残障学生支持

残障学生支持 stephanieP

针对残障学生的相关支持

残障学生在每个社区均能上学。   在我们的一生中,会有大约 20% 的人,或者说每 5 人中就有 1 人会身患某种残障。

所有残障学生均有平等接受教育的权利,并且不应受到歧视。根据学生残障的性质以及在学校残障情况对他们所造成的影响,学校可能需要提供相关的便利条件、变动、专门设计的教学或其他支持,以使学生能够平等地参与学校的学习。

如果您认为某位学生可能身患残障,并且需要便利条件或专门教学,则您可以要求学区做一下评估

在此了解更多关于针对残障学生的 IEP、第 504 款特别照顾计划、评估以及保护方面的相关信息:

Find additional resources here:

Supports at School

Disability Identity

Accessibility

Introduction to Special Education

Introduction to Special Education stephanieP

Introduction

Updated June 2024

Is your student having a difficult time in school? If your student has a disability, or you suspect they have special learning needs, there is help available. All children and youth between the ages of 3 and 22 who have an impairment interfering with their ability to learn can be eligible for and services to help them achieve a meaningful education.

3 Quick Tips

  • A problem that interferes with a student's ability to learn may be considered a disability under the law.
  • Every student with a disability affecting their learning has a right to instruction that is specially designed to meet their needs, in a school environment as close to a general education classroom as possible.
  • Students cannot be punished for behavior as a result of their disabilities.

When it comes to discipline, students with disabilities who are eligible for special education services are also entitled to unique protections that are more extensive than the protections applied to general education students. While students with disabilities do have all of the same rights as other students (see the Office of the Education Ombuds' webpage on Discipline, Suspensions, and Expulsions for more information) they also have additional, extensive rights protecting them in discipline situations. The law recognizes many students have disabilities that cause or at least are related to problem behavior. The law seeks to ensure that students with disabilities are not excluded from school, and their disabilities and any resulting behavior are handled in appropriate manners. To provide these protections, there are very specific limitations on how a student with a disability can be disciplined.

Why do schools have to provide services for students with disabilities?

There are federal and state laws protecting the educational rights of students with disabilities.

There are two primary laws that protect students with disabilities. The two laws are commonly referred to as “Section 504” and the “IDEA.” In 1973, the U.S. Congress passed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in programs receiving federal funds, such as public schools. Two years later, Congress passed the Education for all Handicapped Children Act. The federal law is reenacted every three years. It was most recently changed in 2004 and is now called IDEA or IDEIA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act). On this webpage, we refer to the law as IDEA.

In addition, in 1991, Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act, commonly referred to as the ADA. Title II of the ADA defines disability in the same manner as Section 504. When the ADA and Section 504 both apply, Section 504 is usually used because it has regulations that are more specific for schools.

Section 504 and IDEA were enacted to ensure that students with disabilities would be provided with meaningful educational experiences.

什么是特殊教育?

什么是特殊教育? stephanieP

什么是特殊教育?

 残障是人类发展经历过程中的一个自然组成部分,决不会削弱个人参与社会或为社会作出贡献的权利。

--Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (残障人士教育法案), 20 U.S.C. §1400(c)

人们和我们的法律对“残障”的定义有很多不同的方式。

关于残障也有很多不同的文化观点,我们对残障的理解也随着时间的推移而不断变化。请查看 One Out of Five: Disability History and Pride Project (五中之一:残障历史与自豪项目) 材料,了解更多的残障历史和积极的残障身份的发展。

对于公立学校的学生而言,有两部联邦法律 –  Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 或简称为IDEA以及 Rehabilitation Act (康复法案)的第 504 或简称为 504 对残障学生赋予了相应的权利和保护。这两部法律中的每一部法律均对残障儿童有不同的定义。

IDEA 对残障的定义

IDEA 赋予符合条件的学生拥有 Individualized Education Program  IEP ,个别化教育计划)的权利。其将“残障儿童”定义为 经过评估,并发现具有以下情况的儿童:

  • 具有 14 个特定类别之一所定义的残障情况,并且
  • 由于残障和不利的教育影响
  • 需要特殊教育 和相关的服务。

在华盛顿州,残障的类别以及每个类别的具体定义均列在我们的州法规 Washington Administrative Code (华盛顿州行政法典)之中,即 WAC 392-172A-01035

类别包括:

  • 自闭症
  • 聋盲
  • 耳聋
  • 发育迟缓
  • 情绪/行为上的残障
  • 听力障碍
  • 智力障碍
  • 多重残障
  • 肢体障碍
  • 其他健康损伤
  • 特殊学习障碍
  • 说话或言语障碍
  • 创伤性脑损伤
  • 视力障碍,包括失明

这些类别中的每个类别在特殊教育规则中均有一个具体的定义。如果您希望知道某位孩子的残障是否属于这些类别之一,最好阅读一下具体的定义或让他人与您一起查阅。这些定义可通过 WAC 392-172A-01035, 在线获取,网址为: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=392-172A&full=true#392-172A-01035.

如果某位孩子患有 IDEA 中所定义的残障之一,但只需要“相关服务”或“便利条件”,而并非“特殊教育”,那么这名学生将没有资格获得 IEP,但可能需要第 504 款特别照顾计划。

504 款对残障的定义

504  禁止学区歧视残障人士。其要求各学区提供学生平等接受教育所需的特殊教育、便利条件、服务或支持。其将“残障学生”定义为具有以下情况的学生:

  • 一项身体或精神障碍
  • 实质上限制了
  • 一个或多个主要生活活动

您可以在 U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights OCR,美国教育部民权办公室)网站所发布的一组常见问题中找到更多关于第 504 款的相关信息,网址是:  https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/civil-rights-laws/disability-discrimination/frequently-asked-questions-disability-discrimination.

OCR 还在网上提供了1973 Rehabilitation Act (康复法案)第 504 款规定的隐性残障学生的公民权利的相关信息,网址是:https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq5269.html其概述了各种可能不容易被他人发现但仍然可能会对在校学生产生影响的情况。

IDEA 和第 504 款之间有什么关系?

Diagram of three concentric circles.  The largest circle represents all students.  Within it is a smaller circle representing 504 eligible students.  Within that is the smallest circle representing IDEA eligible students.

根据这两项法律的规定,学区必须为残障学生提供 Free Appropriate Public Education 免费适当的公共教育),简称 FAPE。这意味着,学区必须提供一系列服务,以满足因残障而在学校难以成功的学生的个人需求。

504 款为比 IDEA 更广泛的学生群体提供服务,因为其“残障”有着更为广泛的定义。因此,如果某位学生符合 IDEA 的资格要求,并有资格获得 IEP,则该学生也会受到第 504 款的保护。但是,有很多学生受第<Z 504 款的保护,并且拥有第 504 款计划,但不需要特殊教育,也没有资格获得 IDEA 所规定的 IEP 

考虑这两项法律之间关系的一种方法是对所有学生要考虑的是:首先,这些学生中的一些学生患有残障(第 504 款);这些学生中的较少数的一些学生患有残障并且需要特殊教育 (IDEA)

上方是一张图片,上面有一个代表所有学生的大圆圈。大圆圈内的中等大小的圆圈代表的是患有残障并且有资格获得第 504 款服务的学生。在该群体中,有一个较小的群体还有资格获得 IDEA 的服务。要记住这张图最关键的一点是,小圆圈内的学生也是大群体(即所有学生)的一部分。他们均享有与所有学生相同的权利,以及免受因残障而受歧视的保护,包括获得他们参与学校活动所需的相应服务。

受第 504 款保护并拥有资格获得 IEP 的学生通常只享有 IEP。第 504 款计划中的所有内容均应包括在 IEP 中,通常是在便利条件页面或相关服务或补充服务或支持的列表中。

每个符合资格获得 IEP 的孩子,还会受到第 504 款的保护。为什么此举很重要?

504 款禁止以残障为由歧视学生。当某门课程因为其他符合资格的学生身患残障的原因而将他们排除在外时,或者当学生因为残障而受到骚扰且学区没有采取合理措施应对骚扰时,就会发生歧视。

如果您认为某个学区因残障而歧视某人,请在我们的  歧视 页面了解有关正式投诉选择的更多相关信息。

The Role of Parents under IDEA and Strategies for Non-Parents

The Role of Parents under IDEA and Strategies for Non-Parents stephanieP

The Role of Parents under IDEA and Strategies for Non-Parents

Many rights under IDEA and Washington State special education law can be asserted only by the parents of students with disabilities. A wide variety of caregivers fit into the definition of parent under IDEA and the state special education law. Because this publication focuses on IDEA and state special education law rights, this webpage talks about the definition of parent and how advocates, like relatives, family friends, and community members, who do not meet the definition can gain legal authority to act in the place of or for a parent.

Who is a “parent” or “guardian” under IDEA?

IDEA defines “parent” to include the following people:

  • The birth or adoptive parent of a child
  • The foster parent of a child
  • A guardian generally authorized to act as the child’s parent or authorized to make educational decisions for the child, such as an individual given authority to make educational decisions by a judge (this does not include the caseworker if the child is a ward of the state).
  • A person acting in the place of a parent, such as a grandparent or relative with whom a student with a disability lives, or someone who is legally responsible for the student’s welfare
  • A surrogate parent appointed by the district (see information below about surrogate parents).

If there is more than one person in a child’s life who meets IDEA’s definition of parent, the child’s birth or adoptive parent has educational decision-making authority unless the birth or adoptive parent’s rights are limited by a court order or compromised in some way.

What can I do if I want to assert a student’s special education rights but I do not fit the definition of parent under IDEA?

There are many things you can do to help a student even if you aren’t the parent. You can use your advocacy skills to encourage the school district to create and maintain good special education services for a student. However, there may be times in your advocacy when a conflict might arise that can’t be resolved directly with the school district. Since many IDEA rights can be asserted only by a parent or guardian as defined by the IDEA laws, you might find yourself at an impasse because you do not have legal authority to make educational decisions on behalf of the student.

Below are some ways that you can obtain the authority to enforce a student’s special education rights when a parent or guardian is not available.

  1. Obtain a Power of Attorney from the student’s parents.

A Power of Attorney is a legal document allowing a person to give authority for someone else to act on their behalf. A student’s parent or legal guardian could use a Power of Attorney to give someone else (such as a caregiver, relative, or foster parent) the authority to act as though they are the parent. A Power of Attorney form can be downloaded through the internet. For more complicated Power of Attorney situations, it is best to consult a lawyer.

  1. Get appointed as a surrogate parent.

In certain situations, such as when the parents are not known, the district can’t locate the parents after reasonable efforts, or the student is a ward of the state or an unaccompanied homeless youth, school districts must appoint someone to make educational decisions for a student with a disability. This person is called a “surrogate parent.” Talk to the school district staff to find out the district’s process for appointing a surrogate parent.

  1. Request educational decision-making authority through the dependency, CHINS, or other family court process.

If a judge has authority to make decisions about a child’s care, they can order that someone other than the parent should have the power to make educational decisions. If there is a lawyer for the child, talk to him or her about asking the judge to appoint you to make educational decisions.

学生如何开始接受特殊教育?

学生如何开始接受特殊教育? stephanieP

学生如何开始接受特殊教育?

学区如何找出需要特殊教育服务的学生?

根据 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA,残障人士教育法)和州特殊教育法的规定,学区有明确的责任确定居住在该学区的所有可能需要特殊教育服务的学生。这项义务被称为“Child Find”(寻找孩子)。学区必须制定相关政策和程序,以确保残障学生可以被确认、找出和评估。

如何对我的孩子进行特殊教育评估?

您的孩子需要被转介到学区进行特殊教育评估。为了进行特殊教育评估,学区必须决定是否要对学生进行评估,然后获得学生家长的许可或同意以进行评估。学区必须在与学生的疑似残障问题相关的所有方面均对其进行评估。此类评估对学生或家庭均必须免费执行。有三个基本步骤来执行评估:

1  有人提出对学生进行评估的请求。

2  学区决定有必要进行评估。

3  向学区提交评估同意书。

我是否可以为我的孩子申请特殊教育评估?

根据华盛顿州的法律规定,以下人员或实体可以推荐学生接受评估:

  • 任何符合家长定义的人员
  • 学区
  • 其他公共机构
  • 了解孩子情况的其他人员。

我如何进行评估转介?

1.以书面形式进行。除非转介人没有书面能力,否则转介人必须以书面形式提交。可以采用手写的简单方式。请确保注明日期,并保留一份副本作为记录。

2.不必担心转介信是否完美。要担心的是尽快完成该事项。在作出转介之前,一切都不会进行;在学区收到转介信之日起,便会开启学区必须采取相关行动的时限。

3.请求学校对 IDEA 和第 504 款的资格进行评估。如果学生未符合接受 IDEA 规定的特殊教育的资格,其可能符合接受第 504 款所规定服务的资格。

4.具体说明您认为您的孩子有什么样的问题。学区被要求要对与学生的疑似残障问题有关的所有方面均进行测试,所以需要确保您对所有问题均给予了说明。例如,如果您认为您的孩子存在阅读困难的问题,并且有需要解决的情绪问题,请要求对这两个方面进行评估。

5.使用实例。包括您自己的观察情况,说明您为什么认为您的孩子可能有残障问题。如果您有相关实例,请提供可以表明您的孩子可能存在障碍问题的相关文件资料,比如源自医生或心理健康服务提供者的信函。

6.将转介信发送给学校或学区中您认为有权力并且会迅速采取行动的相关人员。尽管法律尚未规定应该向哪个特定的人员或办公室发送转介信,但将其发送给您认为会对其采取行动的人员是个不错的想法。例如,您可以选择将转介信发送给校长或学区的特殊教育主任。

在学区收到特殊教育评估的转介后,会发生什么?

学区会有 25 个教学日的时间来决定是否对学生进行评估。(第 504 款中未规定评估时限。如果该学区没有第 504 款评估政策,则会采用 IDEA 的时间表作为指导。)在作出评估决定时,学区必须审查学校档案中或由家长或看护人所提供的任何现有的相关教育和医疗记录。一旦学区作出是否进行评估的决定,学区必须向家长或监护人发出说明该决定的书面通知。如果学区决定不进行评估,您可以对该决定提出质疑。关于解决与学区的争议的各种方式,请参阅本出版物的第七部分。

学区进行评估需要获得哪些同意?

