Identifying Function

Welcome!

We are excited to work together to learn more and support students.

Objectives:

  • Communicate the 4 functions of behavior and apply this knowledge to support students at any level

  • Practice:

    1. Identifying functions using ABC data strands

    2. Using ABC data to determine hypothesized function

This content is connected to HLP 10

Functional Assessment-Based Interventions (FABI) Home Doc

Getting Organized

  1. Click here for a note taking template

  2. CHOOSE your own Adventure!

    1. Are you wanting MASTERY in this course? Use this checklist to perform the steps needed.

    2. Just practicing and not completing for mastery? Use this page to support the learning that will work for you!

  3. Should you need support at anytime (content or technology), contact Breeya Perry bdperry@ssdmo.org


Have you bookmarked the FABI Home Doc yet? If not, be sure to do so to access different resources used throughout this course as well as for the entire FABI process!

Before we get started

This course deals mainly with using ABC data to support teams to determine function. Keep in mind, that ABC data is just one piece of a larger puzzle to determining function of behavior. You will want to make sure you consider the other data sources you have at your disposal, whether it is for a Functional Behavior Assessment, a Problem-Solving with Function in Mind meeting, or just considering function when addressing student behavior in the classroom. Looking at the whole puzzle, and not the individual piece, will help you support your students the best way you can.

Collecting ABC Data

First, the team will need to operationally define the target behavior.

Definitions should include examples and non-examples, such as...

Behavior - Disruption: behavior that is inappropriate for the school setting and heard by the listener

Examples:

    • Cursing

    • Yelling at teacher/peer “you are stupid”

    • Protesting “no!” “I am not going to do this”

Non-examples:

    • Discussing options with teacher loudly

    • Asking information

    • Speaking loudly on a topic

ABC stands for Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence

Watch this short video to learn more about ABC!

Collecting this data can start to create ABC chains. Some chains might be a little more complex and snowball until the ultimate consequence is desired… how often do we see this in our classrooms?

When collecting ABC data, consider all of the logistics before scheduling team members to go into a classroom.

Let's Practice!

Choose at least 2 of the activities listed below to complete. Record your learning in your notes template.

  • Read these scenarios and practice labeling the ABC’s.

  • Watch this video and practice collecting ABC data on your handout

Hypothesizing Function

Use ABC collection data along with other data collected from an FBA to help you determine the function of behavior. Once this is complete, you will be able to write the hypothesis statement and move forward with matching appropriate interventions to student to student need.

Two ways to view function of behavior

Watch this video to see the connection between ABC and functions of behavior.

Access/Avoid

Function is defined as a student wanting to access or avoid attention, activities, tangibles, or sensory stimulation.

S.E.A.T.

Sensory/Automatic Reinforcement

Escape

Attention

Tangible

Determining Function

Things to Remember!

  • When determining the function of the behavior, examine the consequence that results from the behavior.

  • Behaviors may have more than one function.

  • The type of behavior does not determine the function

  • Functions may change

  • New inappropriate behaviors may develop

Use this handy chart to the left to help you identify function!

Organizing function data to write an hypothesis statement

Watch this video for an overview of how to use a function matrix to identify function.

Visualize the data!

Use a function matrix and then create a...

  • bar graph

  • pie chart

  • line graph

Next up... write the hypothesis statement using this skeleton:

On ______ (date/year), a functional behavior assessment (FBA) was completed, which consisted of indirect assessment (structured interviews, behavioral rating scales, and review of teacher data) and direct assessment (ABC data collection) as well as a records review. The following hypothesis is made based upon this FBA: the target behavior _________________ appears to be triggered by ________________ and maintained by _________________ .

Example Hypothesis statements

STUDENT will engage in verbal outbursts which reliably result in staff comments/negotiations and peer interactions/conversations. In other words, it is hypothesized that the function of STUDENT’S behavior is positive reinforcement in the form of attention from adults and peers.

or

A functional assessment was conducted from 10/25/2013 to 11/14/13 and 15 instances of the targeted behavior were analyzed for function. The following additional documents were considered for this FBA: Project FACILE, Choice Reinforcement Menu, and the Student-Assisted Functional Assessment Interview. Based on the information gathered during the aforementioned items, it appears that when presented with the following antecedent conditions:

a. Working independently for periods longer than 5 minutes

c. Teacher attention is diverted away

d. Non-preferred writing tasks

STUDENT will engage in verbal outbursts which reliably result in staff comments/negotiations and peer interactions/conversations. In other words, it is hypothesized that the function of STUDENT’S behavior is positive reinforcement in the form of attention from adults and peers

Let's Practice!

Choose at least 2 of the activities listed below to complete. Record your learning in your notes template.

A Case Study

Meet Eddie

Click on the button below to make a copy of a case study. Read through the information and work to:

  1. Identify the functions on the ABC chains

  2. Fill in the function matrix

  3. Write an hypothesis statement

Next Steps

  1. Use the lens of function based behavior as you work with students in your building

  2. Utilize a team approach within FABI to determine a hypothesized function of behavior to support the creation of quality BIPs

  3. Access coaching to support you in this work!

You have completed this course!

If you would like to receive mastery credit for this course, which then would provide you with the attendance code in kickup please do the following:

  1. Use your mastery checklist to ensure all required items have been completed.

  2. Complete this Google Form to show your learning and submit artifacts.