ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plan for Learners with Special Needs in the Inclusive Classroom

Authors

  • Alayla Louise del Castillo Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/ijrse.2025.5.1.1

Keywords:

ABC-based behavior intervention plan, inclusive classroom, learners with special needs

Abstract

The inclusion of learners with special needs in an inclusive classroom poses a challenge  to the teacher’s classroom behavior management. These learners tend to present  challenging behaviors during the teaching-learning process that disrupt the flow of  the classroom system. This paper studied the challenging behaviors of learners with  special needs in the inclusive classroom by recording and observing the behaviors  through the ABC recording sheets and the classroom behavior management strategies  employed by the teachers of the learners with special needs. A descriptive-quantitative  research design was used in the analysis of data. The challenging behaviors displayed by the learner with ADHD were talking to  seatmate, tappping pencil on her desk, and standing in the middle of the class. The  challenging behaviors presented by the learner with emotional and behavioral  difficulties were not paying attention, forgetting and not completing tasks, and not  participating in classroom activities. The challenging behaviors manifested by  the learner with ASD were throwing tantrums, defying teacher’s instructions, and  hugging someone tightly. ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plans are proposed  to modify and improve the challenging behaviors of learners with special needs in  the inclusive classroom. 

References

Aksoy, P. (2020). The challenging behaviors faced by the pre school teachers in their classrooms, and the strategies and discipline approaches used against these behaviors: The sample of United States. Participatory Educational Research, 7(3), 79-104. http://dx.doi.org/10.17275/per.20.36.7.3

Alaamri, A. K. (2019). Classroom behavior management chart. Center for Intercultural and Multilingual Advocacy in the College of Education and the English Language Program. Manhattan: KS. https://krex.k-state.edu/items/aa77c7f7- 3561-4d76-93ce-15265d2f33b7

Alai-Rosales, S., Cihon, J. H., Currier, T. D. R., Ferguson, J. L., Leaf, J. B., Leaf, R., McEachin, J., & Weinkauf, S. M. (2019). The big four: Functional assessment research informs pre ventative behavior analysis. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(1), 222-234. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/ s40617-018-00291-9

Andreev, I. (2023). Cognitive learning. Valamis. https://www. valamis.com/hub/cognitive-learning

Atmojo, A. E. P. (2020). Junior high school students’ disruptive behaviour and their expectations on EFL class. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 7(2), 509-521. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1250586.pdf

Bearss, K., Johnson, C. R., Handen, B. L., Butter, E. M., Lecavalier, L., Smith, T., & Scahill, L. (2019). Parent training for dis ruptive behavior: The Rubi Autism Network. NY: United States of America: Oxford University Press. https://doi. org/10.1093/med-psych/9780190627812.001.0001

Alayla Louise A. del Castillo ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plan for Learners with Special Needs in the Inclusive Classroom

Begum, J. (2021). What is classical conditioning? WebMD. https:// www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-operant-condi tioning

Bradley-Levine, J. (2021). Examining teacher advocacy for full inclusion. Journal of Catholic Education, 24(1), 62-82. http://dx.doi.org/10.15365/joce.2401042021

Buckley, D. (2022). Understanding the antecedent behavior con sequence model. Better Help. https://www.betterhelp.com/ advice/behavior/understanding-the-antecedent-behav ior-consequence-model/

Calderella, P., Larsen, R. A. A., Williams, L., Wills, H. P., & Wehby, J. H. (2020). “Stop doing that!”: Effects of teacher reprimands on student disruptive behvaior and engage ment. Hammill Institute on Disabilities, 23(3), 163-173. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1297789.pdf

Callwood, A. J. (2021). Developing educators’ capacity for nat ural and ethical caring a mixed-methods study. Digital Commons. https://digitalcommons.liu.edu/post_fultext_ dis/28/

Charlton, C. T., Rigby, D. M. G., Moulton, S. E., Sabey, C. V., & Richardson, M. J. (2021). Implementing behavior inter vention plans in schools: A pilot study of the complex rela tionship between technical adequacy, treatment integrity, and student outcomes. Journal of Behavioral Education, 32, 382-403. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10864- 021-09448-z

