more manageable (antecedent strategy)
  • Teach the student to ask for help or a break (replacement behavior)
  • Reinforce calm, on-task behavior (consequence strategy)

Components of a BIP

A comprehensive BIP typically includes:

  1. Target behaviors — Clearly defined, observable, measurable descriptions of the problem behavior
  2. Baseline data — How often the behavior occurs (frequency, duration, intensity)
  3. Function of behavior — What the student is getting or avoiding through the behavior
  4. Antecedent strategies — Environmental changes to prevent the behavior from being triggered
  5. Replacement behavior — A functionally equivalent, appropriate behavior the student will be taught
  6. Teaching plan — How the replacement behavior will be explicitly taught
  7. Reinforcement plan — What positive reinforcement will be used for the replacement behavior
  8. Consequence plan — How staff should respond if the problem behavior occurs (avoid inadvertently reinforcing it)
  9. Progress monitoring — How and how often behavior data will be collected

BIP Review and Update

A BIP must be reviewed regularly, especially if:

  • The student's behavior is not improving
  • The function of the behavior changes
  • The student moves to a new classroom or school
  • Annual IEP review takes place

Related Terms