Functional Assessment: A Systematic Process for Assessment and Intervention in General and Special Education Classrooms

As part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Amendments of 1997, local education agencies (LEAS) are required to conduct a functional assessment and develop a Behavioral Intervention Plan for students with disabilities when their behavior is an issue. This article describes a 10-step process that educators can use when conducting functional assessment in the schools. Also included is a case study designed to assist the readers in completing the aforementioned forms.