Thinking Functionally About Behavior Hobbs Municipal Schools June 9, 2011

Acknowledgments New Mexico would like to acknowledge Dr. Rob Horner, University of Oregon, for his assistance in the development of the NM PBS training materials. Portions of this training module are adapted from T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005 Project ACHIEVE Press, Howard Knoff; 2009

“Have you ever seen or heard….” “Jennifer, you skipped 2 school days, so we’re going to suspend you for 2 more.” “Andrew, I’m taking your book away because you obviously aren’t ready to learn.” “You want my attention?! I’ll show you attention,…let’s take a walk down to the office & have a little chat with the Principal.” T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

“How many of you….” Know why functional assessments are conducted? Have participated in behavior intervention planning meeting? Led such meeting? Have conducted functional assessment….Informally? Formally? Have used functional assessment information to develop behavior intervention plan? T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Goals for Session Define FBAs and BIPs. Review the steps of the problem-solving process. Apply the process to a student you know.

Part I: Defining FBAs and BIPs

Functional Assessment Defined A functional behavior assessment (FBA) is an analysis of the circumstances in the environment (teachers, students, events, directions, etc.) that tend to predict a behavior and help explain why the student engages in that behavior at that particular time. Once we understand the function of a behavior, we can help the student develop more appropriate ways to meet his or her need. That is, we can teach the student an appropriate strategy for getting attention, escaping embarrassment, avoiding tasks, etc. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Primary Purposes of Functional Behavioral Assessment A primary purpose of functional behavioral assessment is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of behavior support. Behavior support plans built from functional assessment are more effective Didden et al., 1997 Newcomer & Lewis, in press Carr et al., 1999 Ingram, Sugai & Lewis-Palmer Ellingson, et al., 2000; Filter (2004) Create order out of chaos (define contextual information, where, when, with whom, etc) Professional accountability T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Behavior Intervention Plan Defined (Crone & Horner, 2003) A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) “is a written record that summarizes the FBA information and documents the intervention plan.” “An effective BIP describes in detail how, by whom, and in what situations the intervention strategies will be implemented…. (and) monitoring and evaluation procedures.” T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

An Overview of the Problem Solving Process Step 1. Review all existing data and history of the student. Step 2. Complete a gap analysis, functionally describe the problem, and identify replacement behaviors. Step 3. Generate hypothesis (using functional Assessment) to explain why problem is occurring). Step 4. Assess (confirm or reject) hypothesis. Step 5. Design and write the intervention plan. Step 6. Implement the intervention plan and interventions. Step 7. Formatively and summatively evaluate the interventions and intervention plan. Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

Part II: Problem Solving Process

Problem Solving Process: Step One Review all existing data and history of the student. Collect any additional background data as appropriate. Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

SAT Activity: Working independently or as part of a team, review all existing data and history of the student that the SAT has gathered, and determine what additional background data you need to collect, if any.

Problem Solving Process: Step Two Complete a gap analysis, functionally describe the problem, and identify replacement behaviors. Along with other data, consider information from- SAT Teacher Input for Addressing Behaviors Form Description of Problem Behaviors Setting Events and Predictors Consequences Documentation- Behavior Intervention Plan Functional Assessment Checklist, Steps 1-4 Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

Schedule (Times) ActivityLikelihood of Problem BehaviorSpecific Problem Behavior 8:00Waiting to enter building Low High See escalation described above 8:15Advisory & Planning Mostly teasing and touching property of others. Doesn’t escalate much further 9:15Language Arts Occasional name calling/teasing 10:15Recess See escalation described above 11:30Math Occasional teasing 12:00Lunch See escalation described above 12:35Earth Science Minor verbal harassment 1:15Art or Phy Ed See escalation described above 2:00Reading Rarely a problem 2:50Waiting for bus See escalation described above

Start with Behavior Clear, measurable and objective descriptions Look at Individual behaviors Behavior sequences Response classes T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Response Chain Predictable sequence of behaviors Possibly different functions at beginning & end of chains T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Behavior Chain Example 1. Given difficult task, student… 1.Whispers that work is stupid, 2.Writes on papers, 3.Says work is stupid, 4.Throws paper in waste basket, & 5.Leaves room. What is function of behavior at beginning & end of chain? (Test) T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Behavior Chain Example 2. Given difficult task, student… 1.Says this work is stupid, 2.Pokes student at next table, 3.Argues with student, 4.Tells teacher to butt out, 5.Threatens teacher 6.Runs away from teacher who chases. What is function of behavior at beginning or end of chain? (Test) T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Response Class Set of topographically different behaviors with similar or related purpose or function Hit, spit, runaway, yell… Escape difficult task request Cry, hit, whine, raise hand, spit….. Obtain adult attention T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Response Class Set of different behaviors that are maintained by the same consequence. All behaviors maintained by adult attention All behaviors maintained by escape from academic tasks Organize behavior support around response classes embedded within functional routines. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Response Class Which of these behaviors are to “avoid some- thing” and which “to get attention?” ScreamName calling ThrowSelf-bite KickSelf-induced vomit SpitStrip Hit own headRun away Take a minute to discuss at your table/with your team. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Response Class Which of these behaviors form a response class? Scream (attention) Name calling (attention) Throw(attention) Self-bite (attention) Kick (avoid tasks ) Self-induced vomit (avoid) Spit (avoid tasks) Strip (attention) Hit own head (attention) Run away (avoid tasks) T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

