BIPs are not created for every child, every situation,
programs (IEPs) or 504 plans. Any child having
diculty with behavior can have a BIP. A BIP is
intended to support children who have behaviors
interfering with learning at school. If a child has an
IEP or 504 plan, the team will decide if an FBA and
Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), if a child’s disability
(including learning and thinking dierences) is
child’s learning or the learning of others, the school
must consider whether the child needs positive
include an FBA and a BIP, to reduce or eliminate the
behavior and its resulting impact on learning.
Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
A behavior intervention plan (BIP) is a written improvement plan created for a student
based on the outcome of the functional behavior assessment (FBA). The FBA should identify
what is maintaining or causing a challenging behavior, and the BIP species the actions to
take to improve or replace the behavior. A BIP is not a punishment but an individualized
plan for success with more intensive supports and oversight. A BIP could result in changes
in instruction, types of support or intervention, or the environment. A BIP focuses on
program (IEP) team and includes the parents, teachers, support sta, and the student.
Family Matters
Michigan Department of Education Oce of Special Education
July 2023
Fact Sheet
1-888-320-8384
(OSE information line)
michigan.gov/
specialeducation-familymatters
mde-ose@
michigan.gov
Family Matters fact sheets are intended to enhance public understanding of Michigan's special education
system and are not a substitute for ocial laws and regulations.
When a BIP May Be Needed
What is in the BIP?
The BIP includes the following:
What is happening.
Denition of the problem
(target) behavior, dened
specically.
Why it is happening.
and what is maintaining the
How to replace the behavior.
Uses positive strategies to
encourage acceptable behavior.