What does FBA stand for in school-based behavior analysis?

• A. Behavior Intervention Plan
• B. Functional Behavior Analysis
• C. Functional Behavior Assessment
• D. Behavioral Intervention Program

Answer: (C)

Functional Behavior Assessment is the process used in schools to figure out why a student engages in challenging behavior by looking at what happens before and after the behavior, and by gathering data from observations, records, and interviews. By identifying the function—such as seeking attention, escaping tasks, obtaining a tangible item, or getting sensory input—educators can design supports that change the learning environment or consequences to encourage a more appropriate response. This makes it the best choice because it names the assessment itself, not the plan that comes after or a different term used in other contexts. A Behavior Intervention Plan is the concrete strategy developed after the assessment, guiding how to respond to the behavior; Functional Behavior Analysis is related but not the standard school acronym for this process, and Behavioral Intervention Program isn’t the recognized term for this acronym.