At a glance
Kids who misbehave in school have a harder time learning.
Behavior intervention plans (or BIPs) aim to prevent behavior that gets in the way of learning.
A BIP is a formal, written plan that teaches and rewards good behavior.
Most kids get in trouble now and then at school. But when they act out over and over again, it can be hard for them (and their classmates) to learn. To help a student behave, a school may put in place a behavior intervention plan. (You may also hear it called a positive behavior intervention plan.)
A behavior intervention plan (or BIP) is a formal, written plan that teaches and rewards good behavior. The purpose is to prevent or stop misbehavior.
A BIP can be a single page or many pages. It has three key parts. The plan:
- Lists the problem behavior
- Describes why it’s happening
- Puts in place strategies or supports to help
To make a BIP, the school puts together a school team to look into the behavior. The team may interview the student, the teacher, and other staff. They should also observe the student and talk to the family to figure out what’s happening. Testing might be used, too, as well as a review of past report cards or incidents.
Since kids change over time, the school should review the BIP every so often. If there’s new information or if the student needs a change, the school should adjust the plan as needed.
Dive deeper
How a BIP works in practice
Who gets a behavior intervention plan?
Why BIPs don’t always work
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About the author
About the author
Amanda Morin is the director of thought leadership at Understood and author of “The Everything Parent’s Guide to Special Education.” She worked as a classroom teacher and early intervention specialist for more than a decade.
Reviewed by
Reviewed by
Timothy King, EdD is the statewide program director for the Multiagency Network for Students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities, University of South Florida St. Petersburg.