What Is the Process in Michigan for Resolving Disputes Regarding Suspensions and Expulsions?

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Glossary

Behavior intervention plan (BIP)—a written, individualized behavior support plan. A BIP can address replacement behavior and reinforcement for independent student work. BIPs incorporate Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to address identified academic and behavior concerns.

Dangerous behavior— behavior that is substantially likely to result in injury to the student or to others according to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 300.521.

Functional behavior assessment (FBA)—a process of gathering information to develop an informed, data-based plan to support positive behavior changes in students.

Manifestation determination review (MDR)—a review by the IEP team of the relationship between the student's disability and the behavior subject to disciplinary action. IDEA §300.523 mandates that the review take place immediately, if possible, but in no case later than 10 school days after the date on which the decision is made to take disciplinary action that constitutes a change of placement.

Positive Behavior Support (PBS)—a problem solving approach to behavior concerns that systematically looks at when, where, and why a student behaves the way he or she does. PBS also explores the issues involved in deciding upon interventions that are most likely to create the kinds of environments in which the student can learn responsible behavior and achieve academic success.

Resources for More Information

• Revised Administrative Rules for Special Education (June 2002). Michigan Department of Education.
• Procedural Safeguards Available to Parents of Children with Disabilities (March 2003). Michigan Department of Education.
• Special Education Considerations in Student Discipline Procedures (March 2000). Michigan Department of Education.

Print copies of the above documents can be purchased through the Center for Educational Networking (CEN). For more information, call (517) 541-1318 ext. 4 or toll-free (800) 593-9146 ext. 4.

Overview of the Major Discipline Provisions in the 1999 IDEA Regulations
(May 1999). Prepared by Robert Silverstein, J.D., Director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, 2021 K Street N.W., Suite 800, Washington, DC 20006, (202) 496-8452 (V/TTY), ihorxs@gwumc.edu.

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