在学区首次对孩子进行评估之前,必须征得家长的同意。如果家长拒绝,学区可以请求举行听证会来推翻家长的拒绝。

一旦学区获得同意可以进行评估,会发生什么?

学区会有 35 个教学日的时间来对学生进行评估。华盛顿州的法律规定,一旦学区获准进行针对特殊教育资格的评估,则会有 35 个教学日的时间来:

  • 对学生进行全面评估
  • 决定学生是否有残障问题
  • 确定其是否需要特殊教育服务。

学区和家长也可以达成一致同意其他的时间安排,只要学区对家长的同意存档记录即可。例如,家长可能希望同意延长时限,以等待独立教育评估的结果。如果家长一再拒绝带孩子接受评估,或在评估期间孩子在不同学区之间搬家,只要新学区取得足够的进展以确保评估可以迅速完成,并且家长和新学区就完成评估的时间安排达成一致,则可免除 35 个教学日的时限。

华盛顿州的评估时间安排

evaltimeline

特殊教育评估的转介 -> 会有 25 个教学日的时间来决定是否对学生进行评估 -> 家长对评估的书面同意书 -> 会有 35 个教学日的时间来完成评估

如果我的孩子在评估过程中搬家会怎样?

如果学生在同一学年内搬到不同的学区,则学生之前的学校和新学校必须尽快协调,以确保及时完成特殊教育评估。华盛顿州的法律规定,新学区会在学生入学时开始获取学生档案,学生之前的学区应在两个教学日内提供重要信息,并尽快提供学校档案。

特殊教育评估的范围是什么?

学区必须在疑似存在残障问题的所有方面对孩子进行评估。特殊教育评估主要有两个目的:1)确定获得服务的资格,以及2)确定学生的需求和优势,以便制定个性化的教育方案。事实上,学区必须对疑似存在残障问题的所有方面均进行评估,这一点至关重要。有时,学生可能会在不止一个方面存在问题。一旦发现学生在某一方面符合接受特殊教育的资格,则学区可能会停止评估。如果评估只涉及一个方面,则在制定个性化方案时,可能没有足够的信息来了解学生的所有需求。为了使您的孩子可以获得最适合的教育计划,请密切关注学区的评估工作,以确保评估的方面足够全面。提醒学区有义务在所有方面均进行评估。

可能会评估哪些方面,以及会采用哪些类型的测试?

学区可以在以下方面对孩子进行评估:

  • 健康(身体和心理健康)
  • 视力
  • 听力
  • 社交和情绪健康
  • 一般智力
  • 学习成绩
  • 沟通、说话和语言
  • 运动能力。

针对被测试的方面所采用的评估测试应该是有效且适合的。这意味着测试需要准确地测量所要测量的方面。例如,Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children IV (韦氏儿童智力量表 IV,称为 WISC IV)是一种常用的测试,旨在测量一般智力。一般来说,WISC IV 的结果不应该被用来评估儿童的情绪状况,因为其不是针对此目的而设计。测试和评估材料的选择及实施,均必须不得存在基于种族、文化或性别的歧视。此外,测试和材料必须以学生的母语或其他交流方式(如手语)提供给学生,除非此类做法不可行。您可以做些什么?询问有关测试的问题。虽然评估的专业术语可能令人生畏,但通过提出问题,您可以了解:

  • 测试的目的,以及
  • 所采用的测试类型是否适合您的孩子。

可以请评估小组的任一成员用通俗易懂的语言为您解释这些测试。确保测试能够准确地测量其所要测量的能力。例如,为了使结果有效,一些测试会有年龄、阅读技能和语言能力方面的要求。如果您的孩子对于某种特定测试而言还太小,无法达到测试所需的阅读水平,或者如果测试不是以您孩子的第一语言进行的,那么测试结果可能是没有用的,并且可能无效。

由谁来进行测试?

有资格在疑似存在残障问题的方面进行测试的专业人员。学校的心理医生可以做很多测试。但有些方面的残障问题将需要受过特殊训练的心理医生、精神科医生、物理治疗师/语言治疗师、医师或其他一些具有专业知识的人员。如果学区的工作人员无法进行完整的评估,则学区可能需要寻求外部专家来完成评估过程。这些外部评估应由学区予以付费。学区可能会询问学生或家长是否有私人保险或其他资金可以支付外部评估的费用。如果学生或家长不希望用掉保险金或其他资金来源,学区仍必须安排并对完成评估所需的外部测试予以付款。

学区还可以通过哪些方式收集有关我孩子的资格以及需要接受特殊教育的相关信息?

学区必须使用各种评估工具和策略来收集学生的相关功能、发展和学习方面的信息。收集信息可能包括对学生的观察以及对家庭、照顾者和其他认识该学生的人员的访谈。IDEA 以及 No Child Left Behind Act (不让一个孩子掉队法)强调应采用课内评估来收集信息。这些课内评估通常被称为基于课程的测量。您应该询问是否对您的孩子采用过基于课程的测量,以便评估小组的所有成员均能审查这些评估,因为有时基于课程的测量是由普通教育教师完成的,而未与特殊教育工作人员共享。

如果我不同意评估的范围或结果怎么办?

如果您不同意评估结果,您可以请求进行独立的教育评估,费用由学区承担。如果您对评估的范围或结果有疑虑,您可以采取以下措施:

  • 与学区进行沟通并表达您的担忧。要求学区进行额外或进一步的评估
  • 寻找其他方式进行评估(您的孩子是否有医疗保险可以支付相关方面的评估费用?学区必须考虑外部评估。)
  • 要求由学区承担费用进行独立的教育评估,并从学区获得一份评估人名单
  • 考虑更正式的争议解决方案,例如调解、投诉或正当程序的听证会。有关争议解决的更多相关信息,请参阅本出版物的第七部分。

如果我要求进行“公费的独立教育评估”会怎样?

学区必须批准该请求或启动听证会,以证明其评估是适当的。独立教育评估是指由一名有资格的人员进行的评估,并且该人员并非是负责该学生教育的学区的雇员。根据请求,学区必须向家长提供关于在哪里可以获得独立评估的相关信息。家长可以选择由谁进行评估。如果学区反对独立评估的请求,则学区会有 15 个日历日的时间要求进行正当程序的听证会。如果学区没有在 15 个日历日的时间内要求举行听证会,那么其必须支付独立评估的费用,或确保免费向学生或家庭提供独立评估。如果听证官认为学区的评估是适当的,则家长仍有权利要求进行独立评估,但该学区不必为此支付相关费用。即使不需要支付费用,该学区仍然必须考虑独立评估的结果。

Qualification for IDEA Services

Qualification for IDEA Services stephanieP

Qualification for IDEA Services

How does a district decide if my student is eligible for special education, and who takes part in the decision making?

The district must make an eligibility decision based on the evaluation.

Once the evaluation is completed, the district must produce an evaluation report stating the following:

  • Whether the student has a disability
  • How the disability affects the student’s progress in school
  • What services are recommended to address the student’s individual needs.

Whether a student is eligible for special education is determined by a group composed of the student’s parent(s) and qualified professionals selected by the school district.

Parents have a right to notice of meetings and to participate in all meetings with respect to the identification, evaluation, and delivery of services to the student. Parents must also receive written notice of any decision made at such a meeting.

How will I know if the student is eligible for special education?

The district sends you notice.

The district must provide the student’s parent with a copy of the evaluation report and documentation of its decision about eligibility.

What can I do if my child is denied eligibility for special education?

You can challenge the district’s decision.

If you think your child has been wrongly denied eligibility for special education services, you can try to change the district’s decision by:

  • Discussing the situation with school personnel
  • Requesting a mediation conference
  • Filing a complaint or
  • Requesting an IDEA due process or 504 hearing.

Talking things through with school officials—including special education staff, the principal, your child’s teachers and counselor—is the best way to start dealing with any problem.

If discussing the issue doesn’t get you anywhere, consider using more formal dispute resolution. Anyone can file a citizen complaint on behalf of a student. A parent can also request a due process hearing or mediation.

Where you can have an impact

Ask for a person from the district’s Section 504 program be made part of the eligibility determination group. If the group decides the student is not eligible for special education under IDEA but may be eligible under Section 504, this person can help identify services provided under Section 504.

An Overview of Section 504

An Overview of Section 504 stephanieP

An Overview of Section 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act was the first law made to protect people with disabilities. Under Section 504, all programs receiving federal funding must not discriminate against individuals based on a disability.  Public schools receive federal funding, and therefore must follow the requirements of Section 504 to ensure students with disabilities are not treated differently. School districts must also take steps that range from accommodating special needs to providing special instruction and related services. The intent of Section 504 is to remove barriers so people with disabilities can fully participate in “life activities” such as learning in school.

Section 504 defines disability as an impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. Learning is a “major life activity” for children.  Impairments that affect a student’s education may qualify him or her for services under Section 504. The definition of disability under Section 504 is much broader than under the IDEA, so many students who are not eligible for IDEA may be eligible for extra support under Section 504.

School districts are required to create procedures and systems for implementing Section 504. In addition, each district must designate at least one person to coordinate the district’s efforts to comply with Section 504. Ask for a copy of the district’s procedures and for the name of the person designated as the Section 504 compliance officer.

How can my student become eligible for 504 services?

Districts are required to identify students who may have disabilities and evaluate whether they need extra support in order to receive a meaningful education. The evaluation must be done at no cost to the student. As under IDEA, districts must use valid assessment tools, administered by trained people. The evaluation tools must also be tailored to test specific needs and accurately reflect the student’s abilities. Unlike IDEA, there are no specific timelines for the district to finish an evaluation.

Is parental consent required for evaluation under Section 504?

Yes. The regulations under Section 504 do not provide explicit rules regarding ‘consent for evaluation.’ The Federal Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has issued guidance for this area that relies on the framework created by the related ‘consent’ provisions of the IDEA. This means school districts to implement Section 504 in accordance with OCR guidelines, they must obtain parental consent for an initial evaluation. Similarly, if a parent withholds consent, a school district may use due process hearing procedures to try and override a parents’ denial of consent for an initial evaluation. In addition, if a parent revokes consent under IDEA, the parent is also revoking consent under Section 504.

Can I revoke consent for some services and not other services under the IDEA or Section 504?

Section 504 does not have regulations that address revoking parental consent, so we look to language under the IDEA to provide guidance for both federal laws. The IDEA regulations state that if a parent revokes consent after the initial provision of services, the school district is no longer responsible for providing a free and appropriate public education to the student or to develop an IEP. This also means that the district is no longer responsible for services under Section 504.

However, it should be considered a different matter when a parent is not revoking consent, but rather refusing to consent to some services offered by a school district that they disagree with. Section 300.300 (b)(3) of the federal regulations state: “A public agency may not use a parent's refusal to consent to one service or activity under paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d)(2) of this section to deny the parent or child any other service, benefit, or activity of the public agency, except as required by this part.”

How often does the district have to reevaluate my student?

Section 504 requires periodic reevaluation of students with disabilities. The law does not state clearly how often, except that evaluating at least once every 3 years (like under IDEA) would satisfy this requirement.

Like IDEA, Section 504 also requires a reevaluation whenever the district proposes to make significant changes to a student’s program.

Does the district have to develop a plan for my student?

Section 504 requires a plan for meeting the student’s special needs, but it doesn’t require that the plan be written.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) recommends that districts have written plans, even if it is not as detailed as an IEP.

Who develops the 504 plan?

There is no clear guidance in the law about who specifically should be involved in the development of the 504 plan. Section 504 does say that decisions about placement and services must be made by a group of people who knows the student, understands the evaluation data, and knows about support available within the district. You can ask to be on the 504 team and share your information about your student’s strengths and needs.

What kinds of things can be put into a 504 plan?

504 plans can range from seating a student near the teacher for extra help to providing specialized instruction and related services. For a student who has challenging behavior, a behavior plan, counseling, or an aide may be necessary for them to participate in school. For a student who is hearing impaired, a signing interpreter or written lectures might be included in the plan. Be creative! Your suggestions about how your student can participate in school should be open for consideration.

Does the district have to educate my student in a general education classroom?

Unless an IEP or 504 plan requires another arrangement, a student must be educated in the school that he or she would attend if not disabled and be with non-disabled classmates to the maximum extent possible.

What if the district refuses to develop a 504 plan, or there appears to be some other sort of discrimination against my student?

Section 504 requires that school districts develop dispute resolution procedures, including the right to an impartial hearing. Ask for a copy of the district’s 504 procedures to determine your next step. In addition, you can make a complaint to the Office of Civil Rights. See Section VII in this publication for more information about making a civil rights complaint. A civil rights complaint must be filed within 180 calendar days (6 months) from the date of the discrimination. If the complaint is not filed within the 180 days, include a request for a waiver and explain why the complaint is being filed now.

Where you can have an impact

Urge the district to move quickly to finish the evaluation. If the district doesn’t have a policy or set timelines for completing the evaluation, ask the district use the IDEA evaluation timelines as a guide.

Ask the district to put the Section 504 plan in writing. If the district refuses, write up what you think the district agreed to do, and send the school a letter. Ask the district to confirm that the district’s understanding of the plan is the same as yours.

什么是 individualized education program 或“IEP”?

