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)).