Cherry, K. (2023). What is classical conditioning in psychology? VeryWell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/classi cal-conditioning-2794859

Clarity Child Guidance Center. (2018). For educators: What to do when a child is withdrawn. Clarity CGC. https://www. claritycgc.org/for-educators-what-to-do-when-a-child-is withdrawn/

Council for Exceptional Children. (2023). Behavior Disorders: Definitions, characteristics & related information. Division for Emotional Behavioral Health. https://debh.exception alchildren.org/behavior-disorders-definitions-characteris tics-related-information

Disability Rights North Carolina. (2021). Understanding FBAs and BIPs. Disability Rights North Carolina. https://disabili tyrightsnc.org/resources/fbas-and-bips/

Dooley, S. (2020). Autism in the classroom: How to handle behavior challenges. Sarah Dooley Center for Autism Organization. https://www.sarahdooleycenter.org/news/autism-in-the classroom-how-to-handle-behavior-challenges/

Francisco, M. P. B., Hartman, M., & Wang, Y. (2020). Inclusion and special education. Education Sciences, 10(9), 238. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10090238

Garrote, A., Felder, F., Krahenmann, H., Schnepel, S., Sermier Dessemontet, R., & Moser Opitz, E. (2020). Social accep tance in inclusive classrooms: The role of teacher attitudes toward inclusion and classroom management. Fronties of Education, 5. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2020.582873

Harinie, L. T., Sudiro, A., Rahayu, M., & Fatchan, A. (2017). Study of the Bandura’s social cognitive learning theory for the entrepreneurship learning process. Social Sciences, 6(1), 1-6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/316198349_ Study_of_the_Bandura’s_Social_Cognitive_Learning_

Theory_for_the_Entrepreneurship_Learning_Process Hoffman, L., Narhi, V., Savolainen, H., & Schwab, S. (2021). Classroom behavioural climate in inclusive education - A study on secondary students’ perceptions. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 21(4), 312-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12529

Hunt, P. F. (2020). Inclusive education: Children with disabili ties. 2020 Global Education Monitoring Report ‘Inclusion and education’. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/ pf0000373662

Justice, A. (2023). Understanding the antecedent behavior con sequence model. Better Help. https://www.betterhelp.com/ advice/behavior/understanding-the-antecedent-behav ior-consequence-model/

Kart, A. & Kart, M. (2021). Academic and social effects of inclu sion on students without disabilities: A review of the liter ature. Education Sciences, 11(16). https://doi.org/10.3390/ educsci11010016

Kemp, G., Smith, M., & Segal, J. (2022). Learning disabilities and disorders. Help Guide. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/ autism-learning-disabilities/learning-disabilities-and-dis orders.htm

LaMorte, W. W. (2022). The theory of planned behavior. Boston University School of Public Health. https://sphweb.bumc. bu.edu/otlt/mph-modules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/ BehavioralChangeTheories3.html

Lavay, B. (2019). Behavior management: What I have learned. Journal of Physical Education Recreation & Dance, 90(3), 5-9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331804267_ Behavior_Management_What_I_Have_Learned

Lee, C. (2018). Instructional design models and theories: Connectionism. Arizona State University. https://teachon line.asu.edu/2018/02/instructional-design-models-theo ries-connectionism/

Li, P. (2023). Operant conditioning: 65 examples. Parenting for Brain. https://www.parentingforbrain.com/operant-condi tioning/

Lihua, D. (2022). An extended model of the theory of planned behavior: An empirical study of entrepreneurial intention

and entrepreneurial behavior in college students. Frontiers of Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627818 Locharoenrat, W., Saengsawang, T., & Jackson, L. (2019). Interventions and attitiudes of special education teachers in Thailand on challenging behaviors of students with disabil ities: A case study. KKU International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(3). https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index. php/KKUIJ/article/view/199445

Main, P. (2023). Thorndike’s theory. Structural Learning. https:// www.structural-learning.com/post/thorndikes-theory#:~:- text=Key%20Takeaways-,Thorndike’s%20theory%20of%20 learning%20emphasized%20the%20significance%20of%20 reinforcement%20and,less%20likely%20to%20be%20 repeated.

