Behavior Supports and BIPs in Utah
How do behavior supports work in a Utah IEP?
Utah requires that when a student's behavior impedes the student's learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies, consistent with Utah Admin. Code R277-750-201 and federal law (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)). A functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is the foundational tool for developing behavior intervention plans (BIP). While federal law triggers an FBA requirement upon discipline involving a change of placement, best practice in Utah — reflected in USBE guidance — is to conduct FBAs proactively when problem behavior is identified. When a disciplinary change of placement is made for a student with a disability whose behavior was determined to be a manifestation of the disability, the LEA must either conduct an FBA (if not already done) and implement a BIP, or review and modify an existing BIP (34 CFR 300.530(f)). Utah Admin. Code R277-609 governs safe schools and behavioral supports more broadly. USBE has published a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that encompasses positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) as a school-wide prevention framework.
What Utah Requires
When a student's behavior impedes their learning or that of others, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies (Utah Admin. Code R277-750-201; 34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)(i)).
An FBA must be conducted and a BIP developed or reviewed when a student with a disability is subject to a disciplinary change of placement and the behavior is a manifestation of the disability (34 CFR 300.530(f)).
Behavioral supports and interventions documented in the IEP must be based on individualized FBA data and use positive, evidence-based approaches (Utah Admin. Code R277-750-201; USBE PBIS guidance).
The IEP team must include any special factors, including behavior support needs, in the IEP and must consider them at each annual review (34 CFR 300.324(a)(2)).
Utah's MTSS/PBIS framework provides school-wide supports at Tier 1, targeted group supports at Tier 2, and intensive individualized supports (including BIPs) at Tier 3 (USBE MTSS guidance).
Key Timelines
FBA must be conducted promptly when a change of placement for disciplinary reasons reveals a manifestation of disability, or when behavioral concerns are identified during evaluation (34 CFR 300.530(f)).
BIP must be developed or reviewed as part of the manifestation determination process within 10 school days of a disciplinary change of placement decision (34 CFR 300.530(f)).
Behavioral supports in the IEP must be reviewed at least annually, or sooner if behavioral concerns escalate (Utah Admin. Code R277-750-201; 34 CFR 300.324(b)).