什么是 individualized education program 或“IEP”? stephanieP

什么是 individualized education program IEP

Individualized Education Program IEP,个别化教育计划)是对身患残障的学生为接受有意义的教育而需要的教学以及服务的详细说明。individualized education program 或称为 IEP,是一份说明儿童将要接受的具体特殊教育服务的文件。IEP 是一份法律文件,学生有权获得 IEP 中所规定的所有服务。IEP 应针对儿童及其教育需求予以量身定制,并且可以包括针对所提供服务的创造性策略。

IEP 必须包括:

  • 学生当前教育和功能表现水平方面的陈述,即学生的表现如何
  • 年度教育目标
  • 关于如何衡量儿童的进步情况以及何时提供关于儿童进步情况的定期报告的说明
  • 儿童在普通教育课堂环境以及特殊教育环境下将获得的所有服务的说明
  • 学生将获得的“相关服务”,例如说话和语言治疗、交通和咨询等的说明
  • 对所有将要提供的课程修改的说明,例如修改后的阅读材料、考试和其他作业的阅读器、讲座的录音机等
  • 确定学生是否需要辅助技术设备和服务。辅助技术是指提高或保持学生能力的设备或系统,可以包括商业生产类物品,例如计算机或定制键盘
  • 针对适应性体育的资格的决定,以及如果符合资格,会如何予以提供
  • 学生将如何参与普通教育课程和活动的说明,以及如果不参与,则应说明原因
  • 如果 IEP 团队认为有必要,则学生将获得延长学年服务的任何便利条件
  • 如有必要,对该学生应采取的厌恶性干预措施
  • 提供服务的地点、持续的时间和频率
  • 服务开始的日期
  • 在不迟于学生 16 岁时 IEP 生效的时间开始,或在 IEP 团队确定适当的更早时间开始:1) 适当的可衡量的中学后目标以及 2) 协助学生实现这些目标所需的过渡服务。

此外,参加替代性评估的学生还必须在其 IEP 中包含以下内容:

  • 基准或短期目标的说明
  • 关于学生不能参加常规评估的说明
  • 关于为什么特定的替代性评估适合该学生的说明。

如果我的孩子有资格接受特殊教育,在初次评估后多久会获得一份 IEP

在决定学生有资格接受特殊教育的 30 个日历日内,必须召开 IEP 会议。一旦学区确定学生有资格获得特殊教育服务,学区会有 30 个日历日(非教学日)的时间来举行 IEP 会议,并为学生制定个性化的计划。

由谁来制定 IEP

IEP 团队是由能够帮助设计学生教育计划的人员所组成。会有一个团队负责编写和批准 IEP。以下人员是 IEP 团队的成员,通常应出席所有 IEP 会议:

  • 家长或监护人
  • 至少一名学生的普通教育教师(如果学生正在或可能正在参与普通教育环境的教学)
  • 至少一名学生的特殊教育教师,或在适当情况下,特殊教育服务提供者
  • 一名在残障儿童教育方面有资格并且了解普通课程和现有资源的学区代表(例如特殊教育主任)
  • 一位能够解释评估数据的人员(可以是上述人员之一或学校的心理医生)
  • 由家长或学区决定,其他在对孩子方面拥有相关知识或特殊专长的人员
  • 学生本人(如果合适)
  • 过渡服务提供者(例如职业专家或来自外部机构(例如 Developmental Disability Administration DDA,发育障碍司))的人员)。

其他人也可以加入 IEP 团队。法律特别允许其他“在对孩子方面拥有相关知识或特殊专长”的人员参加 IEP 团队。这意味着 IEP 团队可以包括亲属、亲朋好友、社区成员、治疗师以及主张者。学区或家长来决定在对孩子方面拥有相关知识或专长的人员。如果您认为有些人应该被纳入您孩子的 IEP 团队,则请务必告知学校,以便他们可以被邀请参加。但是,根据 IDEA 和州特殊教育法的规定,IEP 团队的成员可能不需要在所有情况下均必须出席。如果上述 IEP 团队成员的课程领域不是会议的主题,并且家长和学区书面同意其不需要出席,那么该成员则不需要参加 IEP 会议。例如,如果语言服务不是 IEP 会议的主题,并且家长和学区均书面同意说话和语言服务提供者不需要参加会议,因为会议的目的只是讨论学生的行为干预计划方面的事宜。此外,如果家长和学区书面同意,即使会议涉及团队成员的领域方面的修改或讨论,则 IEP 团队成员也可以免于参加会议。但是,免于参加会议的 IEP 团队成员必须在会议之前向家长和学区提交有关 IEP 发展的相关书面意见。

我如何知道 IEP 团队何时开会?

学区必须通知家长 IEP 会议的目的、时间和地点以及谁将参加会议。学区必须尽早通知,以确保家长有机会参加。会议应安排在双方同意的时间和地点。如果家长和学区同意,会议也可以采用电话或视频会议的方式进行。

我可以为 IEP 做些什么?

家长和其他了解学生并关心其成功的人员的意见是制定有效的特殊教育计划的关键。家长是 IEP 团队的重要组成部分,并且他们可能会将关于其他有帮助人员的一些很好的想法包括在内。IEP 团队在制定计划时必须考虑各种限制。如果您认为还有其他人可以为这一过程做出贡献,则您应该让学校知道。您作为主张者的一个重要部分是分析学区所提供的教育计划和服务。例如,考虑到您对孩子能力的了解,您认为这些目标和目的是否合理?学区所建议的服务种类是否会对您的孩子产生影响?如果您有改进教育计划的建议,则您应该在 IEP 团队会议上提出此类建议。您也可以在这个过程中加入新的观点和创意想法。想一想教育工作人员可能没有考虑到的让孩子可以参与的方法。例如,如果一项特殊活动或运动时间的奖励可以激励您的孩子在家里做家务,那么在学校也可以为完成作业设置类似的奖励。或者,您知道您的孩子在有很多干扰、人和噪音的情况下会很难受。您可以建议您的孩子在其他学生换课之前或之后进行换课。

IEP 如何解决行为问题?

如果存在行为问题,IEP 应包括功能性行为评估以及行为干预计划。 对于行为妨碍其学习或其他学生学习的学生,IEP 应该提供改善行为的目标和目的,以及解决该问题的策略。重要的是要记住,学生的行为可能与其存在的残障问题有关。IEP 应该预测行为问题,并在这些问题发生之前制定有效的应对方法。

何时对 IEP 进行审查或修改?

至少每年一次,但如果 IEP 团队成员提出要求,则会更加频繁。 IEP 应至少每年审查一次。然而,即使 IEP 已经过了审查期,学区也必须遵循该 IEP。在一年结束时,IEP 团队必须开会审查教育计划,并确定学生的年度目标是否正在实现。如果学生没有表现出学业方面的进步,或者有了关于学生的新信息,则必须对 IEP 进行修改。IEP 还应该预见到学生在其不断成熟的过程中会有的不断变化的需求。也可以在任何时候应团队成员的要求或在情况发生变化时对 IEP 进行审查。然而,根据 IDEA 和州特殊教育法的规定,如果家长和学区同意,现在可以在年度审查会议后对儿童的 IEP 进行修改,而无需召开 IEP 会议。在这种情况下,可以利用一份书面文件来修正或修改孩子的 IEP。应家长要求,学区必须向家长提供包含修订内容的 IEP 的修改副本。如果您认为 IEP 或您孩子的特殊教育服务已经发生变化,则请向学区索要一份最新的 IEP 副本,包括任何通过协议作出的书面修改。根据 IDEA 的规定,鼓励学区通过鼓励合并 IEP 团队会议的方式来减少每年为每位学生所举行的 IEP 会议的次数。

如果未经我同意就对我孩子的 IEP 进行修改怎么办?

立即与学校就您的担忧进行讨论。 您是 IEP 团队的一员,必须参与有关您孩子特殊教育计划相关的所有决定。如果您无法通过与学校工作人员沟通的方式来非正式地解决分歧,则请参阅本出版物第七部分争议解决,以了解更多选择。

一旦我的孩子获得了接受特殊教育的资格,是否还要进行进一步的评估?

是的,残障学生应该至少每三年接受一次评估,如果有必要,可能会更加频繁。虽然 IEP 必须每年审查一次,但对残障学生的重新评估不需要那么频繁。重新评估必须至少每三年进行一次。家长和学区可能会一致同意三年一次的重新评估是非必要的。然而,这三年一次的评估往往会为家长和学区提供关于学生情况的宝贵信息。想象一下,一名学生在从小学到高中的三年里所经历的变化吧!在同意不对您的孩子进行重新测试之前,请认真做一下考虑,因为自上次评估以来的三年里,许多事情可能已经发生了变化。如果学区认为孩子的教育和服务需求需要重新评估(这包括孩子有进步的情况),或者家长或老师要求重新评估,那么学生可以更快地得到重新评估。然而,重新评估的频率不得超过每年一次,除非家长和学区一致同意有必要进行评估。重新评估的目的是为了确定:

  1. 学生是否继续符合资格标准
  2. 需要哪些额外的服务来实现 IEP 的目标
  3. 学生目前的学习成绩水平以及相关的发展需要。

IEP 团队必须审查该学生的现有评估数据,并决定需要哪些额外的测试(如果有的话)来解决上述的三个问题。

我身患残障的孩子将在哪里接受其 IEP 中所描述的服务?

残障学生必须在限制性最小的教育环境中接受教育,这可能意味着需要就读于普通教育班。IDEA 的一个基本原则是,残障学生应尽可能地被纳入普通教育课程,而并非被排斥或接受单独教育。残障儿童有权利在限制性最小的环境中接受教育。这意味着 IEP 团队必须考虑在与非残障学生相同的环境中为学生提供教育和服务,以进行学业活动、非学业活动以及课外活动。只有当残障学生的需求非常严重或具有破坏性,即使在普通教育课堂上得到额外的支持和服务,其也无法取得教育上的进步时,才可以将其从普通教育课堂环境中移除。并非所有残障学生均能在没有支持的情况下在普通教育课堂的学习中取得成功。有些学生需要班上的教师助理提供个别帮助,或者修改课程、材料或教学方法。其他学生则需要完全不同的环境,例如特殊的走读学校或家庭教学。每个学区均必须确保为残障学生提供一系列的教育环境,因为有些残障学生的需求要比普通教育环境所能提供的更多。学生必须在最接近普通教育课堂的教育环境中接受教育,但仍能使学生取得学业上的进步。这种教育设置范围有时被称为连续性安置体质,可以包括左侧图表中所描述的选项。

如果我的孩子有 IEP 并且我们在学年期间搬家,会怎样?

  1. 在本州内搬家:新学区必须向学生提供与原学区 IEP 中所列服务相当的服务,直至新学区采用旧的 IEP 或制定新的 IEP
  2. 迁出本州:所在新州的新学区必须为学生提供与原学区 IEP 中所列出的服务相当的服务,直至新学区进行评估(如有必要)并制定新的 IEP

 

在这两种情况下,新学校均必须采取合理措施及时获取孩子的特殊教育记录,而以前的学校则必须及时回复记录请求。

我的残障孩子能否在暑期接受特殊教育服务?

可以。

  1. Extended school year ESY,延长学年)服务

如果 IEP 团队认为这些服务对于学生获得有意义的教育是必要的,则残障学生可以在暑期接受特殊教育服务。延长学年服务的资格可以基于以下因素予以确定:

  • 学生在暑期失去技能的可能性
  • 暑期课程对于学生实现年度 IEP 目标是否必要
  • 专业人士的建议
  • 学生的教育经历。

学区被要求为 IEP 团队制定标准,以便在确定学生是否需要延长学年服务时使用。如果您认为您的孩子需要延长学年服务,则请索要一份学区的标准的副本。如果提供暑期课程,其必须符合 IEP 的目标。换言之,参加提供给所有学生的普通教育暑期班课程可能还不够。如果学生的 IEP 在学年期间提供一对一的助手服务,那么在暑期也必须为其提供一对一的帮助。延长学年课程必须免费为学生提供。如果学区没有针对符合延长学年服务条件学生的适当暑期课程,则该学区应创建一套课程,或支付学生参加由其他学区或私人组织机构所提供的课程的费用。该学区还必须支付与延长学年课程相关的交通和其他费用。

  1. 普通教育暑期学校的便利条件和服务

如果残障学生不符合 ESY 服务的条件,但报名参加了学区的普通教育暑期学校课程,则学校仍应向该学生提供便利条件和专门教学。如果您的孩子需要额外的帮助以参加该课程,请根据 IDEA 或第 504 款的规定,要求提供这些服务。

特殊教育项目能否帮助我的孩子从校园生活过渡到成人生活?

是的,至少从 16 岁开始,特殊教育必须为学生提供过渡服务。特殊教育为所有残障学生提供服务,以帮助他们为成人生活做好准备。这些服务被称为“过渡服务”,旨在促进学生从学校走向校外活动,包括大学和其他中学后教育、职业培训计划、独立生活计划、成人服务以及辅助就业。学区必须开始为年龄较大的学生制定过渡计划,从不迟于学生年满 16 岁时生效的第一个 IEP 开始。这意味着学区必须在学生 16 岁生日之前的年度 IEP 会议上解决过渡计划的问题。在解决过渡问题后,IEP 必须包括与培训、教育、就业有关的适当的、可衡量的中学后目标,并酌情包括独立生活技能,同时还需要概述学生为实现这些目标所需的过渡服务,包括学习课程。这些目标必须以适合年龄的过渡评估为基础。学生接受的过渡服务种类应考虑到其兴趣和偏好及其需要获得的技能。

我是否可以获得我孩子的 IEP 的翻译副本?

是的,如果您需要,您应该可以获得一份您孩子的 Individualized Education Program IEP,个别化教育计划)的翻译副本,以便能够更好地理解相关信息。

根据特殊教育规定,各学区必须对特殊教育同意书和事先书面通知.”

予以翻译。特殊教育规定并未具体说明关于翻译 IEP 本身的相关问题。但是,根据 US Department of Education (美国教育部)和 US Department of Justice (美国司法部)的解释,为了严格遵守 Civil Rights Act (民权法案)第六章的规定,各学区必须做好提供 IEP 翻译副本的准备。解释如下:

根据第六章的规定,所有重要文件,包括学生的 IEP,均必须使 LEP [英语能力有限]的家长能够获得且能够理解这些文件的相关内容,但这并不一定意味着所有重要文件均必须翻译成该学区所使用的所有语言。例如,在某些情况下,重要文件的及时且完整的口译或翻译摘要可能就已足够。但是,学区必须做好提供及时且完整的 IEP 翻译副本的准备,以便家长能够有效地查看 IEP 并享受其附带的家长权利。这是因为家长不仅需要在 IEP 会议期间,而且在整个学年期间均需要能够有效地查看 IEP,以监控孩子的进步情况并确保孩子享受到了 IEP 服务。

https://sites.ed.gov/idea/files/policy_speced_guid_idea_memosdcltrs_iep-translation-06-14-2016.pdf

如果您需要您孩子的 IEP 团队的翻译副本,请联系您孩子所在学区的特殊教育部门。  

如果您有任何问题或疑虑,请致电 Office of the Education OmbudsOEO,教育监察员办公室),我们会竭诚提供协助。

What are Accommodations and Modifications?

What are Accommodations and Modifications? stephanieP

What are Accommodations and Modifications?

