How do I prepare for a manifestation meeting?

The central question of a manifestation determination meeting is: Is the student’s behavior a direct manifestation of their disability? Here are some ways you can prepare for your meeting:

• Learn about manifestation hearings. Our article is a great place to start: How Are Students with Disabilities Protected from Discriminatory Discipline?
• If there is a Behavior Intervention Plan in your child's IEP, review the details of how adults should respond to the target behaviors. Bring a copy of the plan to the meeting.
• Bring any medical reports or outside evaluations that detail the manifestation of your child's disability related to the behavior in question.
• You should bring any old IEPs or evaluations that detail the behavior.
• Bring printouts of any emails anyone sent about the incident.
• If you are allowed to record the meeting, follow your state's rules for notifying other member meeting participants. For example, in California, you must give 24 hours' notice.
• Consider if you need an education advocate.