Session Description:  

As educator teams navigate increased demands for supporting student behavior that challenges us, a key tool is understanding functional behavioral assessments (FBAs).  This session equips teams with tools to understand the function and root cause of behaviors that interfere with a student’s learning through a functional behavior assessment. 

Using the WI DPI 2025 FBA resources, we will explore clearer consent rules, directly connecting function and root cause to culturally responsive practices, and exploring the FBA toolkit.  Teams will learn how to use FBAs to develop and implement effective behavior intervention plans when the function and root cause of behavior are linked to targeted evidence-based interventions and positive behavioral supports.  

Learning Objectives: 

• Review the updated state guidance and technical assistance resources and consider their impact on local practices
• Practice applying the components of an FBA as an alternative to exclusionary discipline and to improve outcomes of students with behavioral challenges
• Practice using targeted FBA tools to enhance the data collection process and improve the depth of data analysis, enabling more informed and culturally responsive decision-making.

About the Presenter:

Katherine Smith is an experienced school psychologist who brings extensive expertise supporting students with diverse needs and is passionate about promoting evidence-based, positive behavioral interventions and supports in schools. In her new role as the FBA statewide trainer, Katherine will focus on equipping educators with the tools and resources needed to understand and respond effectively to behaviors that challenge us.

The Functional Behavioral Assessment Statewide Coordinator (CFDA# 84.027A) acknowledges the support of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction in the development of this material and for the continued support of this federally funded grant program. There are no copyright restrictions on this document; however, please credit the Wisconsin DPI and support of federal funds when copying all or part of this material.