Accommodations are different than modifications. While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its regulations do not define accommodations or modifications, there is some general agreement as to what each is, as well as the difference(s) between the two:

Accommodations are provided when the student is expected to reach the same level of proficiency as their non-disabled peers. An accommodation allows a student to complete the same assignment or test as other students, but with a change in the timing, formatting, setting, scheduling, response and/or in any significant way what the test or assignment measures. Examples of accommodations include a student who is blind taking a Braille version of a test or a student taking a test alone in a quiet room.

Examples of accommodations include a student who is blind taking a Braille version of a test or a student taking a test alone in a quiet room.

Modifications are provided when the student is NOT expected to reach the same level of proficiency as their non-disabled peers. A modification is an adjustment to an assignment or a test that changes the standard or what the test or assignment is supposed to measure. Examples of modifications include a student completing work on part of a standard or a student completing an alternate assignment that is more easily achievable than the standard assignment.

Examples of modifications include a student completing work on part of a standard or a student completing an alternate assignment that is more easily achievable than the standard assignment.

Prior Written Notice (PWN)

Prior Written Notice (PWN) stephanieP

Prior Written Notice (PWN)

Have you requested an evaluation, a re-evaluation, or a change to your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program)?  Did you get a Prior Written Notice (PWN) in response?

This toolkit explains why PWNs are important, and what to do if you have not received one, or if a PWN has only very general information. 

Prior Written Notice (PWN):

A requirement under special education rules when a district proposes, or refuses, to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, placement or provision of “FAPE” (free appropriate public education).

A PWN is also a powerful tool to help understand what decisions have been made and why. For students who have an IEP, or might need one, there are many steps in an ongoing process of evaluation, planning and delivery of services. Having a clear written record of significant decisions and the reasons for them is critical.

A Prior Written Notice (PWN) is:

  • a written document
  • from the district, to the parents
  • provided after a decision is made, but prior to/before it is implemented
  • that is required under the special education rules
  • for decisions relating to a child’s identification, evaluation, placement or provision of special education services, including those:
    • made at an IEP meeting or
    • made by the district in response to a parent’s request.

PWNs must describe the decision made, the reasons for it, other options considered, and information relied upon to make the decision. They must also provide parents information about their rights if they do not agree with the decision.

Districts must translate PWNs into the parent’s native language, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so. 

Tip: Review the PWN attached to the Updated IEP

After your IEP meeting, look to see if there is a PWN attached to the back of the updated IEP. If it includes only very general statements, like “The team decided to update the IEP” because “it is required to be done annually,” do not hesitate to ask for a more complete PWN.

Sometimes the IEP will reflect a decision made at the meeting (for example if a team decides some specially designed instruction will shift from a resource room to a general education setting, the service matrix would be changed). However, an IEP would not reflect a request for a change that was ultimately denied. And the IEP itself doesn’t generally describe reasons why a change is made.

Without a PWN, important decisions, and reasons for them, may be lost to memory.

If you do not receive a PWN or the PWN does not reflect significant decisions an IEP team made, you can request that the district provide one. 

Didn’t get a PWN? Didn’t see a significant decision reflected in the PWN you received?

Here are three variations on sample requests for a PWN:

"Dear IEP Case manager (or special education teacher),

Thank you for talking with me about my request for __(e.g., an initial evaluation; an early re-evaluation; a Functional Behavior Assessment; other). Please provide me with a Prior Written Notice with the district’s response to this request and confirm the next steps for moving forward."

After an IEP meeting

"Dear IEP Case manager (or special education teacher),

Thank you for getting the IEP team together discuss __(e.g. request for one-on-one support; increased time in general education; concerns about behavior referrals; other). I understand the next steps will be __________. Please provide me a Prior Written Notice to reflect the team’s decision on this issue and a copy of the amended IEP (if relevant)."

For a revised PWN

"Dear IEP Case Manager,

Thank you for providing me with a copy of the updated IEP after our annual meeting. I have reviewed the IEP and the attached PWN. I noticed that the PWN does not include information regarding our discussion and conclusions relating to _(e.g. increasing/decreasing service minutes; assistive technology; other). Please provide me with a revised PWN that reflects the decision on this/these issue(s). Please be sure the entire PWN is translated into _(my native language)___."

Sincerely,

Parent

Read more about PWNs in your Special Education Notice of Procedural Safeguards and in OSPI’s Understanding PWN short guidance. Review special education rule on Prior Notice at: WAC 392-172A-05010. To see what a PWN looks like, find one on OSPI’s Model Forms for Special Education page.

Functional Behavioral Assessments 和 Behavior Intervention Plans(FBA 和 BIP)

Functional Behavioral Assessments 和 Behavior Intervention Plans(FBA 和 BIP) Brittni.Thomps…

Functional Behavioral Assessments Behavior Intervention PlansFBA BIP

生在学校会面临各种行为期望。他们通常应该安静地坐在教室里、认真听讲、正常走路而不许跑动、不许大声喧哗、以及尊重他人。

如果我们试图包括不同年级、不同环境下的所有期望,以及不同教室和学校中许多不同的行为方式,这份清单可能会无穷无尽。

学生需要有机会可以了解行为期望,正如他们需要机会学习阅读、写作和数学知识一样。

他们需要有机会了解期望的行为是什么样子的,如何达到期望,以及为什么它们很重要。他们需要有机会进行练习,从错误中学习,并在达到期望时获得积极的反馈。

当学校与家庭分享有关行为期望的信息时,家庭可以帮助加强在家里的学习。

如果一个学生在满足行为期望方面有困难,首先是要弄清楚学生是否明白期望的是什么,以及如何满足期望。

如果一个学生的行为妨碍了学习,并且在尝试解决后仍然存在这种问题,那么学校和家庭可以共同努力,以更好地了解问题的根源,以及学生可能想要通过这种行为所要传达的信息。

如果处理解决行为问题的尝试未获成功,而且行为问题干扰了学习,可能需要进行 Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA),以了解行为的“功能”或目的是什么,并帮助指导有效、积极的干预措施。

在某些情况下,当残疾儿童被停学或被开除 10 天或以上时,需要进行 FBAFBA 可以成为支持任何儿童的有用工具,无论是否有残疾。

如果您担心孩子的行为妨碍了学习、导致反复的纪律处分、或使孩子无法在普通教育环境中获得更多的教育时间,则您可以要求学校做一下 FBA 并制定一个 BIP

如欲了解更多信息,请查看 Office of the Education Ombuds OEO,教育监察员办公室)关于 FBA BIP 的常见问题,检查清单:在 FBA BIP 中需要注意的事项,以及申请 FBA 和审查 BIP 的信函范本。

What is a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)?

Overview:

A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is:

  • A problem-solving process to try to understand the functions of behavior.
  • It can also be a type of evaluation for an individual student to understand their behavior.

An FBA generally includes observation and data collection, looking at:

  • The environment where the behavior occurs;
  • The ABCs:– the Antecedents (what happens before the behavior), the Behavior itself, and the Consequences (what happens after the behavior); and
  • Other factors that may be influencing the behavior.

An FBA leads to a hypothesis about what “function” or purpose a behavior serves, so a team can identify alternative “replacement” behaviors that can serve the same function, or meet the same need, without interfering with learning.

Information gathered in the FBA is generally used to develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

More Details:

A functional behavioral assessment (an “FBA”), is a type of evaluation used by a school district to determine the cause (or “function”) of behavior.

An FBA focuses on a particular behavior of concern, or “target behavior.” Using various methods, often including observation, data collection, and interviews, the FBA tries to identify what leads to the behavior and what keeps it going. It looks at whether the current responses to the behavior are unintentionally reinforcing it. It looks at what could be appropriate, “replacement” behaviors to meet the same need, without interfering with learning. 

An FBA helps answer questions about:

  • why a behavior occurs,
  • when and where it happens,
  • what generally comes before it, and
  • what happens afterward.

That information is used to design and target positive interventions to teach and support the student in replacing inappropriate behaviors with appropriate behaviors.

Under special education rules, a parent’s consent is required for an evaluation, including an FBA.

What is this behavior communicating?

Our behaviors (what we do), can communicate a lot about what we think, feel, want or need. Exactly what a behavior is communicating is often not clear, and can be misinterpreted.

We might safely assume that a student clapping and smiling is communicating approval, and that a student shaking their head side to side is communicating “no.” 

  • What about a student crying? Is that communicating sadness? Frustration?
  • What about a student looking away and shaking their head in response to questions? Is that communicating confusion? Defiance? Exhaustion?

If we misinterpret the meaning of a behavior, our responses can be ineffective.

An FBA can help uncover the meaning(s) of a behavior that is getting in the way of learning, and effective ways to address it.    

How is an FBA different from other evaluations?

An FBA generally focuses on very specific, observable behaviors in a specific environment. An FBA considers how the environment of the classroom or other setting might be influencing a child’s behavior. 

Other types of behavior assessments, often included in comprehensive evaluations, look more broadly at a student’s behavior over time and in various settings.

In other words, an FBA generally looks specifically at behaviors that are getting in the way of learning where the child is at, and focuses on how those behaviors can best be addressed in that context.

When can I, or should I, ask for an FBA for my child?

Consider asking about an FBA if your child’s behavior appears to be interfering with your child’s own education, or with the education of others, and

  • it is not clear why the behavior is occurring; and
  • the teacher has tried different interventions to address the behavior but they haven’t been successful

Some specific examples of when you might ask about an FBA:    

  • your child’s behavior is identified as a barrier to spending more time in a general education classroom.
  • your child is sent out of the classroom frequently or for long periods of time for disruptive or inappropriate behavior;
  • your child is not participating in class or engaging with instruction on a regular basis (maybe putting their head down, falling asleep, or refusing to do work).

If you don’t know yet how often the behavior is occurring, or how frequently a child is removed from the classroom, the first step may be to ask the teacher and/or principal to start keeping track, in other words to start taking some data, on how often it is happening.

This can give you all a “baseline” or starting point, for understanding the situation.

How do I ask for an FBA for my child?

The best practice is to make a request for an FBA in writing. That can be by email, or by letter. Keep a copy for yourself. Check out the Sample Request for an FBA.

You can also make a request for an FBA in person at a meeting, or in a conversation with your child’s teacher or principal. It is important to follow up if you do not hear back about next steps, because sometimes verbal requests get lost in the busy day to day of school.

If you make the request for an FBA at an IEP meeting, be sure to check to see that the request and the team’s response to it is reflected in a Prior Written Notice (PWN) after the meeting. The Prior Written Notices help you and the others on your child’s IEP team keep track of important requests and decisions.

Who do I ask for an FBA?

There's no single right answer, but here are places to start:

  • If your child has an IEP, ask the IEP Case Manager or Special Education teacher
  • If your child has a 504 plan, ask the teacher and/or school counselor
  • If your child doesn't have an IEP or 504 plan, ask the teacher, school counselor and/or principal

What if I get no response?

If you make a request for an FBA and do not hear back in a few days, start by following up with the same person by email or phone.

If you still do not hear back, consider elevating the request to the principal, a school psychologist or a district special education supervisor.

What if the school says "No" to my request for an FBA?

If the initial response to a request for an FBA is “no,” consider requesting a meeting to discuss it.  At the meeting, be ready to share the reasons why you are requesting the FBA, and to listen to understand why the school or other team members think an FBA is not necessary.

Before the meeting, ask the school to gather information in order to share an update regarding your child’s recent behavior.

  • If your child has been removed from the classroom for behavior, ask the team to keep track of each time the student is removed, what it was for and how long it lasted; 
  • If you are concerned your child has been avoiding work, ask if the teacher or another team member could take some informal data or notes and report back regarding how often, for how long your child appears to be disengaged or off-task.  

After getting additional information, if it appears that a pattern of behavior is disrupting your child’s learning, you can ask the team to consider the request for an FBA again. If the school does not see a pattern of problem behavior, or believes there are additional interventions they can try first, ask to set a date to check in again to review how things are going. Set yourself a reminder to check in again in a month or two to see how things are going. 

If your child has an IEP, after the team has a chance to discuss and make a decision, be sure you check for a Prior Written Notice (PWN) documenting the decision and reasons for it. 

If you still disagree with the decision, and want to understand options for dispute resolution for students receiving or eligible for special education services, take a look at OEO’s Parent Guide on Protecting the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, and our Toolkit on Prior Written Notice.

FBAs and Discipline - When is an FBA required?

An FBA is sometimes required for students who have an IEP (Individualized Education Program), if the student is suspended or expelled for more than 10 school days. Specifically, a school is required to do an FBA and develop a BIP for any student who has an IEP if:

  • the student is suspended or expelled; and
  • the suspension or expulsion will be for more than 10 days; and
  • in making a manifestation determination, members of the child’s IEP team, including the parents, determine that the behavior that led to the suspension or expulsion was a “manifestation” of the disability – that is, it was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the child’s disability.

This also applies if the student has been suspended or expelled several different times for shorter periods (less than 10 days), but the multiple suspensions or expulsions make a pattern that adds up to more than 10 days.

If a student’s behavior is determined not to be a manifestation of the disability, the rules recommend that the team do an FBA and develop a BIP to avoid similar behaviors from happening again.

You can find the details about requirements for FBAs for students with IEPs in the special education regulations, at in WAC Chapter 392-172A, available online at: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-172a&full=true.

To read more about discipline requirements for students who have an IEP, or meet the requirements for an IEP but have not yet been evaluated, see OEO’s Parent Guide on Protecting the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools and OSPI’s Technical Assistance Paper No. 2 (TAP 2).

Who completes the FBA?

School districts generally decide which staff they will assign to complete FBAs. It might be a school psychologist, a behavior specialist, or a special education teacher. Often, the process starts with a team discussion about which behavior is the greatest concern, who will observe the student in order to take data about that behavior, and when and in what settings they will take the data.

Special education rules require that evaluations be completed by a person with the necessary experience and qualifications. The more complicated the behavior, the more likely it is that a specialist may be needed to help understand the functions of the behavior and identify effective interventions.

Are FBAs and BIPs only for students with IEPs or only certain kinds of IEPs?

No. Functional Behavior Assessments are a tool that schools and families can use to help understand and address challenging behaviors for any student.

The use of FBAs might be most familiar for students with IEPs because in some cases they are required (see the section on discipline). Also, special education rules require that IEP teams consider the use of “positive behavioral interventions and supports and other strategies” for any child with an IEP whose behavior is getting in the way of that own child’s learning, or of other students’ learning.  Developing an effective behavior intervention plan depends on first developing a good understanding of why the behavior is occurring, and that is what an FBA can do.

