what is the difference: FBA vs FIE

✅ FBA = Functional Behavior Assessment

Purpose: figure out WHY a behavior is happening.

An FBA looks at:

what happens before the behavior (triggers)
the behavior itself
what happens after (what the student gets/avoids)
patterns in time, environment, staff, peers

Goal: find the function of the behavior so the school can design a BIP (Behavior Intervention Plan) based on data—NOT guesses.

✅ FIE = Full Individual Evaluation

Purpose: assess all suspected areas of disability to determine eligibility and services under IDEA.

An FIE can include:

cognitive testing
academic achievement
speech/language
occupational therapy
social-emotional
adaptive behavior
health/vision/hearing
parent/teacher input
classroom observations

Goal: determine whether the student qualifies for special education and what supports, goals, placement, and services are appropriate.

Key Differences in one sentence

FBA looks at why the student behaves a certain way to guide behavior support.
FIE looks at whether the student needs special education and what services they need.

When to request which?

Request an FBA when:

there are behavior issues
suspensions/expulsions
the school keeps complaining without solutions
behaviors interfere with learning (own or peers)

Request an FIE when:

this is an initial evaluation
you suspect additional disabilities
new concerns appear
progress stalls
transition evaluations are needed

Why parents confuse them 👇

Because both involve observation and data—but they have different outcomes:

EvaluationAnswersLeads toFBAWhy is the behavior happening?BIP, positive supportsFIEDoes the student qualify and what do they need?IEP eligibility + services

If you want I can:✔ write a letter requesting an FBA or FIE✔ explain how to use both strategically in an IEP meeting✔ show what red flags indicate to request one✔ help you respond if the school refuses

Just tell me what you need next 💛

0 comments