Behavior Supports and BIPs in Washington

How do behavior supports work in a Washington IEP?

Washington requires that when a student's behavior impedes their own learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions, supports, and strategies to address the behavior (WAC 392-172A-03110(1)(a)). A Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) is defined under WAC 392-172A-01031 and must be included in the IEP when determined necessary. Washington's WAC 392-172A-02105 requires that if a student's IEP includes emergency response protocols (e.g., procedures for managing safety crises), the district must obtain parental consent before including those protocols in the IEP. When a manifestation determination review (MDR) finds that behavior was a manifestation of the disability, the district must conduct a functional behavioral assessment and implement a BIP, or if one exists, review and modify it (WAC 392-172A-05147; 34 CFR 300.530(f)). Washington defines 'positive behavioral interventions' at WAC 392-172A-01142 and specifies that IEP teams must consider assistive technology and positive behavioral supports before more restrictive behavioral approaches. Restraint and isolation are governed separately under RCW 28A.600.485 and may never be used as planned behavioral interventions without meeting the individualized need and parental consent requirements.