School Discipline and Disability: What Parents Need to Know
This crucial K-12 resource explains the legal protections students with disabilities have when facing school discipline, particularly when behavior may be connected to their disability or unmet support needs. You’ll learn about the critical “10-day rule” that triggers additional protections when a student with an IEP or 504 Plan is suspended for more than 10 consecutive days or accumulates more than 10 total suspension days in a school year for similar behaviors. The guide explains the Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) process, where the team must determine if the behavior was caused by the disability or occurred because the IEP/504 Plan wasn’t being followed. If either is true, the student cannot be suspended long-term or expelled, and the plan must be reviewed and revised. It covers what happens when behavior is not manifestation-related (standard discipline applies but educational services must continue), additional protections like FBA and BIP requirements, and Kansas-specific guidelines. Perfect for parents who need to understand their child’s rights when behavioral issues lead to disciplinary action and want to ensure schools follow proper procedures to maintain educational access.
