In 2004, the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act was passed into law. The law provides for specific rights, guidelines and mandates for children with learning, physical and behavioral disabilities. All procedures for behavior-management plans are defined by law. Among the provisions of the law are the requirements for highly qualified teachers and specialists to utilize instruction and interventions that are scientifically or research-based practices.
Students who have been diagnosed with disabilities, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pervasive development disorder (PDD), oppositional defiance disorder (ODD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), are often placed on a behavior-management plan as part of their individual education plan, or IEP. In order to establish appropriate goals and structure, and to facilitate behavior achievements, parents should first request a Functional Behavior Assessment. The behavior-management plan will be built around the results.
The behavior management plan is construed by all members of the individual learning plan team. This team typically consists of you, the parents, the classroom teachers, specialists, an advocate if you request one and occasionally a representative of the school building's administration. Together, based on the assessment and recommendations of the team, the behavior-management plan is written. The behavior plan is a separate addendum attached to a child's IEP.
The behavior-management plan addresses three main components, or ABCs, of behavior: The antecedent (or what led up to, or caused the behavior); the behavior and the consequence of the behavior. The plan includes specific goals and responsibilities of both the child and the expectations of the teachers. The plan also addresses what the interventions will be and how they will be carried out. Directions for modifications to the plan and how often the plan will be reassessed by the team will be addressed. Any noted physical limitations and prescribed medications of the student are also noted in the plan.