Behavior Supports and BIPs in Iowa
How do behavior supports work in a Iowa IEP?
Iowa requires that IEP teams consider positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) and other strategies when a student's behavior impedes the student's learning or that of others (281 IAC 41.324(2); 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)). Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) are required when behavior is a factor in a disciplinary change of placement — the team must conduct an FBA (if one has not already been conducted) and develop or revise a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) within 10 school days of the decision (281 IAC 41.530(e)-(f)). Iowa's AEA school psychologists and school social workers typically assist with FBA development and PBIS implementation in school buildings. Iowa incorporates PBIS as a statewide framework through the Iowa PBIS Network, embedded in general and special education. BIPs must be positive, proactive, and based on the function of behavior identified through the FBA. When restraint or seclusion has been used with a student, the school must review the student's IEP and any BIP and consider whether modifications are needed (281 IAC 103.10).
What Iowa Requires
When behavior impedes learning, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and other strategies to address the behavior (281 IAC 41.324(2); 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
When a disciplinary change of placement occurs, the LEA must conduct an FBA if not already done and implement a BIP within 10 school days (281 IAC 41.530(e)-(f); 34 CFR 300.530(f)).
BIPs must be based on the function of behavior identified through the FBA and must include positive, proactive strategies (Iowa IDEA Information — Social Emotional Behavior in an IEP).
AEA school psychologists and school social workers are available to assist LEAs in conducting FBAs and developing BIPs as part of the AEA's support service role (Iowa Code § 273.1; 281 IAC 41.39).
If restraint or seclusion is used, the school must review the student's IEP and BIP within 10 school days to determine whether modifications are warranted (281 IAC 103.10).
PBIS is Iowa's statewide prevention framework embedded in both general and special education practice; IEP teams should consider PBIS tier levels when designing individualized behavior supports (Iowa PBIS Network guidance).
Key Timelines
FBA and BIP development must occur within 10 school days of a decision to change placement for disciplinary reasons (281 IAC 41.530(e)-(f)).
Following restraint or seclusion, the IEP and BIP must be reviewed within 10 school days (281 IAC 103.10).
BIPs must be reviewed at each annual IEP review and revised when behavior data indicates the plan is not effective (281 IAC 41.324).