Can I request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if I disagree with the district’s FBA?

Yes, if it was for a child with an IEP.  Under special education rules, each time a district does an evaluation, if a parent disagrees with the results, the parent can request an Independent Educational Evaluation at district expense. An FBA that looks at an individual’s child’s behavior is a type of evaluation, so if a parent disagrees with the results, the parent can request an IEE at public expense.The district either can agree, or must initiate a due process hearing to defend its own evaluation. For details on IEEs, see: OEO’s Parent Guide on Protecting the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools and OSPI’s Special Education page on Guidance for Families.

 

What is a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Washington state’s special education rules define a Behavioral Intervention Plan, or BIP, as a plan that is incorporated into a child’s IEP if the team determines it is necessary, and that describes, at a minimum:

  • The pattern of behavior that is impeding (getting in the way of) the student’s learning or others;
  • The instructional and/or environmental conditions or circumstances that contribute to that pattern of behavior
  • The positive behavioral interventions and supports to:
    • reduce the behavior that is getting in the way of learning and increase desired prosocial behaviors and
    • ensure the plan is implemented consistently across the student’s school day, including classes and activities; and
  • The skills that will be taught and monitored as alternatives to the challenging behavior.

Most importantly, BIPs should describe an alternative behavior that the student will be taught to replace the inappropriate behavior – this is often called a “replacement behavior.”

The plan should identify what replacement behavior will be taught, how it will be taught, and who is responsible for teaching it to the student.

The plan should identify strategies and instruction that will

  • provide alternatives to challenging behaviors,
  • reinforce desired behaviors, and
  • reduce or eliminate the frequency and severity of challenging behaviors.

Positive behavioral interventions include the consideration of environmental factors that may trigger challenging behaviors and teaching your student the skills to manage her or his own behavior.

What do we mean by "Behavior"?

Behavior is everything we do – it can be words, actions, gestures or a combination of those. Behaviors can be observed; they can be seen or heard. 

Disruptive or “externalizing” behaviors, such has yelling, hitting, or breaking things, often draw the most attention, and discipline.

Other behaviors that are less obvious or disruptive to others can still be significant and interfere with a student’s own learning, like avoiding class or peer interactions, or engaging in self-harm.

If the behavior is persistent and is interfering with learning, you can ask about doing an FBA and developing a BIP to address it.

What is a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)?

What is a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA)?

Overview:

A Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) is:

  • A problem-solving process to try to understand the functions of behavior.
  • It can also be a type of evaluation for an individual student to understand their behavior.

An FBA generally includes observation and data collection, looking at:

  • The environment where the behavior occurs;
  • The ABCs:– the Antecedents (what happens before the behavior), the Behavior itself, and the Consequences (what happens after the behavior); and
  • Other factors that may be influencing the behavior.

An FBA leads to a hypothesis about what “function” or purpose a behavior serves, so a team can identify alternative “replacement” behaviors that can serve the same function, or meet the same need, without interfering with learning.

Information gathered in the FBA is generally used to develop a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

More Details:

A functional behavioral assessment (an “FBA”), is a type of evaluation used by a school district to determine the cause (or “function”) of behavior.

An FBA focuses on a particular behavior of concern, or “target behavior.” Using various methods, often including observation, data collection, and interviews, the FBA tries to identify what leads to the behavior and what keeps it going. It looks at whether the current responses to the behavior are unintentionally reinforcing it. It looks at what could be appropriate, “replacement” behaviors to meet the same need, without interfering with learning. 

An FBA helps answer questions about:

  • why a behavior occurs,
  • when and where it happens,
  • what generally comes before it, and
  • what happens afterward.

That information is used to design and target positive interventions to teach and support the student in replacing inappropriate behaviors with appropriate behaviors.

Under special education rules, a parent’s consent is required for an evaluation, including an FBA.

stephanieP

What is this behavior communicating?

What is this behavior communicating?

Our behaviors (what we do), can communicate a lot about what we think, feel, want or need. Exactly what a behavior is communicating is often not clear, and can be misinterpreted.

We might safely assume that a student clapping and smiling is communicating approval, and that a student shaking their head side to side is communicating “no.” 

  • What about a student crying? Is that communicating sadness? Frustration?
  • What about a student looking away and shaking their head in response to questions? Is that communicating confusion? Defiance? Exhaustion?

If we misinterpret the meaning of a behavior, our responses can be ineffective.

An FBA can help uncover the meaning(s) of a behavior that is getting in the way of learning, and effective ways to address it.    

stephanieP

How is an FBA different from other evaluations?

How is an FBA different from other evaluations?

An FBA generally focuses on very specific, observable behaviors in a specific environment. An FBA considers how the environment of the classroom or other setting might be influencing a child’s behavior. 

Other types of behavior assessments, often included in comprehensive evaluations, look more broadly at a student’s behavior over time and in various settings.

In other words, an FBA generally looks specifically at behaviors that are getting in the way of learning where the child is at, and focuses on how those behaviors can best be addressed in that context.

stephanieP

When can I, or should I, ask for an FBA for my child?

When can I, or should I, ask for an FBA for my child?

Consider asking about an FBA if your child’s behavior appears to be interfering with your child’s own education, or with the education of others, and

  • it is not clear why the behavior is occurring; and
  • the teacher has tried different interventions to address the behavior but they haven’t been successful

Some specific examples of when you might ask about an FBA:    

  • your child’s behavior is identified as a barrier to spending more time in a general education classroom.
  • your child is sent out of the classroom frequently or for long periods of time for disruptive or inappropriate behavior;
  • your child is not participating in class or engaging with instruction on a regular basis (maybe putting their head down, falling asleep, or refusing to do work).

If you don’t know yet how often the behavior is occurring, or how frequently a child is removed from the classroom, the first step may be to ask the teacher and/or principal to start keeping track, in other words to start taking some data, on how often it is happening.

This can give you all a “baseline” or starting point, for understanding the situation.

stephanieP

How do I ask for an FBA for my child?

How do I ask for an FBA for my child?

The best practice is to make a request for an FBA in writing. That can be by email, or by letter. Keep a copy for yourself. Check out the Sample Request for an FBA.

You can also make a request for an FBA in person at a meeting, or in a conversation with your child’s teacher or principal. It is important to follow up if you do not hear back about next steps, because sometimes verbal requests get lost in the busy day to day of school.

If you make the request for an FBA at an IEP meeting, be sure to check to see that the request and the team’s response to it is reflected in a Prior Written Notice (PWN) after the meeting. The Prior Written Notices help you and the others on your child’s IEP team keep track of important requests and decisions.

stephanieP

Who do I ask for an FBA?

Who do I ask for an FBA?

There's no single right answer, but here are places to start:

  • If your child has an IEP, ask the IEP Case Manager or Special Education teacher
  • If your child has a 504 plan, ask the teacher and/or school counselor
  • If your child doesn't have an IEP or 504 plan, ask the teacher, school counselor and/or principal

What if I get no response?

If you make a request for an FBA and do not hear back in a few days, start by following up with the same person by email or phone.

If you still do not hear back, consider elevating the request to the principal, a school psychologist or a district special education supervisor.

stephanieP

What if the school says "No" to my request for an FBA?

What if the school says "No" to my request for an FBA?

If the initial response to a request for an FBA is “no,” consider requesting a meeting to discuss it.  At the meeting, be ready to share the reasons why you are requesting the FBA, and to listen to understand why the school or other team members think an FBA is not necessary.

Before the meeting, ask the school to gather information in order to share an update regarding your child’s recent behavior.

  • If your child has been removed from the classroom for behavior, ask the team to keep track of each time the student is removed, what it was for and how long it lasted; 
  • If you are concerned your child has been avoiding work, ask if the teacher or another team member could take some informal data or notes and report back regarding how often, for how long your child appears to be disengaged or off-task.  

After getting additional information, if it appears that a pattern of behavior is disrupting your child’s learning, you can ask the team to consider the request for an FBA again. If the school does not see a pattern of problem behavior, or believes there are additional interventions they can try first, ask to set a date to check in again to review how things are going. Set yourself a reminder to check in again in a month or two to see how things are going. 

If your child has an IEP, after the team has a chance to discuss and make a decision, be sure you check for a Prior Written Notice (PWN) documenting the decision and reasons for it. 

If you still disagree with the decision, and want to understand options for dispute resolution for students receiving or eligible for special education services, take a look at OEO’s Parent Guide on Protecting the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, and our Toolkit on Prior Written Notice.

stephanieP

FBAs and Discipline - When is an FBA required?

FBAs and Discipline - When is an FBA required?

An FBA is sometimes required for students who have an IEP (Individualized Education Program), if the student is suspended or expelled for more than 10 school days. Specifically, a school is required to do an FBA and develop a BIP for any student who has an IEP if:

  • the student is suspended or expelled; and
  • the suspension or expulsion will be for more than 10 days; and
  • in making a manifestation determination, members of the child’s IEP team, including the parents, determine that the behavior that led to the suspension or expulsion was a “manifestation” of the disability – that is, it was caused by or had a direct and substantial relationship to the child’s disability.

This also applies if the student has been suspended or expelled several different times for shorter periods (less than 10 days), but the multiple suspensions or expulsions make a pattern that adds up to more than 10 days.

If a student’s behavior is determined not to be a manifestation of the disability, the rules recommend that the team do an FBA and develop a BIP to avoid similar behaviors from happening again.

You can find the details about requirements for FBAs for students with IEPs in the special education regulations, at in WAC Chapter 392-172A, available online at: https://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-172a&full=true.

To read more about discipline requirements for students who have an IEP, or meet the requirements for an IEP but have not yet been evaluated, see OEO’s Parent Guide on Protecting the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools and OSPI’s Technical Assistance Paper No. 2 (TAP 2).

stephanieP

Who completes the FBA?

Who completes the FBA?

School districts generally decide which staff they will assign to complete FBAs. It might be a school psychologist, a behavior specialist, or a special education teacher. Often, the process starts with a team discussion about which behavior is the greatest concern, who will observe the student in order to take data about that behavior, and when and in what settings they will take the data.

Special education rules require that evaluations be completed by a person with the necessary experience and qualifications. The more complicated the behavior, the more likely it is that a specialist may be needed to help understand the functions of the behavior and identify effective interventions.

stephanieP

Are FBAs and BIPs only for students with IEPs or only certain kinds of IEPs?

Are FBAs and BIPs only for students with IEPs or only certain kinds of IEPs?

No. Functional Behavior Assessments are a tool that schools and families can use to help understand and address challenging behaviors for any student.

The use of FBAs might be most familiar for students with IEPs because in some cases they are required (see the section on discipline). Also, special education rules require that IEP teams consider the use of “positive behavioral interventions and supports and other strategies” for any child with an IEP whose behavior is getting in the way of that own child’s learning, or of other students’ learning.  Developing an effective behavior intervention plan depends on first developing a good understanding of why the behavior is occurring, and that is what an FBA can do.

stephanieP

Can I request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if I disagree with the district’s FBA?

Can I request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if I disagree with the district’s FBA?

Yes, if it was for a child with an IEP.  Under special education rules, each time a district does an evaluation, if a parent disagrees with the results, the parent can request an Independent Educational Evaluation at district expense. An FBA that looks at an individual’s child’s behavior is a type of evaluation, so if a parent disagrees with the results, the parent can request an IEE at public expense.The district either can agree, or must initiate a due process hearing to defend its own evaluation. For details on IEEs, see: OEO’s Parent Guide on Protecting the Educational Rights of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools and OSPI’s Special Education page on Guidance for Families.

 

stephanieP

What is a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

What is a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Washington state’s special education rules define a Behavioral Intervention Plan, or BIP, as a plan that is incorporated into a child’s IEP if the team determines it is necessary, and that describes, at a minimum:

  • The pattern of behavior that is impeding (getting in the way of) the student’s learning or others;
  • The instructional and/or environmental conditions or circumstances that contribute to that pattern of behavior
  • The positive behavioral interventions and supports to:
    • reduce the behavior that is getting in the way of learning and increase desired prosocial behaviors and
    • ensure the plan is implemented consistently across the student’s school day, including classes and activities; and
  • The skills that will be taught and monitored as alternatives to the challenging behavior.

Most importantly, BIPs should describe an alternative behavior that the student will be taught to replace the inappropriate behavior – this is often called a “replacement behavior.”

The plan should identify what replacement behavior will be taught, how it will be taught, and who is responsible for teaching it to the student.

The plan should identify strategies and instruction that will

  • provide alternatives to challenging behaviors,
  • reinforce desired behaviors, and
  • reduce or eliminate the frequency and severity of challenging behaviors.

Positive behavioral interventions include the consideration of environmental factors that may trigger challenging behaviors and teaching your student the skills to manage her or his own behavior.

What do we mean by "Behavior"?

Behavior is everything we do – it can be words, actions, gestures or a combination of those. Behaviors can be observed; they can be seen or heard. 

Disruptive or “externalizing” behaviors, such has yelling, hitting, or breaking things, often draw the most attention, and discipline.

Other behaviors that are less obvious or disruptive to others can still be significant and interfere with a student’s own learning, like avoiding class or peer interactions, or engaging in self-harm.

If the behavior is persistent and is interfering with learning, you can ask about doing an FBA and developing a BIP to address it.

stephanieP

What if my child already has a BIP but is still struggling with behavior?

What if my child already has a BIP but is still struggling with behavior?

If a child’s behaviors continue even after a BIP has been developed and implemented, or if new challenging behaviors start, consider asking for a meeting to review the current plan and consider next steps.

Before the meeting, you can ask the team working with your child to share the data collected under the current behavior plan. As the team reviews the most recent data regarding your child’s behavior, you can consider whether:

  • There is enough information to make changes to the current BIP and continue to track progress; or
  • The team needs updated information about the possible purposes and triggers of your child’s behavior.

If new, updated information is needed, a new FBA can be done to help design an updated BIP.

Generally, new behavioral interventions will take time to show results, and the team may want to allow at least six weeks or a month and a half to give your child time to learn the new expected behavior.

stephanieP

Where can I learn more about FBAs and BIPs?

Where can I learn more about FBAs and BIPs?