We always need to consider behavior in context! Always examine environmental stimuli that are associated with occurrence of behaviors –Antecedent, consequence, & setting events E.g., persons, activities, routines, materials, events T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Antecedent events Stimuli that precede & “trigger” or occasion behavioral events Occurs before response & signals or occasions response When told to shut up, Jordon hits the student. When asked to tell capitol of Western Australia, Claire says Perth. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

The teacher’s directions are triggers for Demetri’s display of verbal noncompliance, or When a peer teases her walk, Cologne is likely to use verbal profanity, or When sitting next to Manuella, Myounghee passes notes. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Consequence events Stimuli that follow & maintain or increase likelihood of a behavioral event. Presented contingent upon performance of a response When Luke makes rude noises in class, his peers tell him to grow up. Whenever Electra raises her hand & smiles, her teachers call on her. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Following Demetri’s verbal noncompliance, teacher redirects her direction to another student (i.e., avoids having to comply), or When Cologne uses verbal profanity, peer start to argue with her (increases peer attention), or Myounghee passes notes, Manuella passes a note back & teacher tells them both to get back to work (increases peer & adult attention).

Maintaining Consequences Common maintaining consequences Obtain: social attention, food, access to preferred activity, pleasing sensation Avoid: hard tasks, negative social contact, pain, aversive stimulation, lack of predictability Avoid judgmental consequences: “Revenge” “Sense of well-being” “Basically evil” “Control” T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Identifying Maintaining Consequences Given a Problem Behavior Get: Object, Activity, Sensation Avoid: Object, Activity, Sensation SocialPhysiologicalSocialPhysiological Precise Event Precise Event Precise Event Precise Event Physical Precise Event Precise Event

Maintaining Consequences One maintaining consequence per hypothesis Maintaining consequences are narrowly defined. Get or avoid? Social or Physiological? Precise event/action/object? T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Following Demetri’s verbal noncompliance, teacher redirects her direction to another student (i.e., avoids having to comply), or When Cologne uses verbal profanity, peer start to argue with her (increases peer attention), or Myounghee passes notes, Manuella passes a note back & teacher tells them both to get back to work (increases peer & adult attention).

When Sequoia misses her 12:30 medication & teachers present difficult multiple task demands, she makes negative self-statements & writes profane language on her assignments. Teaching staff typically send her to the office with a discipline referral for being disrespectful. Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence Misses 12:30 medication Teachers make multiple task demands Sequoia makes negative self- statements & writes profane language Teacher sends Sequoia to office for being disrespectful What function? Avoid difficult tasks

Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence Caesar is teased several times about his hair by his friends before class His teacher stares at his hair in class Caesar asks his teacher what she’s staring at His teacher sends him to in-school detention Caesar has dyed his hair three colors & is teased several times by his friends before class. When he enters the class, his teacher stares at his hair. Caesar immediately says “what are you staring at?” His teacher immediately sends him to in- school detention. What function? Escape adult & peer attention

Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence When his teacher asks him what the capitol city of a country is, Napoleon gives the correct answers. His teacher praises his correct answer, & tells him he may work by himself or a friend on the rest of the assignment. None Teacher asks what capitol city of country is Napoleon give correct answer Teacher gives verbal praise & time to work with a friend What function? Access peer & adult attention

Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence Cleo is new to the 6th grade, & English is her second language. When another student approaches & says something to her in English, Cleo turns away. The other student walks away. This happens several times during the day. New contextStudent approaches & speaks in English Cleo turns away Other student walks away What function? Escape peer attention

Setting eventAntecedentResponseConsequence As Veloce is walking, other kids look at him & say “what’s up?” He looks back and says: “Who ya lookin’ at?!” “Ya want some of this?!” “Ya talkin’ to me?!” Kids shake their heads & all him “weirdo.” ??Look at him. “What’s up!” “Who ya lookin’ at?” “Ya want Some?” “Ya talkin’ to me? Kids shake heads & call him “weirdo” What function? Access OR escape peer attention? How do you know? Assess?

Setting Events Unique situations in which factors unique to individual Make problem behavior more intense or more likely to occur (e.g., illness, fatigue, hunger, social conflict) by changing value of reinforcers (e.g., praise less effective, peer attention is more reinforcing, work completion is less important). T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Work completion is less important to Demetri after he has had an argument with his girlfriend before class, or Cologne’s use of verbal profanity is more likely when she hasn’t had enough sleep night before, or Peer attention is less distracting (reinforcing) when Manuella isn’t feeling well. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Lack of sleep decreases value of getting to school on time, increases value of going to Hot Dog Haven. Lack of breakfast increases value of getting sent to office (by vending machines) for failing to follow directions. Having a fight with boyfriend decreases value of listening to lecture. Getting >50% of problem wrong decreases value of starting new worksheets. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Identify the “Replacement” Behavior An appropriate Replacement Behavior: Serves the same function as the problem behavior The replacement behavior is a member of the same response class as the problem behavior Is as, or more efficient than the problem behavior physical effort, schedule of reinforcement, time to reinforcement Is socially acceptable T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

