The ABCs of BEHAV-IA-R
The event or action that occurred immediately before a behavior
What is the antecedent?
Escape, Attention, Access, Sensory/Automatic
What are the 4 functions of behavior?
A new behavior that meets the same function as the problem behavior but in an appropriate way.
What is a FERB?
It’s not okay to discuss a student’s behavior with friends outside of work, even if you don’t use their name.
What is false?
This food is known as the “Breakfast of Champions”
What is Wheaties?
The action of a student (a measurable and observable action)
What is behavior?
A student engages in a behavior of this function to get out of something aversive.
What is Escape?
This FERB might be used if a student yells to escape work — it allows them to appropriately ask for a break or signal that they need help.
What is asking for a break or saying “I need help”?
This federal law protects student educational records and privacy. (Clue: the acronym is FERPA)
What is FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)?
When given a choice of fruit, this fruit has more potassium - banana or avocado.
What is an avocado?
The action or response immediately following a behavior
What is the consequence?
A student engages in this function of behavior because it feels good.
What is Sensory/Automatic?
True or False- When teaching a FERB, it should be harder for the student to do than the problem behavior.
What is False?
When a parent asks you for updates about their child’s behavior, the correct action is to politely refer them to this person.
Who is the case carrier or teacher?
This food is the only food that never spoils.
What is honey?
The data we collect to help us identify the function of a behavior
What is ABC data?
A student engages in this function of behavior because they want something.
What is Access?
Instead of throwing materials to get attention, a student can use this functionally equivalent replacement behavior.
What is raising their hand, saying “Can you help me?”, or tapping a help card?
If another student asks why you are in their class as an IA, this is the appropriate response to protect confidentiality.
What is saying you are there to help the teacher, not a specific student?
This is the country in which pizza originated.
What is Italy?
This let's us know what is reinforcing the behavior (Hint: the A, the B or the C)
What is the consequence?
A student will engage in this function of behavior in order to shift the focus of the class to them.
What is Attention?
A FERB might fail even when taught correctly for these reasons — it’s not reinforced consistently, or it doesn’t serve the same function as the original behavior.
What is inconsistent reinforcement or mismatch of function?
Sensitive student information should only be shared under this condition.
What is when it’s with relevant team members directly supporting the student’s educational program?
This snack was invented accidentally when a customer complained their fries were too thick.
What are potato chips?