Washington State Special Education Rules (the WACs):

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=392-172A&full=true

OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction):

Guidance for Families re Behavior and Discipline:

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/family-engagement-and-guidance/behavior-and-discipline

Model State Forms for Special Education, including FBAs and BIPs:

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/program-improvement/model-forms-services-students-special-education

U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports in IEPs, August 1, 2016:

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/school-discipline/files/dcl-on-pbis-in-ieps--08-01-2016.pdf

stephanieP

Checklist: What things should I look for in an FBA?

Checklist: What things should I look for in an FBA?

Things to look for in an FBA

  • Does it define a specific behavior that is observable and measurable
    • Can you picture it in your mind?
    • Would a stranger imagine the same behavior if they read the description?
    • If it says something general like “disruptive behavior” – ask for a more concrete, specific definition. (see examples below)
  • Does it explain how often, when and where that behavior occurs?
    • Is there recent data showing how often it has been happening?
    • Does the information describe how often and when the behavior is occurring in your child’s current placement or setting?  (if the placement has changed since the FBA was completed, a new look may be needed).
  • Does it consider environmental factors?
    • ​​​​​​​Does it consider how the dynamics of the classroom, hallways, lunchroom, gym or recess might influence the behavior?
    • ​​​​​​​Does it consider how instruction – both what is taught and how it is taught – might influence the behavior? 
    • ​​​​​​​Does it consider how interaction with peers or adults might influence the behavior?
  • Does it reflect information you have been able to share regarding your child’s behavior, including:
    • ​​​​​​​Whether/when/how often the behaviors that occur in the classroom or at school also happen in other settings;
    • ​​​​​​​What you have observed regarding what seems to trigger inappropriate behaviors; and
    • ​​​​​​​What you have found seems to be successful in calming, redirecting or motivating your child.
  • Does it take into account information about your child’s mental health? Or experience with trauma, if that is relevant?
  • Does it include a suggestion about the purpose of the behavior that makes sense in light of the data?

Examples: General versus Concrete or Specific Behaviors

Examples: General Examples: Concrete, Specific
Aggressive behavior Hitting, biting, kicking, pinching (self, adults, or other students), etc.
Self-injurious behavior Hitting head, biting fingers, scratching, etc.
Disruptive behavior Blurting out in class, making noises, slamming door, etc.
Time off task Sleeping, walking around classroom, throwing or dropping papers, pencils, etc.
stephanieP

Checklist: What should I look for in a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Checklist: What should I look for in a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Things to look for in a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)

  • Does it describe a specific behavior that the team is going to work on reducing?
  • Does it describe a specific, appropriate alternative or “replacement” behavior that the team is going to help your child learn and practice?
  • Does it explain to adults working with your child what they can do in order to avoid things that trigger your child’s inappropriate behavior?
  • Does it describe warning signs that might mean your child is getting upset?
  • Does it explain to adults working with your child what they can do to help your child feel safe and de-escalate if they get upset?
  • Does it describe a set of things that your child likes that can be used to reinforce and reward your child for positive behavior? 
  • Does it include a plan to taking data to see how the interventions are working?    
stephanieP

Sample Letter: How do I request a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?

Sample Letter: How do I request a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?

Request for a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)

Date:

Dear IEP Case Manager/Special Education Teacher or Principal 

Re: Request for FBA

I am requesting a Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) for my child.[Add child's full name]

I am concerned that my child’s behavior is interfering with their education. [Add more detail here, for example: they are not making progress on IEP goals or it is keeping them from spending more time in general education.]

I am also requesting an IEP team (or 504 team) meeting to discuss a plan for the FBA. [Make a note here if there are specific people you want to have at the meeting. For example: I would like the school psychologist or a district behavior specialist to attend the meeting.] 

I can meet on: _______________[Add dates/times].

I look forward to your response. 

Sincerely,

__________________________________

(Signature)

stephanieP

Sample Letter: How do I request a review of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Sample Letter: How do I request a review of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)?

Request for Review of a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP)

Date:

Dear IEP Case Manager/Special Education Teacher

Re: Request for Meeting to Review My Child’s Behavior Plan

I am requesting an IEP team (504 team) meeting to review my child’s Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

At the meeting, I hope we can review recent behavior data and talk about how the plan is working.

At least a few days before the meeting, please send me copies of the data collected over the past (months/weeks/year) relating to the behavior plan. 

I can meet on: __________ [dates/times].

I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

__________________________________

(Signature)

stephanieP

残疾学生校纪校规

残疾学生校纪校规 Brittni.Thomps…

残疾学生校纪校规 

更新于 2024 年 6 月 

于 2016 年,华盛顿州对适用于所有公立学校学生的学校纪律法规 

做了重要变更。变更内容包括: 

对停学和开除的最长期限规定了新的限制; 

对学生被停学或开除超过 10 个上学日的原因规定了新的限制; 

对学区在停学或开除期间提供教育服务规定了新的要求;以及 

对文化响应性和文化敏感性的重新入学会议规定了新的要求。 

除了特殊教育规则的保护之外,残疾学生同样受到这些新变化的相应保护。 

在什么情况下学生可以被停学或开除超过 10 个上学日的时间? 

根据特殊教育规则的规定,除特殊情况之外,如果残疾学生的行为是其残疾问题的“表现”,或是由于学区未能实施 Individualized Education Program (IEP,个别化教育计划)所致,则学校不得对该学生执行超过 10 个上学日的停学或开除处分。现在,根据适用于所有学生的纪律规定,学校不得对任何学生进行超过 10 个上学日的停学或开除处分,除非其行为属于 4 类“非酌定性违法或违纪行为”之一。  

这些类别包括: 

违反在校舍、交通工具或设施内禁止携带枪支的规定; 

某些暴力犯罪、性犯罪、与酒类、受管制物质、有毒吸入剂有关的犯罪、某些与枪支、攻击、绑架、骚扰和纵火有关的犯罪; 

三年内有两次或两次以上在校园内进行犯罪团伙恐吓或其他团伙活动、在学校设施内持有危险武器、故意不服从学校管理人员的管理或霸占公共财产、或毁坏或损坏学校财产;或 

对其他学生或教职员工的健康或安全造成不利影响的行为。 

如果学生的行为不属于上述任一类别,则学生不得被停学或开除超过 10 个上学日。 

学区什么时候必须提供教育服务? 

根据特殊教育规则的规定,如果一名有 IEP 的学生因纪律原因被停学超过 10 个上学日,则学区必须在“临时替代性教育环境”中为该学生提供教育服务。此类服务必须可以使该学生能够继续在其 IEP 目标方面取得进展,并继续参与通识教育课程。具体教学环境由 IEP 小组来决定。现在,根据新的纪律规定,所有学生在任何停学或开除期间均必须有获得教育服务的机会,即使停学或开除时间少于 10 个上学日也应如此。 

当学生停学超过 10 个上学日时,需要召开什么样的会议? 

当学生被停学或开除超过 10 个上学日时,学校必须邀请学生的家人和学生本人参加“重新入学”会议,以制定支持学生顺利返校的相关计划。学生的家人必须有可以对计划提出有意义的意见的机会。重新入学计划必须具有文化敏感性和文化响应性。重新入学会议必须在以下两种情况中的任一情况下举行: 

如果停学或开除的时间超过 20 天,则在停学或开除开始后的 20 天内;或 

如果停学或开除的时间少于 20 天,则在学生返校前 5 天之前的时间。 

您可以在哪些方面发挥作用: 

询问学校,您如何才能让教育服务立即开始,即使学生缺课的时间不会超过 10 个上学日。 

回顾“非酌定性违法或违纪行为”清单,并认真思考一下针对所涉及的行为是否允许执行长期停学或开除处分。 

如果学生缺课的时间超过 10 个上学日,则请与学校和学区进行协商,提前为学生重新入学做好计划。 

请谨记,残疾学生及其家长与任何其他学生一样,对停学或开除处分有同样的上诉权利。特殊教育规则中的保护措施是对这些基本权利的补充。  

要想了解更多有关重新入学会议的相关信息,以及为家庭提供的提示,请浏览 Office of the Education Ombuds(OEO,教育监察员办公室)有关停学、开除和纪律的网页:https://www.oeo.wa.gov/en/education-issues/discipline-suspensions-and-expulsions。 

学校必须采取的惩戒残疾学生的措施 

如果我的残疾学生违反了校规,通常需要停学 10 个上学日以上或开除,学区应该怎么做? 

发出通知。 

召开一次表现确定会议。 

观察行为,并制定一个功能性行为计划。 

如果接受特殊教育服务的学生被连续停学超过 10 个上学日,或停学时间较短且超过 10 个上学日,则安置会发生改变。长期的停学和开除被视为改变安置。如果学区希望下令对接受特殊教育服务的学生的安置做出改变,则必须在实施改变之前遵循上述步骤。学区工作人员在决定是否下令改变违反行为规范的残疾学生的安置时,可以根据具体情况对任何特殊情况进行考虑。 

当学区希望将我的残疾学生停学一段时间时,需要什么通知? 

学区必须就学生停学的决定发出书面通知,并说明可以获得的程序性保护措施。 

发出通知的日期不得晚于做出开除学生决定的日期。法律规定,书面通知必须发给受处分学生的家长。 

当我接受特殊教育服务的学生在学校受到纪律处分时,所指的表现确定是什么,为什么表现确定非常重要? 

当学生面临停学或开除超过 10 个上学日的处分时,学区必须进行表现确定。表现确定要求学区、家长和学生的 IEP 小组的相关成员要召开会议,并且考虑学生的行为是否与其残疾状况有关。 

该会议对于学生及其教育安置的稳定性而言有着巨大的影响。 

如果残疾和行为之间存在关系,那么就不能对学生进行处分,并且必须采取几项举措。除非存在特殊情况(如下所述),或家长和学区另有协议,否则必须允许学生返回在纪律处分之前其就读的教育安置机构。此外,学生必须接受功能性行为评估和行为干预计划,或对学生现有的计划进行审查和做必要的修改,以解决该学生的行为问题。 

如果确定残疾与行为之间没有关系,则可以适用与非残疾学生有关的纪律处分程序,对学生进行停学或开除处分。但是,学校 1) 必须向学生提供教育服务,尽管可以在临时替代性教育环境中提供服务;2) 酌情进行功能性行为评估并制定行为干预计划。 

请参阅下文“武器、毒品、严重身体伤害、危险行为和临时替代性教育环境”,了解在哪些特殊情况下,即使在表现确定会议上确定学生的行为与残疾有关,也可以让学生从其教育安置中停学的相关信息。 

您可以在哪些方面发挥作用 

如果您的学生被学校开除,请尽快采取行动。可能几天之后您才会收到关于说明不允许他们返校的原因的相关通知或信息。 

请务必联系纪律负责人,让他们知道您的学生患有残疾。 

如果学校提议让您的学生停课超过十个上学日,那么重要的是,学区应该尽快安排一次会议,以对该行为以及该行为与该学生的残疾状况的关系进行讨论。 

监督纪律问题并了解残疾学生的权利可以减少您的学生失去教育服务的天数。 

提请学区管理部门注意您的学生的特殊需求。如果您认为学校管理部门没有听取您的意见,请致电学区特殊教育主任进行联系。 

要求召开 IEP 或 504 会议。 

要求在开除期间提供教育服务。 

表现确定会议必须在何时举行? 

如果可能的话,必须立即进行表现确定,但在任何情况下均不得晚于学区因纪律原因决定改变学生安置的日期后的 10 个上学日。 

都有谁会参加表现确定会议? 

学区、家长和 IEP 小组的相关成员。 

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act(IDEA,残障人士教育法)规定,表现确定小组由家长以及家长和学区认为与决策相关的 IEP 小组成员组成,这意味着并非所有 IEP 小组成员均需要在场。请注意,如果您认为某些成员所掌握的信息对于表现确定的过程很有价值,那么您可以随时要求他们出席会议。  

在本出版物中,我们会将在表现确定会议上做出决定的小组称为“表现确定小组”。如果我们指的是 IEP 小组全体成员都在场的情况,我们会表明为“IEP 小组”。 

表现确定小组在表现确定时会考虑哪些方面? 

表现确定小组必须考虑所有相关信息。 

表现确定小组必须考虑: 

评估和诊断结果,包括学生家长提供的结果; 

对学生的观察信息; 

学生的个性化教育计划。 

作为表现确定的组成部分,表现确定小组必须提出哪些问题? 

根据 IDEA 和州特殊教育法的规定,表现确定小组必须提出以下问题: 

学生的行为是否是由其残疾状况所引起的,或与残疾有直接和实质性的关系? 

该行为是否是学区未能执行当前的 IEP 所导致的直接结果? 

如果在考虑后表现确定小组确定上述任一问题的答案为“是”,则该行为必须被视为学生残疾的表现,并且不能对其实施纪律处分。除非存在特殊情况,或家长和学区另有协议,否则必须允许学生返回在纪律处分之前其就读的教育安置机构。如果确定学生的行为是由学区未能执行学生的 IEP 而直接造成的,则学区必须立即采取措施以确保 IEP 的执行。 

在某些情况下,学生的行为可能是因为 IEP 中列出的服务或课程不合适,尽管正在执行 IEP。IDEA 并不妨碍家长或主张者要求表现确定小组考虑 IEP 在行为发生时是否合适。此外,您可以随时要求与 IEP 小组再次召开会议,并要求 IEP 小组更改 IEP 或您学生的安置,因为您的学生需要额外的服务或不同的教育环境才能获得成功。 

武器、毒品、严重身体伤害、危险行为和临时替代性教育环境 

在以下四种特殊情况下,可以让接受特殊教育服务的学生从其当前的安置中立即停学,最长停学时间为 45 个上学日,无论该行为是否属于学生残疾的表现。其中包括涉及武器、毒品或严重身体伤害的违纪事件。  

学区可以请求法官下令让该学生停学,但最长停学时间不超过 45 个上学日。 

无论该学生以何种方式或因为何种原因被学校停学,接受特殊教育服务的学生均必须在替代性环境中继续接受教育服务。这种替代性环境被称为临时替代性教育环境或 IAES。IEP 小组可以对该临时环境予以确定。 

枪支/武器 

学区可将学生转至 某个 IAES,最长时间为 45 个上学日 

毒品 

学区可将学生转至 某个 IAES,最长时间为 45 个上学日 

严重身体伤害 

学区可将学生转至 某个 IAES,最长时间为 45 个上学日 

危险行为 

学区可以请求法官下令将学 
转至某个 IAES,最长时间为 45 个上学日 

如果接受特殊教育服务的学生将武器带到学校,会发生什么情况? 

