The hearing, a Manifestation Determination Review (MDR), is a process to examine all relevant information and specifically the relationship between the child's disability and the behavior. Consequences for problem behaviors should not discriminate against a child based on a disability. The MDR is conducted when the exclusion of a child for disciplinary purposes would constitute
In 2017, a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District, sought to bring clarity to the IEP process by answering the following question: What is the level of educational benefit school districts must confer on children with disabilities to provide them with a FAPE guaranteed by the IDEA? In a
In special education, disproportionality generally occurs in two primary areas. One, the over- or under-representation of children with disabilities in specific disability categories is of particular concern. Two, the over-representation of students with disabilities in the discipline process is of considerable concern. With regard to tracking disproportionality, school districts are most often tasked with the
An IEP -- Individualized Education Program -- is an overall approach to meeting the needs of a child with a disability, as required by IDEA (2004). The IEP has become the center point of special education. Developed via a team process, many stakeholders, including parents, have a role in the determination of content and services
A 504 plan is a blueprint for how schools will support a student with a disability and remove barriers to learning. The goal is to provide the student equal access at school. In contrast, IEP stands for Individual Education Program and centers around academic achievement and determining whether a student qualifies for special education services.
Due process is the formal route to resolving conflicts in special education. When a parent disagrees with a school district, the parent has specific rights and processes to follow in order to resolve the issue. Often known as parental rights, due process is unique to special education; the same rights are not available to the
The Rowley case concerned a hearing-impaired girl named Amy Rowley who was a student at the Furnace Woods School in Hendrick Hudson Central School District, Peekskill, N.Y. Amy had minimal residual hearing and was an excellent lip reader. During the year before she began attending school, a meeting between her parents and the school administrator
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) is a legal principle defined in the IDEA. This principle requires that all children with disabilities be involved in the regular educational curriculum to the greatest extent possible. The LRE definition and regulations are as follows: Statute/Regs Main » Regulations » Part B » Subpart B » Section 300.114 300.114 LRE requirements. (a) General. (1) Except as provided in §300.324(d)(2)
Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) is a legal requirement found in the IDEA. SDI requires that special education students receive "specially designed instruction" as a part of their educational program. The general idea is that children with disabilities need unique and customized educational interventions that address their specific deficits. The definition of SDI is as follows:
