What is a Behavior Support Plan (BSP)?

A Behavior Support Plan can be used as a “proactive action plan to address behavior(s) that are impeding learning of the student or others.” It is assumed that lesser interventions at Tier I and Tier II have not been successful. If developed for a student with an IEP or 504 plan, this becomes a part of those documents. A BSP includes “positive behavioral interventions, strategies and supports." Behavior Support Plans should focus on understanding ‘why’ the behavior occurred (i.e. ‘the function’ or ‘communicative intent’) then focus on teaching an alternative behavior that meets the student’s need in a more acceptable way. This includes making instructional and environmental changes, providing reinforcement, reactive strategies and effective communication. This is explained and outlined in the following manual.

BSP Desk Reference Manual

Additional PENT website materials helpful in developing behavior support plans include:

• Behavior Support Plan Quality Evaluation Scoring Guide (BSP-QE Rubric)
• Sample Behavioral Emergency Clarification
• Goal Writing for General Positive Behavior Increase or Problem Behavior Increase or Problem Behavior Reduction or Elimination
• Medications Commonly Used in Disruptive Behavior Disorders
• Scoring Behavior Plans Practicum - PowerPoint
• Shortened Day Appropriate and Inappropriate Uses Concepts Guidelines and Examples
• Summary of Behavioral Terms and Correlations in Federal and State Law - IDEA and CA Ed Code