SAT Activity: Working independently or as part of a team, Review data including that from SAT Teacher Input for Addressing Behavior Form Description of Problem Behaviors Setting Events and Predictors Consequences Complete- Behavior Intervention Plan Functional Assessment Checklist, steps 1-4

Problem Solving Process: Step Three Generate hypothesis (using functional assessment) to explain why problem is occurring. Documentation- SAT Teacher Input for Addressing Behavior Form Behavior Support Plan: Competing Behavior Pathway Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

Generate a hypothesis statement The hypothesis statement will answer the following questions: 1 What is the problem behavior? 2 What is the antecedent or trigger for the behavior? 3 What is the maintaining consequence? 4 What is the setting event? T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Testable Hypothesis “Basic Unit” “Best guess” about behavior & conditions under which it is observed Represents basic working unit of FBA Directly guides development of BIP

Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior Testable Hypothesis “Basic Unit” Following events that maintain behaviors of concern Preceding events that trigger or occasion Set of related behaviors of concern Infrequent events that affect value of maint. conseq.

Setting EventsTriggering Antecedents Maintaining Consequences Problem Behavior FBA Summary or Hypotheses Statement 1234

SAT Activity: Working independently or as part of a team, complete Behavior Intervention Plan Functional Assessment Checklist, Step 5 Behavior Support Plan: Competing Behavior Pathway

Problem Solving Process: Step Four Assess (confirm or reject) hypothesis. Ask yourself, “How confident efforts have been used to control the problem behavior?” Documentation - Behavior Intervention Plan Summary of Behavior, Step 6 Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

SAT Activity: Working independently or as part of a team, complete Behavior Intervention Plan Summary of Behavior, Step 6

Problem Solving Process: Step Five Design and write the intervention plan. The plan links your hypothesis to relevant, evidence- based modifications, remediations, accommodations or interventions. Documentation- Behavior Intervention Plan Behavior Support Plan: Competing Behavior Pathway Behavior Support Plan: Action Plan Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

Features of Effective Interventions Interventions or practices that make problem behavior ineffective, inefficient, & irrelevant Arrange environment for prevention Teach new skills Prevent reinforcement of problem behavior Increase reinforcement of desired & replacement behaviors Establish consequences for problem behaviors T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Supports that enable accurate & durable implementation of interventions Ensure contextual fit Organize adult responsibilities, tasks, etc. Embed interventions in SAT/IEP Establish effective, efficient, & relevant school-wide behavior support systems T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Neutralize/ eliminate setting events Add relevant & remove irrelevant triggers Teach alternative that is more efficient Add effective & & remove ineffective reinforcers

Problem Solving Process: Step Six Implement the intervention plan and interventions. Documentation-Behavior Intervention Plan Behavior Support Plan: Action Plan Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

Steps for Implementation Teaching education Place problem behavior on extinction Reward desired behavior Consequence problem behavior (if needed) Define safety/emergency procedures (if needed) Evaluation and monitoring for improvement Be sure the team is on the same page when implementing COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE, COMMUNICATE!

Problem Solving Process: Step Seven Formatively and summatively evaluate the interventions and intervention plan. Documentation - Behavior Intervention Plan Behavior Support Plan: Evaluate Plan Project ACHIEVE Press, 2005

Evaluate and Adapt Strategies Need a written plan to guide monitoring and evaluation. Will answer the questions What do we want to know? What’s the simplest form of data that will answer our question? What’s the simplest way for us to consistently collect that data? Who, when, how? How should we summarize data and communicate about the success of our strategy?

Build in review and adapting if needed To be meaningful, that plan must be reviewed periodically; however, the plan may be reevaluated whenever any member of the student’s SAT/IEP team feels that a review is necessary. Circumstances that may warrant such a review include: The student has reached his or her behavioral goals and objectives and new goals and objectives need to be established; The "situation" has changed and the interventions no longer address the current needs of the student; There is a change in placement; or It is clear that the original behavioral intervention plan is not producing positive changes in the student’s behavior. In the end, the process of functional behavioral assessment is complete only when the SAT/IEP team produces positive behavioral changes in student performance. T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

What do we want to know? What’s the simplest form of data that will answer our question? What’s the simplest way for us to consistently collect that data? Who, when, how? How should we summarize data and communicate about the success of our strategy? Monitoring T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Evaluate the Plan Data to be Collected Procedures for Data Collection Person Responsible Timeline Observations by school psychologist Class periods with no outbursts Yes/no to outbursts in class Office discipline referrals Observations during structured time Behavior card (points for appropriate behavior) Check-ins with staff SWIS system School Psych. Jenny Jenny/ Elaine 2/13/04 Daily review of card (Hourly), weekly On-going T. Scott, R. Horner, G. Sugai, et al.; 2005

Part III: Wrapping it up…

What questions do you have?