如果学生持有武器或携带武器上学或参加学校活动,学区可以将其转移到其他教育环境,最长时间为 45 个上学日。“武器”是指用于或随时能够造成死亡或严重身体伤害的武器、装置、材料、或物质、或生物或非生物工具。武器不包括刀刃长度小于 2 ½ 英寸的小刀。注意:这与通识教育纪律法律法规中所使用的武器定义不同。  

接受特殊教育服务的学生在学校持有、使用、或出售毒品会有什么后果? 

如果学生在学校或学校活动期间故意地持有或使用非法药物,或出售或唆使他人出售受管制药物,则学区可以将该学生转移到其他教育环境,最长时间为 45 个上学日。 

接受特殊教育的学生如果对他人造成严重身体伤害,会有什么后果? 

IDEA 增加了第四类不当行为,这些行为可能导致学校将接受特殊教育服务的学生转到 IAES。如果学生在学校或学校活动期间对他人造成了严重身体伤害,则学区可以将其转移到其他教育环境,最长时间为 45 个上学日。“严重身体伤害”是指涉及以下情况的身体伤害: 

存在极大的死亡风险;  

导致身体极度疼痛;  

发生长期明显的毁容;或  

致使身体的某个部位、器官或心智功能长期丧失或受损。 

如果学区认为学生的行为过于危险,该怎么办? 

学区可以自动将学生转至临时替代性教育环境 (IAES) 的权力仅限于涉及毒品、武器或严重身体伤害的情况。如果学区认为学生因为其他原因而做出危险行为,并且希望将其从当前的特殊教育计划中移除,则学校需要申请正当程序听证会,并要求听证官下令让该学生转到某个 IAES,最长时间为 45 个上学日。如果维持目前的安置很可能会导致该学生或他人受到极大的伤害,则听证官有权对学生的 45 个上学日的安置做出更改。 

如果学区成功让听证官下令让该学生停学,则学区仍然有责任为该学生提供教育。 

您可以在哪些方面发挥作用 

对 IEP 进行审查。考虑提议的 45 天安置是否能够满足学生的需要。如果不能,请 IEP 小组考虑提供额外的服务或换个环境。 

对残疾学生的纪律处分和开除的限制 

在考虑是否对残疾学生进行纪律处分时,学区必须首先遵循前文中所概述的步骤 — 通知、表现确定以及检查功能性行为。如果 IEP 小组的相关成员认定该行为不属于残疾的表现,则学区可以继续对该学生进行纪律处分。但是,学区对接受特殊教育服务的学生的惩戒方式是有限制的。 

接受特殊教育服务的学生在未获得教育服务的情况下,可以停学多长时间? 

请参阅本页开头有关纪律法律法规的重要变更部分。  

在同一学年中,学校可以针对单独的不当行为事件下达少于 10 个上学日的停学命令,前提是停学不会构成一种开除模式,而开除模式则属于改变安置,并且需要通过 IEP 程序予以解决。一系列的停学(这一天,那一天)可能是 IEP 需要解决的一种模式。要想确定一系列停学是否是一种模式,需要考虑停学的时间长短、时间总量、一次停学与另一次停学的接近程度、以及停学的原因。 

如果接受特殊教育服务的学生在同一学年内被停学超过 10 个上学日,则应该向其提供哪些教育服务? 

即使学生被停学或开除,学校也必须继续提供学生 IEP 中所述的服务和课程。 

在同一学年内,在任何超过 10 个上学日的开除处分期间,学区均必须提供另一个可以实施学生 IEP 的教育环境。该环境应该可以允许学生参与通识教育课程,并在实现 IEP 所定的目标方面取得进展。 

例如,如果学生的计划中拥有帮助他们提高与同龄人进行社交的技能方面的目标和目的,那么替代性环境就应该为他们提供与同龄人进行社交的机会和指导。仅在家里进行的辅导课程是不够的。替代性环境还应该包括旨在解决导致停学的行为问题的服务和改正措施,以避免该行为再次发生。如果停学的时间超过连续的 10 个上学日,或构成了安置的改变,则可以由 IEP 小组来决定哪种安置是合适的。 

您可以在哪些方面发挥作用 

记录学生离开学校的天数。请参阅本页开头有关纪律法律法规的重要变更部分。申请在替代性环境中提供教育服务。 

以书面形式提出申请。 

对尚未认定为有资格接受特殊教育的残疾学生的保护 

如果我的学生可能患有残疾,但在受到纪律处分之前尚未接受评估或被认定为有资格接受特殊教育,那么他们有哪些权利? 

在某些情况下,如果学生在违纪事件发生之前就已经符合接受特殊教育服务的资格,那么他们可以得到同样的保护。 

如果您认为您的学生可能患有残疾,并且您的学生正在接受纪律处分,但尚未认定为有资格接受特殊教育服务,那么请提出这一问题: 

“学区是否知道我的学生应该接受评估或应该接受特殊教育服务?” 

如果学区在导致纪律处分的行为发生之前就知道该学生患有残疾,那么该学生就可以获得接受特殊教育服务的学生应有的所有保护。 

如何判定学区是否“已经知道”我的学生患有法律规定的残疾? 

根据 IDEA 和州特殊教育法的规定,如果存在以下情况,则学区应该“已经知道”: 

家长已经以书面形式向学区督导、行政人员或教师表明了认为该学生需要特殊教育及相关服务的问题;或 

家长已明确要求对学生进行评估;或 

学生的老师已经向学区特殊教育主任或其他特殊教育督导人员表明了关于学生的行为或表现方面的具体问题。 

学区在什么情况下可以辩称,在发生导致纪律处分的行为之前,其并不知道我的学生患有残疾? 

如果家长拒绝特殊教育评估或特殊教育服务,或学生经评估未被认定为残疾学生,则学区不被视为已经知道学生的残疾情况。 

如果学区在我的学生的行为导致纪律处分之前并不知道他患有残疾怎么办? 

仍然可以要求进行评估。 

如果您怀疑您的学生患有残疾,但学区并不知道残疾情况,您仍然可以要求进行评估,以确定您的学生是否符合特殊教育服务的资格并需要特殊教育服务。这种评估请求可以在您的学生被开除或停学期间进行。 

如果我的学生在接受纪律处分期间提出评估请求,该怎么办? 

法律规定必须尽快进行评估。 

如果在纪律处分期间请求进行评估,则法律规定评估必须以加急或快速的方式完成。学区之前是否知道该残疾情况并不重要。法律并没有规定完成该快速评估的时限。或许可以认为,“快速”是指在正常情况下,在不涉及纪律问题的情况下,会比进行正常评估时所允许的时间更快。根据正常的特殊教育程序,在获得家长的同意之后,学区会有 35 个上学日的时间来完成评估。 

如果我的孩子在被停学或开除期间被认定为有资格接受特殊教育,该怎么办? 

如果学生在停学期间被认定为符合资格条件,则学区必须开始提供特殊教育及相关服务。 

如果残疾学生受到了错误的纪律处分,该怎么办? 

哪些情况可能表明我的残疾学生受到了错误的纪律处分? 

有几个方面需要注意。 

残疾学生可能受到了错误的纪律处分的方式有很多种。这方面的例子包括: 

没有发出通知。 

没有召开讨论功能性行为的 IEP 会议,也没有针对改变安置而进行表现确定。 

在最初出现问题时,从未对功能性行为进行过适当的检查。 

没有实施行为干预计划来妥善处理学生的行为。 

没有正确地进行表现确定: 

正确的问题没有得到考虑。 

决定没有足够的数据依据。 

做出决定的小组成员并不合适。 

行为与残疾无关的判定似乎是错误的。 

如果实施了纪律处分: 

对行为来说过于苛刻。 

连续超过 10 个上学日。 

超过了 10 个上学日,并且看起来是一种将学生排除在 IEP 之外的模式。 

处分期限为 45 个上学日,并且事件并不涉及毒品、武器或严重身体伤害,或者处分不是由听证官在纪律听证会上做出的。 

学生的行为与学区所描述的不符。 

如果我的残疾学生受到了错误的纪律处分,该怎么办? 

您的学生可以主张非残疾学生的所有权利以及特殊教育法所规定的权利。 

残疾学生既可以要求举行特殊教育正当程序听证会,也可以要求举行通识教育纪律听证会。请注意,谁可以要求举行特殊教育正当程序听证会是有限制的。 

可以将这两种程序想象成为两条并排的平行道路。两条路上都可以有车辆行驶,也许速度不同,但方向都是相同的。在安排纪律听证会和特殊教育听证会时的情况也是如此。这两场听证会都在讨论一些相同的问题,但它们可能没有直接联系。 

在大多数情况下,如果正在处理特殊教育问题,则学区应该停止通识教育纪律听证会程序,并且先解决特殊教育的问题,然后再继续进行一般的纪律程序。 

通常情况下,如果要求进行特殊教育正当程序听证会,则学生有权继续留在特殊教育计划中,直至听证会结束为止。这项权利被称为“保持现状”,是指学生在正当程序听证会做出裁决之前所拥有的继续留在当前教育计划中的合法权利。尽管学生“保持现状”,但学区可能会通过单独的法庭诉讼或听证会让学生停学。 

根据 IDEA 的规定,这一规则有一个新的重要例外。如果家长要求举行听证会,以对纪律处分提出异议,并且 1) 学生因为特殊情况(武器、毒品、严重身体伤害或危险行为)而被安置在临时替代性教育环境中,或 2) 学生因为其行为在表现会议上被认定为与残疾无关而被安置在临时替代性教育环境中,则学生必须继续留在 IAES,直到听证官做出决定或纪律处分结束为止,以先到者为准。(家长和学区可以另行商定。) 

但是,学区必须在提出申请后的 20 个上学日内安排听证会,并且听证官必须在听证会后的 10 个上学日内做出裁决。此外,除非学区和家长书面同意放弃该程序,否则必须在提出听证会请求后的 7 个日历日内召开解决方案会议。 

您可以在哪些方面发挥作用 

残疾学生享有被处分的接受通识教育的学生所享有的一切权利。 

请参阅教育监察员办公室的纪律、停学和开除网页,了解更多有关具有挑战性的通识教育纪律的相关信息。 

确保您在纪律通知规定的时限内申请通识教育纪律听证会。如果情况通过特殊教育程序得到解决,则您可以取消听证会。 

如果您的学生符合接受特殊教育服务的资格条件,并且停学时间超过 10 个上学日,即使是出于纪律处分的原因,学区也必须提供服务以执行您学生的 IEP。如果已经申请了听证会,而您的学生在等待裁决期间处于停学状态,则请务必提醒学区履行该义务。您可能无法坚持“保持现状”,并让孩子返回教育安置环境,但他或她不应该在没有任何服务的情况下单纯的呆在家中! 

被指控为犯罪的行为 

当残疾学生惹上麻烦时,学区是否可以报警? 

是的,学校可以报告残疾学生和非残疾学生所犯的犯罪行为。 

如果事件被列为犯罪怎么办? 

如果校内的不当行为被移交至少年法庭并被指控为是一种犯罪行为,则该青少年会有一名公设辩护人或其他刑事辩护律师就这些指控为其提供建议和代理服务。如果青少年因涉嫌在学校犯有不当行为而被指控犯罪,则在讨论其学校纪律处分案件之前,应该立即向刑事辩护律师进行咨询。例如,如果刑事问题尚未解决,则该青少年可能不宜在学校纪律或正当程序听证会上发言。这些发言可能会在刑事案件中被用来对该青少年进行指控。 

辩护律师还应该了解任何可能会影响该青少年是否应该受到指控的残疾情况。例如,如果该青少年的智商很低,则法庭可能会决定不应该在少年法庭审理该案件。 

总结 

所有学生均有权接受教育,为人生做好准备。如果学生患有某种残疾,则他们可能有权获得广泛的服务和便利,以帮助他们取得成功。如果您的学生需要的帮助超过了他或她在学校所能获得的帮助,则请申请特殊教育服务。 

残疾学生也不能因为与残疾有关或因残疾导致的行为而在学校受到惩罚。学区在试图惩罚残疾学生时必须遵守特定的规则。必须发出纪律处分意向通知,必须对行为进行检查和计划,并且必须由一组人员来确定行为是否与残疾有关。 

即使涉及的行为与残疾无关,如何对残疾学生进行纪律处分也有很大的限制。残疾学生享有法律的强有力保护,可以确保他们不会无故地失去受教育的权利。 

Transition Services for Students with Disabilities (Ages 16-22)

Transition Services for Students with Disabilities (Ages 16-22) stephanieP

Transition Services for Students with Disabilities (Ages 16-22)

Students receiving special education should begin to have a transition plan at age 16 or before. The transition plan becomes a part of the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and is designed to help the student move from high school to life and career beyond its walls. These transition plans can look different in different districts because of community supports and opportunities. However, the transition services should be based on the individual student’s needs and strengths and include programs and supports that will foster the student’s independence after high school. Students have the right to an education and continued transition services until their 22nd birthday. Students with disabilities should be invited to be a part of this planning.

Understanding the Process for Implementing Transition Services:

Good transition plans are a partnership involving the student, family, school, community, employers, and others. Good transition plans are student-centered and use present needs to anticipate the best supports for future needs.

When should the team develop a transition plan?

No later than the IEP that is in effect when the student turns 16, or as early as age 14 if appropriate for the student.

What information is required to be in an IEP focused on transition?

Here are some of the basic components of an IEP:

  • The student’s present levels of academic achievement and functional performance.
  • Measurable annual goals. With transition, these goals need to be tied to the postsecondary plan.
  • How the school district will measure the student’s progress towards meeting annual goals, including when and how often the school district will provide periodic progress reports.
  • Specially designed instruction, related services, program modifications, supplementary aids and services, and staff supports.
  • How much the student will be included in the general education classroom and with nondisabled peers in extracurricular and nonacademic activities.
  • Approved accommodations for the student that will help with taking state and district assessments and measuring the student’s academic progress and achievement. If the IEP team decides that the student needs to take an alternate assessment instead of a general one, the team should also explain why they made that choice and why the alternate assessment is appropriate.
  • Extended school year (ESY) services for the student, if the student shows regression or loss of information learned.
  • The projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described within the IEP, as well as the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications.

These components are part of IEPs, in general, but as the student progresses through high school, the student’s IEP should reflect the ongoing transition and identify the partnerships and resources that will support those goals.