Mauro, T. (2020). Behavior intervention plans (BIP) for your stu dents. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/ what-is-a-behavior-intervention-plan-3105186

Mcleod. S. (2023). Operant conditioning: What it is, how it works, and examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsy chology.org/operant-conditioning.html

Miller, G. (2022). What is a behavior intervention plan? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-a-be havior-intervention-plan/

Morin, A. (2022). Discipline strategies from children with autism. Very Well Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/disci pline-strategies-for-children-with-autism

Murtoff, J. (2023). Operant conditioning. Britannica. https:// www.britannica.com/science/operant-conditioning Musa, A. & Dergaa, I. (2022). A narrative review on prevention and early intervention of challenging behaviors in chil dren with a special emphasis on covid-19 times. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15. https://psycnet. apa.org/record/2022-81898-001

Nasiru, M. A., Kuyini, A. B., & Cornish, L. (2019). Exploring behavior management strategies used by teachers in Thailand primary schools. Journal for Researching Education Practice and Theory. 2(2), 48-73. https://bspace.

buid.ac.ae/buid_server/api/core/bitstreams/efea4b7c-960f 4113-9713-c0c8afca342e/content

Nickell, G. S. & Hinsz, V. B. (2023). Applying the theory of planned behavior to understand workers’ production of safe food. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 39(2), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2023a10

Niwaz, A. Khan, K., & Naz, S. (2021). Exploring teachers’ class room management strategies dealing with disruptive behavior of students in public schools. Ilkogretim Online - Elementary Education Online, 20(2), 1596-1617. https:// ilkogretim-online.org/index.php/pub/article/down load/2285/2230/4401

Norfolk County Council. (2024). Special education provision we expect from places of learning. Norfolk County Council. https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/52998/Introduction

O’Connor, J. R. Jr. (2019). Setting a framework of inclusive support for students with disabilities. IGI Global. https://www.igi global.com/chapter/setting-a-framework-of-inclusive-sup port-for-students-with-disabilities/214403

Owusu, M. K., Dramanu, B. Y., & Amponsah, M. O. (2021). Classroom management strategies and academic perfor mance of junior high school students. International Journal of Education and Management Engineering, 6(4), 29-38. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359291463_ Classroom_Management_Strategies_and_Academic_ Performance_of_Junior_High_School_Students

Pauley, G. (2019). Behavior menu of best practices and strategies. Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/ learning-assistance-program-lap/menus-best-practic es-strategies

Pennington, B., Simacek, J., McComas, J., McMaster, K., & Elmquist, M. (2019). Maintenance and generalization in functional behavior assessment/behavior intervention plan literature. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28, 27-53. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-20044-001

Ramos, T. M. (2023). Challenges for teachers in special-needs-in clusive classrooms. We Have Kids. https://wehavekids. com/education/Top-Challenges-Teacher-Face-in-Special Needs-Inclusive-Classrooms

Rudy, L. J. (2023). Autistic behavior vs misbehavior. Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/autistic-behav ior-or-misbehavior-4047387#:~:text=Here’s%20what%20 to%20look%20for,not%20a%20form%20of%20misbehav ior.

