Even when prevention practices are in place, a small percentage of students will need additional supports and interventions to thrive in the learning environment.  Intensive intervention planning is a data driven decision-making process that results in the implementation of intensive and individualized interventions developed based on the results of a comprehensive assessment.  Intensive tertiary tier interventions may be developed to address all domains including academics, conduct and behavior, social and emotional wellness, and mental health.  Often individualized intensive interventions will include strategies to address multiple domains of student life.

Function-Based Problem Solving (FBPS) is a method of assessment and intervention design that is grounded in behavioral theory.  Behavioral theory helps us to understand how a behavior pattern forms by uncovering the associations between the student and the environment and the circumstances that has led to this point in time.  Behavioral theory ascribes to the belief and scientific evidence that behaviors are acquired through our interaction with the environment.  Known as operant learning, we conceptualize this interaction with the environment as SABC:  Setting Events, Antecedent, Behavior, and Consequence.  Behavioral theory provides us with the tools for structuring the assessment and intervention process. 

While function-based problem solving establishes the structure to assessment and planning, it can only be implemented effectively and meaningfully when used within the context of a trauma informed and culturally responsive approach.   Culturally responsive and trauma informed practices ensures that the assessment and subsequent intervention plan are helpful, supportive, and relevant to the student and family’s needs and priorities.

The following are NJ PBSIS tools and resources that can support your efforts to implement a culturally responsive and trauma-informed function-based problem-solving process to address intensive tertiary planning needs for behavior, conduct, and social and emotional wellness.

General Information

• Strategies to help facilitators use a trauma informed approach to function-based assessment and intervention planning
• Team Facilitation Strategies
• Implementation Plan for Function-Based Problem Solving
• Addressing Confidentiality (from the Center on PBIS)

Information Gathering Tools and Resources

• Behavior Definition Tool
• Intervention Priority Assessment Tool
• Function-Based Information Tool for Staff (Excel)
• Function-Based Information Tool for Staff Summary Graphing Template
• Parent Interview Guide
• Student Interview Guide
• Observation Notetaking Form
• Assessment Summary Template
• Brief Functional Behavior Assessment Guide (Center on PBIS)

Intervention Planning Tools

• Competing Pathway Intervention Planning Worksheet
• Competing Pathway Intervention Planning Companion
• Intervention Plan template
• Intervention Planning Resource Guide
• Alternative and Replacement Skill Instruction Guide
• Try First Strategy Guide

Progress Monitoring Tools

• Data Recording and Graphing Template for Progress Monitoring Data
• Intervention Implementation Self-Monitoring Tool
• Intervention Implementation Feedback Tool
• Applying Decision Rules to Progress Monitoring Data