Samantha Seeger

SPED 743 FABI

The purpose of this assignment is to provide us an opportunity to design, implement,

and evaluate a functional assessment-based intervention. An actual student or individual with a

low-intensity/high frequency behavior was used with this assignment so we were able to apply

what we have learned throughout the course. The assignment was broken down into five steps.

Step one required a student to be identified who needs a FABI. Step 2 was conducting the

functional assessment and step 3 was collecting baseline data. In regular practice, the team

conductions the functional assessment and determines the hypothesized function. The team

also determines the dimension of behavior to be measured and select a behavior recording

system to measure the behavior of interest. Data recording procedures are taught and practice

to criterion to make the primary and secondary data recorders reliable. Step 4 including

designing the intervention. In practice, the design process is started by working through the

model to guide intervention planning. Two core questions are associated with this model: can

the student perform the replacement behavior? and do antecedent conditions represent

effective practices? The final step of the assignment was to test the intervention. We had to

show one demonstration of experimental control by: introducing the intervention, collecting

treatment integrity, and interobserver agreement, graphing the data, and collecting social

validity post.

This assignment as a whole was very intimidating at first. I was glad that it was broken

down into steps in order to gain a better understanding. The readings and research were the

key components for me to improve my understanding as well. It took some time to grasp how

the FABI worked and the benefits the student gains from it. I chose to work with an individual
Samantha Seeger

for this assignment. I was able to speak with this individuals parents as well as the individual

which helped gain more insight. From there, I followed closely to the steps of the FABI reading

and researching for more information as needed. It was beneficial to be able to talk to the

professor and various colleagues during this process. They each had a different perspective and

reasoning that assisted me in the process. The feedback that was provided on this assignment

from the professor was insightful. I was able to revise on the spot, as needed, rather than

waiting until I used the FABI in a special education setting.

I chose to revise this document per the instructors feedback on the final paper and step

5 of the process. As I looked back at the document I noticed that the mistakes I made I have

learned later on in the series of courses. I was able to correct the mistakes easily based on how

prepared the series of courses has made us. Other than that, most of the feedback was edited

as the assignments were given back. I felt that this assignment needed to be revised based on

its importance. Upon concluding this assignment, I have completed a FABI in an educational

setting. I felt more at ease and well prepared having completed one with guidance.

The importance of a FABI is to examine academic, behavior, and social outcomes of

students to determine which students are in need of tertiary supports, more specifically a FABI.

I have learned that this benefits a child in a major way. I recently had a student who we

completed a FABI on that was outplaced due to the outcomes of the various tests. Although

extreme, this was the best outcome for the student. She is now thriving and accessing her

education in a safe environment. This experience definitely contributed to my development as

a special educator. I am aware the importance of a FABI, the work it takes to create one, and

the benefits it can have on a student. I will continue to carry this with me as I further my career.