Behavior Supports and BIPs in Missouri
How do behavior supports work in a Missouri IEP?
Missouri follows the federal framework for behavior supports in IEPs under 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i), requiring IEP teams to consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies when a child's behavior impedes the child's learning or that of others. Missouri does not establish a separate state behavioral intervention plan (BIP) mandate beyond federal requirements, but the state's seclusion and restraint statute (RSMo 160.263) creates a framework restricting the use of seclusion and restraint and requiring positive behavioral approaches. Missouri's discipline statute at RSMo 160.261 requires school boards to adopt written discipline policies; removal of students with disabilities is subject to both state and federal procedural rights under IDEA. Functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) must be conducted when a manifestation determination finds the behavior is a manifestation of the disability or when the LEA changes placement for disciplinary reasons (34 CFR 300.530(d)(1)). Missouri DESE provides guidance on positive behavioral supports through the Missouri School-wide Positive Behavior Support (MO SW-PBS) initiative.
What Missouri Requires
The IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions and supports when a child's behavior impedes learning, and document the consideration and outcome (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
Behavioral support strategies and any behavioral intervention plan must be based on a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) when the behavior is a manifestation of the disability (34 CFR 300.530(d)(1)(ii)).
Missouri's seclusion and restraint statute (RSMo 160.263) restricts the use of restraint and seclusion, requires annual training for personnel who use these interventions, and mandates written incident reports and parental notification.
School boards must adopt written discipline policies under RSMo 160.261; removal of students with disabilities is subject to state and federal procedural protections (RSMo 160.261; 34 CFR 300.530).
Missouri DESE promotes positive behavioral supports through the Missouri School-wide Positive Behavior Support (MO SW-PBS) initiative as a statewide framework for behavioral intervention.
Key Timelines
When a child's behavior is a manifestation of their disability, the IEP Team must conduct an FBA (if not already completed) and implement a BIP (34 CFR 300.530(f)).
Manifestation determination review must occur within 10 school days of a removal decision constituting a change of placement (34 CFR 300.530(e)).
Behavior supports must be reviewed at each annual IEP review (34 CFR 300.324(b)).