The School Won't Do a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Your child is struggling with behavior, but the school refuses to investigate why. An FBA may help—here's how to request one.

Mary, Special Education Advocate
Expert Reviewedby Mary

"I've sat at over 500 IEP tables."

I'm Mary, a Special Education Advocate and the founder of The Advocate Ally. I created this special education resource because too many parents feel pressured to accept generic, "cookie-cutter" IEPs.

The guidance below is grounded in the same practical, document-based questions I raise in IEP meetings every day. Use it to ask for clearer, more individualized support for your child.

Mary

Founder, The Advocate Ally

What's Happening

Your child is having behavioral challenges at school—meltdowns, elopement, aggression, or refusal. Instead of investigating the root cause with an FBA, the school is punishing the behavior.

Your Legal Rights

Under IDEA, when behavior impedes learning, the IEP team must consider positive behavioral interventions. An FBA is the foundation for any effective behavior plan.

  • IDEA requires the IEP team to consider behavioral interventions when behavior impedes learning.
  • You can request an FBA at any time in writing.
  • After 10 days of suspension, the school is required to conduct an FBA if one hasn't been done.
  • A Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) must be based on the findings of the FBA.

What To Do Right Now

1

Submit a written request for an FBA: 'I am requesting a Functional Behavior Assessment for [child] under IDEA.'

2

If the school refuses, request PWN explaining their refusal.

3

Request an IEP meeting to discuss behavioral concerns and include the FBA request on the agenda.

4

If the concern remains unresolved, review state complaint, mediation, due process, and independent evaluation options with a qualified professional.

Don't Go Into This Blind

Before you send a letter or file a complaint, start with the written IEP. The audit can flag documented gaps, weak language, and sections that may deserve a written question or closer professional review.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an FBA?
A Functional Behavior Assessment identifies the antecedent (trigger), behavior, and consequence of challenging behaviors to determine WHAT the child is trying to communicate or obtain.
Who conducts an FBA?
Typically a school psychologist or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). You can also request an independent FBA if you disagree with the school's assessment.
What happens after the FBA?
The team develops a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that replaces punitive consequences with proactive strategies to address the root cause.
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