# What is an FBA?

> A functional behavioral assessment (or FBA) is a process that identifies a specific or target behavior that interferes with a student’s education. The assessment attempts to designate the particular behavior, identify the factors that support the behavior, and determine the purpose of the behavior. The basic idea is that a student’s behavior serves a purpose. Whether they

A functional behavioral assessment (or **FBA**) is a process that identifies a specific or target behavior that interferes with a student’s education. The assessment attempts to designate the particular behavior, identify the factors that support the behavior, and determine the purpose of the behavior.

The basic idea is that a student’s behavior serves a purpose. Whether they know it or not, kids act in certain ways for a reason. If schools and families can understand what is causing a behavior, they can find ways to change it.

Once an FBA is completed, it is often followed up by the development of a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).  The intention of the BIP is to incorporate what was found in the FBA and craft a plan to re-teach desirable behaviors and help the child be more successful in school.

The six steps to an FBA are as follows:

1. Choose a **problem** behavior to change.
2. Measure the **problem** behavior by collecting data.
3. Determine the function (purpose) of the **problem** behavior.
4. Conduct a functional behavior assessment.
5. Create a behavior intervention plan.
6. Teach a new alternative behavior.

To learn more about Let’s Go Learn’s powerful, online assessment and curriculum platform, [click here](https://cms.letsgolearn.com/solutions/diagnostic-assessments/).