Behavior Supports and BIPs in Indiana
How do behavior supports work in a Indiana IEP?
Indiana requires that when a student's behavior impedes their own learning or that of other students, the Case Conference Committee (CCC) must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies to address the behavior (511 IAC 7-42-6; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)). A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) identifies specific behaviors, their antecedents, consequences, and hypothesized function. Based on the FBA, a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) is developed with proactive strategies, replacement behaviors, and consequence strategies. Under 511 IAC 7-44-5, if a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) finds that the behavior was a manifestation of the student's disability, the CCC must conduct or review an FBA and develop or revise a BIP. Indiana's restraint and seclusion law under IC 20-20-40 separately requires that any behavioral intervention must be consistent with the student's IEP if applicable, reinforcing the connection between behavior plans and restraint prevention. Schools must develop plans emphasizing prevention, positive behavioral intervention and support, and conflict de-escalation as the primary strategies before considering restraint or seclusion (IC 20-20-40-13). Prone (face-down) restraint is prohibited in Indiana. School corporations must notify parents of any restraint or seclusion incident on the same day it occurs.
What Indiana Requires
When behavior impedes learning, the CCC must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies as a special factor in IEP development (511 IAC 7-42-6; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
An FBA must be conducted and a BIP developed or reviewed when a Manifestation Determination finds the behavior is a manifestation of disability (511 IAC 7-44-5; 34 CFR 300.530(f)).
Any behavioral intervention must be consistent with the student's IEP if applicable, per Indiana's restraint and seclusion requirements (IC 20-20-40-13).
School restraint and seclusion plans must prioritize prevention, positive behavioral intervention and support, and conflict de-escalation before restraint or seclusion is considered (IC 20-20-40-13).
Prone (face-down) restraint is prohibited under Indiana law (IC 20-20-40).
FBA data must be used as the basis for any BIP, with the plan specifying replacement behaviors and proactive supports — not merely reactive consequences.
Key Timelines
An FBA must be conducted and BIP developed or reviewed following a Manifestation Determination finding that behavior is a manifestation of disability — typically within 10 instructional days (511 IAC 7-44-5; 34 CFR 300.530(f)).
BIPs must be reviewed at least annually at the IEP meeting or more frequently if behavior concerns arise or change (511 IAC 7-42-7).
When a disciplinary change of placement occurs, a Manifestation Determination must be held within 10 instructional days (511 IAC 7-44-5).
Parents must be notified of any restraint or seclusion incident on the same day the incident occurs (IC 20-20-40).