Problem behaviors can be 1. behaviors that occur too often, such as talking in class or moving about the classroom , 2. behaviors that occur too rarely, highlighted by completing assignments or participating in class, or 3. behaviors that are unacceptable in the school setting (e.g., using profanity, hitting, etc.). 

One of the best ways to determine whether a problem behavior requires formal behavior planning is to consider the impact it has on the student and his or her class. Behaviors that are appropriate for an FBA and individualized behavior plan include those that:

• Significantly impact educational access

• Result in regular disciplinary action (e.g., suspensions) 

• Impact ability to attend to instruction (e.g., prevent teacher from teaching, student from participating, etc.)

• Do not respond to typical teaching/intervention strategies