Schwartz, R. (2022). Could a behavior intervention plan help your student with ADHD? Additude. https://www.additudemag. com/behavior-intervention-plan-adhd/

Siahaan, M. K. (2022). Education for children with special needs. The Explora, 8(2). https://ejournal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/ explora/article/view/642

Sobeck, E. E. & Reister, M. (2020). Preventing challenging behavior: 10 behavior management strategies every teach ers should know. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 65(1), 70-78. https://doi. org/10.1080/1045988X.2020.1821347

Stangor, C. & Walinga, J. (2019). Learning by association: Classical conditioning. University of Saskatchewan, Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychol ogy/chapter/7-1-learning-by-association-classical-condi tioning/

Stone, J. (2023). Why it’s vital educators understand student learning disabilities to ensure effective teaching and learn ing. The University of Melbourne. https://study.unimelb. edu.au/study-with-us/professional-development/blog/ why-its-vital-educators-understand-student-learning-dis abilities-to-ensure-effective-teaching-and-learning

Surur, A. M. (2021). Thorndike’s theory for improving Madrasah teacher’s creative thinking and publication. Advances in Social Sciences, Education and Humanities Research, 529. https:// www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/iconetos-20/125955783

Sutton, J. (2021). What is classical conditioning theory? 6 real-life examples. Positive Psychology. https://positivepsychology. com/classical-conditioning-theory-examples/

Tan, A. (2021). Effectiveness of applied behavioral analysis for tod dlers with Autism: A scoping review. Metropolia: University of Applied Sciences. https://www.theseus.fi/bitstream/ handle/10024/501452/Tan_Alexis.pdf?sequence=2

Thomas, B. R. & Lafasakis, M. (2019). Modifying a behavior intervention plan according to classroom aides acceptabil ity ratings: Effects on treatment integrity and challenging behavior. International Journal of Development Disabilities, 65(3), 185-194. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1 080/20473869.2019.1589046

University of Southern Queensland. (2020). Disruptive student behavior. USQ Pressbooks. https://usq.pressbooks.pub/trau mainformedpractice/chapter/2-4-observing-behaviour/

Webster, J. (2020). ABC: Antecedent, behavior, consequence - Overcoming learning disabilities with behavior modification. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/abc-anteced ent-behavior-and-consequence-3111263

Weinstein, A. (2019). Use of behavior-specific praise to improve learning outcomes in inclusive classrooms (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas. https://twu-ir.tdl.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/

d17b4207-cbca-4ca4-a401-6de0912fd8b9/content Vendas, A. Y. S. (2020). Classroom behavior management strategies to support children with special educational needs. Faculdade De Ciencias Sociais e Humanas: Universidade Nova de Lisboa. https://run.unl.pt/bitstream/10362/110184/1/ Alyssia%20Vendas%20Final%20Report.pdf

Victorian Department of Education. (2023). Behaviour - Students. Victoria. https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/ behaviour-students/policy

Young, A., Andrews, C., Hayes, C., Valdez, C. (2018). Should teachers learn how to formally assess behavior? Three educa tors’ perspectives. International Journal of Special Education, 33(2). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1185587.pdf

Yu, Q., Li, E., Li, L., & Liang, W. (2020). Efficacy of interventions based on applied behavior analysis for Autism Spectrum Disorder: A meta-analysis. Psychiatry Investigation, 17(5), 432-443. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/

PMC7265021/

and entrepreneurial behavior in college students. Frontiers of Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627818 Locharoenrat, W., Saengsawang, T., & Jackson, L. (2019). Interventions and attitiudes of special education teachers in Thailand on challenging behaviors of students with disabil ities: A case study. KKU International Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 9(3). https://so04.tci-thaijo.org/index. php/KKUIJ/article/view/199445

Main, P. (2023). Thorndike’s theory. Structural Learning. https:// www.structural-learning.com/post/thorndikes-theory#:~:- text=Key%20Takeaways-,Thorndike’s%20theory%20of%20 learning%20emphasized%20the%20significance%20of%20 reinforcement%20and,less%20likely%20to%20be%20 repeated.

