Behavior Supports and BIPs in Arkansas
How do behavior supports work in a Arkansas IEP?
Arkansas requires that IEP teams consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies when a student's behavior impedes their own learning or the learning of others (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §8.07.1.2.A; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)). A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is required following the first incident of physical restraint used on a student, unless a previous FBA was conducted for the same behavior (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2405). Additionally, if a student with a disability is removed for more than 10 cumulative school days in a year, the IEP team must conduct an FBA and implement a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) or review and modify an existing one (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §11.00; 34 CFR 300.530). Arkansas's special education rules require that the use of time-out seclusion — when included in the IEP — be paired with a behavioral plan that provides positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors. Written procedures must be developed and followed for each student whose IEP includes time-out seclusion. The IEP team must document consideration of positive behavioral supports as a special consideration.
What Arkansas Requires
The IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports when a student's behavior impedes their learning or that of others (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §8.07.1.2.A; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) must be conducted following the first incident of physical restraint, unless a prior FBA addressed the same behavior (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2405).
If a student is removed for more than 10 school days in a year, the IEP team must conduct or review an FBA and implement or revise a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §11.00; 34 CFR 300.530).
When time-out seclusion is authorized in a student's IEP, it must be paired with a behavioral plan providing positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors, and written procedures must be developed and followed (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §20.00).
The use of time-out seclusion must be explicitly stated in the student's IEP, including the specific behaviors that will result in its use (Ark. Admin. Code 005.18.10-001, §20.00).
Key Timelines
FBA must be conducted following the first physical restraint incident, unless prior FBA addressed the same behavior (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-18-2405).
Manifestation determination must be conducted within 10 school days of a decision to change placement for disciplinary reasons (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
If behavior is a manifestation, IEP team must conduct or review FBA and implement or revise BIP within 10 school days of the manifestation determination (34 CFR 300.530(f)).
Sources
Related IEP Guides
FBA and Behavior Plans: A Parent's Complete Guide
Learn what an FBA is, how to read a BIP, what makes a good behavior plan vs. a bad one, and when to push back on your child's behavior supports.
Your Child Isn't Misbehaving — They're in Fight or Flight
Learn why aggression in children with disabilities is often a stress response, not defiance — and what the IEP should include to actually help.
Color Cards, Point Sheets, and Daily Reports: Understanding Your Child's Behavior Tracking System
Color card systems and behavior charts: what they measure, what they miss, and the right questions to ask when data connects to your child's IEP.