Functional Assessment-Based Intervention: Effective Individualized Support for Students

From noted authorities, this book presents a comprehensive approach to designing and implementing evidence-based Tier 3 behaviour interventions for K–12 students. The authors' functional assessment-based intervention (FABI) process has been supported by multiple peer-reviewed studies conducted in authentic educational environments.

Step by step, chapters spell out proven methods to define target behaviours, determine the function of the undesirable behaviour, identify appropriate replacement behaviours, and deliver and monitor intensive interventions. Illustrated with real-world case examples, the book shows how to embed FABI within a school's integrated tiered system of supports. Guidance for scaling FABI district- and statewide is also provided. Ethical issues, professional standards, equity concerns, and cultural and linguistic considerations are addressed throughout.

In a convenient large-size format, the book includes reproducible checklists and forms that can also be downloaded for ease of use.

Audience: special educators and classroom teachers of children ages 5–17 (grades K–12); behaviour specialists, including BCBAs seeking methods that are effective in natural settings; school psychologists; and school administrators.

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Table of Contents

I. Introduction and Overview

1. An Introduction to Functional Assessment-Based Interventions sample
2. Primer on Behavior Analysis

II. Step 1—Identifying Students Who May Need a Functional Assessment-Based Intervention

3. Working in Tiered Systems of Support: A Focus on Tier 3 considerations

4. Identifying Students Who May Benefit from a FABI

III. Step 2—Conducting the Functional Assessment

5. Getting Started: Understanding the Context

6. Functional Assessment Interviews: Identifying the Problem and Establishing the Target Behaviors

7. Functional Assessment: Direct Observation

8. Determining the Function of the Behavior: The Function Matrix

IV. Step 3—Collecting Baseline Data

9. Identifying the Dimension of Interest and Selecting an Appropriate Measurement System

10. Getting Started: Collecting Baseline Data

V. Step 4—Designing the Functional Assessment-Based Intervention

11. Designing and Testing the Intervention

12. Intervention Method 1: Teach the Replacement Behavior

13. Intervention Method 2: Adjust the Environment

14. Intervention Method 3: Shift the Contingencies

15. Intervention Methods 1 and 2: Teach the Replacement Behavior and Adjust the Environment

16. Treatment Integrity

17. Social Validity

18. Generalization and Maintenance

19. Designing Your Intervention

VI. Step 5—Testing the Intervention

20. Determining Intervention Outcomes

21. Wrapping It Up: Ending with a Defensible FABI

VII. Getting Started in Your Own Context

22. Implementation Considerations

23. A Step-by-Step Training Model: One Approach to Building Capacity

Appendix. Published Research on the FABI Model

• FABI Completion Checklists
• Completion Checklist. Step 1: Identifying Students Who Need a FABI
• Completion Checklist. Step 2: Conducting the Functional Assessment
• Completion Checklist. Step 3: Collecting Baseline Data
• Completion Checklist. Step 4: Designing the Intervention
• Completion Checklist. Step 5: Testing the Intervention

References

Index

"Many schools and districts have a solid foundation for implementing tiered systems of support, but are seeking a standardized process for Tier 3—specifically, a process for developing FABI plans. Look no further! This book provides valuable resources, insights, and practical steps forward. Jump in and check out the research-validated tools and step-by-step process to support children with intensive intervention needs."
- Lisa J. Powers, PhD, Department of Special Education, University of Missouri–Columbia

"This indispensable resource is theoretically and empirically grounded as well as highly practical and accessible for preservice and inservice educators and behavior analysts. The authors provide an effective, step-by-step approach to facilitate high-fidelity interventions that promote positive and prosocial behavioral outcomes. The authors explain complex behavior analytic principles and illustrate them with authentic school-based examples. The book is unique in situating FABI within a comprehensive, integrated, three-tiered model of prevention, as part of a full continuum of supports."
- Wendy Peia Oakes, PhD, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Arizona State University

"Umbreit and colleagues provide a comprehensive, accessible overview of their five-step FABI model. The book includes a wealth of practical tools and implementation guidance. This is an integral resource for anyone providing intensive intervention for students engaging in challenging behaviors."
- Eric Alan Common, PhD, BCBA-D, Department of Education, University of Michigan–Flint

"This book crafts a roadmap for implementers and includes helpful examples, descriptions, tools, and checklists. The authors emphasize equitable, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approaches that center the student and family and value the community. Unpacking the components of FABI, this is an essential resource for anyone responsible for supporting students with intensive needs across general and special education settings. This excellent book will enhance the training and technical assistance we provide to schools, districts, regional educational service centers, and state education agency staff. It is a preeminent resource to support and extend the learning of practitioners at any level."
- Kelcey Schmitz, MSEd, Director of Training and Technical Assistance, School Mental Health Assessment, Research, and Training (SMART) Center, University of Washington