Mauro, T. (2020). Behavior intervention plans (BIP) for your stu dents. Verywell Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/ what-is-a-behavior-intervention-plan-3105186

Mcleod. S. (2023). Operant conditioning: What it is, how it works, and examples. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsy chology.org/operant-conditioning.html

Miller, G. (2022). What is a behavior intervention plan? Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/what-is-a-be havior-intervention-plan/

Morin, A. (2022). Discipline strategies from children with autism. Very Well Family. https://www.verywellfamily.com/disci pline-strategies-for-children-with-autism

Murtoff, J. (2023). Operant conditioning. Britannica. https:// www.britannica.com/science/operant-conditioning Musa, A. & Dergaa, I. (2022). A narrative review on prevention and early intervention of challenging behaviors in chil dren with a special emphasis on covid-19 times. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 15. https://psycnet. apa.org/record/2022-81898-001

Nasiru, M. A., Kuyini, A. B., & Cornish, L. (2019). Exploring behavior management strategies used by teachers in Thailand primary schools. Journal for Researching Education Practice and Theory. 2(2), 48-73. https://bspace.

buid.ac.ae/buid_server/api/core/bitstreams/efea4b7c-960f 4113-9713-c0c8afca342e/content

Nickell, G. S. & Hinsz, V. B. (2023). Applying the theory of planned behavior to understand workers’ production of safe food. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 39(2), 89-100. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2023a10

Niwaz, A. Khan, K., & Naz, S. (2021). Exploring teachers’ class room management strategies dealing with disruptive behavior of students in public schools. Ilkogretim Online - Elementary Education Online, 20(2), 1596-1617. https:// ilkogretim-online.org/index.php/pub/article/down load/2285/2230/4401

Norfolk County Council. (2024). Special education provision we expect from places of learning. Norfolk County Council. https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/article/52998/Introduction

O’Connor, J. R. Jr. (2019). Setting a framework of inclusive support for students with disabilities. IGI Global. https://www.igi global.com/chapter/setting-a-framework-of-inclusive-sup port-for-students-with-disabilities/214403

Owusu, M. K., Dramanu, B. Y., & Amponsah, M. O. (2021). Classroom management strategies and academic perfor mance of junior high school students. International Journal of Education and Management Engineering, 6(4), 29-38. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359291463_ Classroom_Management_Strategies_and_Academic_ Performance_of_Junior_High_School_Students

Pauley, G. (2019). Behavior menu of best practices and strategies. Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/support-programs/ learning-assistance-program-lap/menus-best-practic es-strategies

Pennington, B., Simacek, J., McComas, J., McMaster, K., & Elmquist, M. (2019). Maintenance and generalization in functional behavior assessment/behavior intervention plan literature. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28, 27-53. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-20044-001

Ramos, T. M. (2023). Challenges for teachers in special-needs-in clusive classrooms. We Have Kids. https://wehavekids. com/education/Top-Challenges-Teacher-Face-in-Special Needs-Inclusive-Classrooms

Rudy, L. J. (2023). Autistic behavior vs misbehavior. Very Well Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/autistic-behav ior-or-misbehavior-4047387#:~:text=Here’s%20what%20 to%20look%20for,not%20a%20form%20of%20misbehav ior.

Schwartz, R. (2022). Could a behavior intervention plan help your student with ADHD? Additude. https://www.additudemag. com/behavior-intervention-plan-adhd/

Siahaan, M. K. (2022). Education for children with special needs. The Explora, 8(2). https://ejournal.uhn.ac.id/index.php/ explora/article/view/642

Sobeck, E. E. & Reister, M. (2020). Preventing challenging behavior: 10 behavior management strategies every teach ers should know. Preventing School Failure: Alternative Education for Children and Youth, 65(1), 70-78. https://doi. org/10.1080/1045988X.2020.1821347

Stangor, C. & Walinga, J. (2019). Learning by association: Classical conditioning. University of Saskatchewan, Pressbooks. https://opentextbc.ca/introductiontopsychol ogy/chapter/7-1-learning-by-association-classical-condi tioning/

Published

2024-10-26

How to Cite

Castillo, A.L. del. (2024). ABC-Based Behavior Intervention Plan for Learners with Special Needs in the Inclusive Classroom. International Journal of Rehabilitation and Special Education (IJRSE) , 5(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.48165/ijrse.2025.5.1.1