If the school has done everything in the student’s Behavior Intervention Plan and provided accommodations, but a behavior problem persists that doesn’t align with the school’s code of conduct, the school may discuss a change in placement during a Manifestation Determination (MD) meeting.
The central question of an MD meeting is: Is the student’s behavior a direct manifestation of their disability?
If yes, the school cannot discipline the student the same way they would discipline a general education student. This triggers a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA), during which a properly trained professional formally collects data to support the IEP team. Pending the results of the FBA, a Behavior Intervention Plan may be added to the student’s IEP. If an FBA has already been completed and is still valid, and a BIP is already in place, the team should revisit the BIP and revise as needed.
If the behavior is not deemed a manifestation of the student’s disability, the school can proceed to discipline the student like they would any other student. However, the school can still consider an FBA if it would benefit the student.
For more information, see How Are Students with Disabilities Protected from Discriminatory Discipline?
Save your favorite resources and access a custom Roadmap.
Get Started
