Functional
Assessments
A functional assessment is the process of identifying events that
reliably predict and maintain problem behaviors in students. In
conducting a functional assessment the teacher, specialist, or
administrator should define the problem behaviors and identify
when, where, and with whom they are most and least likely to occur.
The functional assessment also identifies what events appear to
maintain occurrences of the problem behaviors. The overall goal
is to change the conditions that evoke problem behaviors, teach
new skills to replace the problem behaviors, avoid rewarding the
problem behaviors, and to provide rewards for appropriate behavior.
Acquisition
or Skill Deficits
Assumes the child either does not have the skill in his or her
repertoire or is missing a particular step in performing a social
skill sequence. Intervention strategies include modeling, coaching,
behavioral rehearsal, role-play, and feedback, typically in a
protected, small-group setting.
Performance
or Fluency Deficits
Represents the presence of social skills, but the failure to perform
them at an acceptable level. Students exhibiting this deficit
require increased behavioral rehearsal, performance feedback,
and reinforcement to ensure fluent performance of the social skill.
These interventions should occur primarily in naturalistic settings
such as classrooms and playgrounds.
