What does a behavioral based curriculum emphasize for students?

A behavioral-based curriculum emphasizes functional and age-appropriate skills for students as it focuses on teaching observable behaviors that are critical for students' social and academic success. This type of curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential skills they need to navigate everyday situations, build independence, and engage effectively with their environment. By prioritizing functional skills that are relevant to students' daily lives, this approach supports their overall growth and development.

In contrast, focusing solely on academic knowledge retention primarily addresses knowledge acquisition rather than practical skills. Standardized testing achievement involves broad measures of academic performance but does not specifically address the functional behaviors that a behavioral-based curriculum targets. Individualized learning plans are important for tailoring education to meet the unique needs of each student but may not inherently emphasize the behavioral skills that a behavioral-based curriculum highlights. The core goal of such curricula is to enhance students' ability to apply their learning in real-world contexts, making option B the most aligned with the principles of a behavioral-based approach.