What is the first step a special education teacher should take when addressing disruptive behavior in a student with an emotional disturbance?

The first step a special education teacher should take when addressing disruptive behavior in a student with an emotional disturbance is to conduct a functional behavioral assessment (FBA). An FBA is critical because it helps identify the underlying reasons or functions of the disruptive behavior. This assessment involves collecting data on the context of the behaviors, including antecedents (what happens before the behavior) and consequences (what happens after the behavior), as well as any environmental factors that may be influencing the student.

By understanding the specific triggers and motivations behind the behavior, the teacher can develop a more effective and personalized intervention plan rather than relying on generic approaches. This targeted strategy ensures that interventions are directly related to the reasons for the behavior, making it much more likely to be successful.

While implementing a behavior modification plan, discussing the issue one-on-one with the student, or consulting with the school psychologist may be beneficial after conducting the FBA, these actions do not provide the foundational information needed to effectively address the behavioral issues. An FBA is necessary to inform any subsequent strategies and interventions, making it the most appropriate first step.