Behavior Supports and BIPs in Michigan
How do behavior supports work in a Michigan IEP?
Michigan follows federal IDEA requirements for behavioral supports, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP). When a student's behavior impedes their learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions, supports, and other strategies to address the behavior (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i); R 340.1721e). Michigan's discipline framework (MCL 380.1310d, PA 360 of 2016, Rethinking Discipline Act) requires a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) within 10 school days when a removal constitutes a change of placement (34 CFR 300.530). When the behavior is a manifestation of the disability, the IEP team must conduct or review a Functional Behavioral Assessment and implement a Behavior Intervention Plan. Michigan's approach to restraint and seclusion (MCL 380.1307a–h) intersects with behavioral supports — if a student exhibits a pattern of behavior that has resulted in emergency use of seclusion or restraint, the school should develop an emergency intervention plan in partnership with parents (MCL 380.1307e). Michigan's Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, coordinated through MiMTSS, provides a statewide infrastructure for school-wide and individual student behavior support. When a student with a disability is suspended for weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury, special rules apply: the student may be placed in an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) for up to 45 school days (34 CFR 300.530(g)).
What Michigan Requires
When behavior impedes learning, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and other strategies — this is a mandatory consideration (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i); R 340.1721e).
An FBA must be conducted and a BIP implemented or reviewed when a manifestation determination finds the behavior is related to the disability — failure to conduct an FBA when behavior is a manifestation is a denial of FAPE (34 CFR 300.530(f)(1)).
If a student exhibits a pattern leading to emergency restraint or seclusion, a written emergency intervention plan must be developed with parent partnership (MCL 380.1307e).
Michigan's Rethinking Discipline Act (MCL 380.1310d, PA 360 of 2016) promotes restorative practices and reduces exclusionary discipline for all students, including those with disabilities.
Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) placements for weapons, drugs, or serious bodily injury may be up to 45 school days — special education services continue in the IAES (34 CFR 300.530(g)).
Michigan MiMTSS provides PBIS implementation support — schools using Tier 2/3 PBIS supports may use behavioral data to inform IEP behavior goals and interventions.
Key Timelines
MDR must be held within 10 school days of a removal that constitutes a change of placement (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
FBA must be completed and BIP implemented/reviewed as soon as practicable following an MDR finding that behavior is a manifestation (34 CFR 300.530(f)(1)).
Special education services must continue in any placement during removal, including IAES — services must be sufficient to continue IEP progress (34 CFR 300.530(d)).