Behavior Supports and BIPs in Alaska
How do behavior supports work in a Alaska IEP?
Alaska requires positive behavioral supports as the first line of intervention for students with disabilities whose behavior impedes their learning or that of others. Under 4 AAC 52.540(c), the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies when a student's behavior is a barrier to learning. A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) should be conducted when a student exhibits significant behavioral challenges, and the results must inform a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) included in the IEP. Alaska's restraint and seclusion regulations (4 AAC 52.230) require that positive behavioral supports be exhausted before any restrictive physical intervention is used. When a disciplinary action constitutes a change of placement, the IEP team must conduct a manifestation determination and review or revise the FBA and BIP. Alaska DEED guidance emphasizes culturally responsive behavioral interventions, particularly for Alaska Native students for whom school behavioral expectations may differ from home cultural norms.
What Alaska Requires
The IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies when a student's behavior impedes their learning or that of others (4 AAC 52.540(c); 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) must be conducted when significant behavioral challenges are present or when the IEP team determines one is needed (4 AAC 52.520(b)).
When an FBA is conducted, results must inform a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) that is included in or attached to the IEP.
Positive behavioral supports must be exhausted before using restrictive physical interventions consistent with Alaska's restraint and seclusion regulations (4 AAC 52.230).
When a disciplinary action constitutes a change of placement (more than 10 consecutive school days), a manifestation determination must be conducted within 10 school days (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
Culturally responsive behavioral practices should be considered for Alaska Native students, accounting for differences between school and home cultural expectations.
Key Timelines
FBA must be conducted prior to any use of restraint or seclusion as a behavioral intervention (4 AAC 52.230).
When a manifestation determination is required, it must be completed within 10 school days of the disciplinary decision (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
Behavioral intervention plans must be reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting or sooner if behavioral concerns escalate (4 AAC 52.540(d)).