The Importance of Planning in Transition IEPs:

 

In planning, the IEP team should focus on designing instructional programs and supports that meet the student’s interests and needs for life after high school. Student voice is critical. Having a strong start in the student’s teens forms a pattern of success that can make future transitions easier, such as employment, post-secondary education, and inclusion in the community. Effective transition services help the student identify and navigate future opportunities and challenges. Families, teachers, and community leaders offer different, valuable perspectives on how to ensure a successful transition. Transition provides a time for them to come together to send the student into the postsecondary world with good tools, strategies, and expectations.

What to Look for in a Transition Plan within an IEP:

Annual IEP Goals

Annual goals are what the team expects the student to accomplish reasonably within the next year. Goals should be observable and measurable. As the student gets older, the team should tie these goals increasingly to the student’s exit from high school and the postsecondary goals.

Measurable Postsecondary Goals

Like the IEP goals that the student has, the postsecondary goals in the transition plan must be based on assessments (formal and informal) to determine the student’s needs, strengths, and interests. There is no one-size-fits-all transition plan. The goals, like other IEP goals, should be data-driven and responsive to the progress that the student is making and new needs that arise. The team needs to revisit them annually or earlier, as appropriate.

Transition Services

The team should base transition services on an evaluation of the student’s needs and the student’s readiness. The team then tries to determine which programs and services will support the student toward reaching greater independence and their vision of success for the future. Teams should not base services on what is available only, but also need to consider the student’s needs. Meeting the student’s needs and goals might involve bringing in new community partners or coordinating activities between schools and community agencies to move successfully from school to postsecondary living.

Course of Study

A course of study is a current description of coursework and/or activities to achieve the student's desired post- secondary goals, from the student's current IEP through the student’s anticipated graduation or exit year.

Agency Collaboration

Transition services are results-oriented partnerships. Schools often collaborate with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dda), local Developmental Disabilities Divisions, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/dvr), colleges and universities, and other community agencies.

Resources:

特殊教育争议解决

特殊教育争议解决 Brittni.Thomps…

特殊教育争议解决

更新于 2024 6

我该如何解决与学区之间的争议?

与学区的负责人员会面进行沟通和交流、请求调解、提出申诉或申请举行正当程序听证会。

在为残疾学生争取权益时,您可能会发现自己与学区的意见相悖。在可能的情况下,最好通过与 Individualized Education Program IEP,个别化教育计划)小组成员或其他学区领导进行沟通和交流的方式来解决问题。如果这种方法行不通,可以考虑法律规定的几种解决争议的方法。

家长和学校可以利用正式的申诉程序、调解、以及正当程序听证会来解决有关特殊教育的争议,包括有关以下方面的争议:

  • 学生残疾身份的认定;
  • 对学生的评估;
  • 特殊教育服务的提供;
  • 对孩子的教育安排。

申诉

如果对学生的特殊教育(Individuals with Disabilities Education Act IDEA,残障人士教育法)或第 504 款)计划有争议,有两种正式的申诉程序可供选择。

  1. 向华盛顿州 Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction 提出特殊教育社区申诉。

什么是特殊教育社区申诉?

特殊教育社区申诉,以前称之为公民申诉,是通过外部机构解决学生与学区之间争议的一种方式。当有人认为某个教育实体(包括州、学区或公立或私立学校)违反了 IDEA 或州特殊教育法规的要求时,应该向 Office of the Superintendent of Public InstructionOSPI,州教育厅厅长办公室)提出社区申诉。

谁可以提出特殊教育社区申诉?

任何个人或组织均可以向 Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction 提出申诉。

特殊教育社区申诉有哪些要求?

申诉必须:

  • 以书面形式提交;
  • 由申诉人予以签名;
  • 附上一份声明,声明内容为针对涉事的教育实体在过去一年内违反特殊教育法的相关说明;
  • 陈述违法事实的相关说明;
    • 列明申诉人的姓名和地址;以及
    • 列明涉事的教育实体的名称和地址。

如果是涉及某位具体学生的申诉,则申诉内容还必须包括:

    • 该学生的姓名;
    • 学生所在学区的名称;
    • 影响学生的问题的描述说明;
    • 针对该问题所提出的解决方案。

在哪里可以找到社区申诉表?

OSPI 制作了一份可选表格,可以供您在提出特殊教育社区申诉时使用。该表格可以在以下网站获取:https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/dispute-resolution/file-community-complaint

您可以在哪些方面起到一定的影响作用?

当您提出社区申诉时,请务必仔细查看时限。如果 OSPI 或涉事的教育实体未能在适当的时限内采取行动,则您便有理由再次提出申诉。

请务必在申诉中附上带有页码的相关学校记录,以便更容易查阅。

在提交特殊教育社区申诉后会发生什么?

OSPI 收到申诉后,OSPI 必须向学区发送一份申诉的副本。学区必须在收到申诉后的 20 个历日内对该申诉进行调查,并以书面形式对 OSPI 给予答复。OSPI 会向您发送一份学区答复的副本。然后,您可以选择提交有关该申诉的补充信息。

60 个日历日内,OSPI 必须就涉事的教育实体是否违反了联邦或州特殊教育法做出独立的书面决定。该决定必须包括对事实的认定以及解决该申诉所需的合理步骤。在下列情况下,该时限可以延长:

1) 存在与申诉有关的特殊情况;或

2) 申诉人和涉事的教育实体以书面形式同意延长时限,旨在采取调解或其他争议解决方法。

然后,学区必须遵守 OSPI 书面决定中所规定的时限,以此来完成任何建议的纠正措施。如果学区未遵守相关规定,则 OSPI 可以扣留学区的资金或命令采取其他解决方法。

如果判定学区未能向残疾学生提供适当的服务,则 OSPI 必须:

  • 决定该学区应如何对拒绝提供的服务给予弥补,包括支付钱款或采取其他纠正措施,以满足学生的需求;
  • 解决将来为所有残疾学生提供服务的问题。

在哪里可以找到有关 OSPI 社区申诉的更多信息?

https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/dispute-resolution/file-community-complaint

向美国 Office of Civil Rights for the Department of Education 提出民权申诉

什么是民权申诉?

504 款是一项反歧视法,旨在消除在所有接受联邦资金的计划中的任何残疾歧视行为。由于公立学校和学区均接受联邦拨款,因此必须遵守第 504 款的要求。

美国 Department of Education(教育部)的 Office for Civil RightsOCR,民权办公室)负责执行第 504 款的保护措施,并负责对申诉的调查工作。

谁可以提出民权申诉?

只要残疾学生没有从某个计划中获得与非残疾的同龄学生相当的教育福利,那么任何人均可以向美国 Office of Civil Rights 提出申诉。例如,有行为障碍的学生被告知其不能参加校外教学活动,必须在其他同学参加校外教学活动时留在校长办公室。向 OCR 提出的申诉还可能包括无障碍问题,如没有为坐轮椅的儿童提供坡道,或学区未能提供应纳入或已纳入学生的 504 计划之中的便利设施或服务。

民权申诉有哪些要求?

民权申诉必须在歧视行为发生之日起的 180 个日历日(6 个月)内提出。申诉内容应包括:

               申诉提交人的姓名、地址和电话号码;

               受歧视人的姓名、地址和电话号码;

               存在歧视行为的学校、学区、或个人的名字和地址;

               歧视的依据(种族、残疾、原国籍等);

               歧视行为发生的时间和地点;

               歧视行为的事实;以及

               支持申诉的书面材料、数据或其他文件的副本。

向何处提交 OCR 民权申诉?

要想向 OCR 提出申诉,您可以使用以下网站中的电子申诉表,网址是:https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintintro.html

或在以下网站填写可填写的表格,网址是:https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/complaintform.pdf

无论您是选择填写可填写的表格还是自己书写申诉信函,均可以通过发送电子邮件至 OCR.Seattle@ed.gov 或传真至 (206)607-1601 的方式发送您的申诉。您也可以通过邮寄的方式将申诉寄送至:

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education

915 2nd Avenue #3310

Seattle, WA 981074-1099

在提交民权申诉后会发生什么?

OCR 会对申诉中的信息进行审查,并做出是否进行进一步处理申诉的决定。OCR 必须确定其是否有权对申诉进行调查,以及申诉是否获得了及时提交。必须在涉嫌的歧视行为发生之日起的 180 天内提出申诉。

在此过程中,OCR 会要求您签署一份同意书。如果在要求您签字后的第 15 天仍未收到该同意书,则 OCR 会通过电子邮件或电话的方式与您联系,并告知您还有 5 天的时间签署该同意书。还可能要求您提供其他信息。如果需要更多信息,OCR 必须给您至少 20 天的时间来提供要求的信息。

OCR 完成调查后,您和学区均会收到一份调查结果通知函,此通知函会说明是否有证据证明发生了违规行为。如果 OCR 发现学区没有遵守法律规定,其会与学区进行联系,以了解学区是否愿意签订自愿解决协议。如果学区不同意解决该问题,则 OCR 可能会采取进一步行动,如将案件提交至 Department of Justice(司法部)。   

如果您认为某个学区侵犯了学生获得适当教育经历的权利,请考虑提出申诉。

调解

什么是调解?

调解是一种争议解决方式。根据 IDEA 的规定,各州必须向家长/监护人和学区提供免费的调解服务,以解决关于学生的特殊教育计划的相关冲突。

调解过程会将学校和家长或监护人与中立的第三方(调解人)聚集在一起。调解人会与双方会面,以此来设法就学生的教育需求达成可接受的协议。调解过程属于自愿参与过程,因此家长或监护人和学区均必须同意参与该过程才可以进行。调解可以成为改善学生服务、解决冲突、以及修复学校与家长或监护人之间关系的一种极佳方式。

如果调解成功,双方将签署一份说明解决方案且具有法律约束力的协议。学校和家长或监护人必须履行协议条款。在达成调解协议后,调解人便会退出,并且调解人无权强迫任何一方做任何事情。如果围绕调解协议发生冲突,家长或监护人可以向州或联邦法院寻求强制执行。如果出现新的或不同的冲突,家长或监护人或学区可以使用法律规定的所有争议解决方式。

应该向 Sound Options 提出调解申请。您可以通过书面或电话形式提出申请。任何一方均可以联系 Sound Options,然后他们会联系另一方。您可以拨打 1-800-692-2540 联系 Sound Options

倡导提示

同意参加调解并不妨碍您以后要求举行正当程序听证会。您可以随时停止调解过程,但仍然可以要求举行正当程序听证会。唯一的限制是,在以后的正当程序听证会上,调解过程中的谈话无法用作证据。但是,书面调解协议可以作为证据使用。

正当程序听证会

什么是正当程序听证会?

正当程序听证会是一种正式的行政程序,与法律程序很相似。家长或监护人和学区均有机会提供证据和证人,并对对方提供的证人进行交叉询问。

听证官会根据事实和法律做出书面裁决。

我是否需要律师参加正当程序听证会?

不需要,但是如果您愿意,您有权由律师作为代表参加听证会。

在正当程序听证会中,残疾学生的家长或监护人可以获得律师建议或由律师作为代表。不一定要有律师,并且没有律师也可以成功参加听证会。通常情况下,咨询律师或其他熟悉正当程序听证会的人员来帮助申请和准备听证会是一种不错的选择。

如何申请正当程序听证会?

以书面形式向 Office of Administrative Hearings(行政听证办公室)提出申请,并通知学区。

正当程序听证会的申请必须以书面形式提出,并包含以下信息:

  • 学生的姓名和地址;
  • 学生所就读的学区和学校;
  • 负责提供特殊教育服务的学区(如果该学区与学生就读的学区不同);
  • 家长所关注的问题的解释说明;
  • 您对解决问题的建议。

将您的听证会申请的副本邮寄或递交至:

Office of Administrative Hearings

P.O. Box 42489

Olympia, WA 98504

您还必须通过将听证会申请原件递交或邮寄给学区主管的方式来向学区提供听证会申请原件。别忘了自己也要留一份!

OSPI 制定了正当程序听证会申请表,以帮助家长进行正当程序听证会申请。该表格可以在以下网站获取:https://ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education/dispute-resolution/request-due-process-hearing

听证会申请有哪些限制?

听证会申请必须涉及的是过去两年内所发生的违规行为或问题。如果满足以下两个条件之一,则正当程序听证会申请可以涉及两年多以前的违规行为:

  1. 由于学区谎称问题已经解决,因此家长无法在两年内申请正当程序听证会;

  1. 由于学区隐瞒了法律要求共享的信息,因此家长无法在两年内申请正当程序听证会。

对于听证会申请来说,讨论家长的所有潜在问题和关注的问题是非常重要的。在收到申请后,只有在学区书面同意或听证官同意可以对申请进行修改的情况下才可以更改,并且解决方案会议的时限(请参见下文)将重新开始计算。

此外,根据 IDEA 的规定,除非另一方同意,否则只有在听证会申请或申请修改中提出的问题才可以在正当程序听证会中予以解决。虽然申请正当程序听证会不一定要有律师,但是在起草正当程序听证会申请时为确保提出您所有关注的问题咨询律师可能会有所帮助。

提交正当程序听证会申请后会发生什么?

学区必须做出答复。

学区必须在收到家长申诉后的 10 个日历日内做出答复。学区必须解释采取该行动的原因、IEP 小组考虑过哪些其他选择以及拒绝这些选择的原因、学区在做出决定时所依据的信息的描述,以及与学区的决定相关的任何其他因素的信息。如果学区事先向家长发送了有关申诉主题的书面通知,则无需做出答复。

什么是解决方案会议?

解决方案会议是在提出正当程序听证会申请之后,但却在举行正当程序听证会之前所举行的会议。

在收到家长的正当程序听证会申请后的 15 个日历日内,学区必须召集家长、IEP 小组的相关成员和学区有权做出决定的代表进行开会。除非家长也有律师,否则学区不能带律师参加该会议。该会议的目的是讨论申诉,并且看一下是否可以在不进行正当程序听证会的情况下解决问题。

如果家长和学区在解决方案会议上达成协议,则他们必须签署一份具有法律约束力的协议,该协议可以在法庭上予以强制执行。学区或家长可以在三个工作日内改变主意并取消该协议。

除非家长和学区双方以书面形式同意放弃会议或同意使用调解方式,否则必须召开解决方案会议。

正当程序听证会过程需要多长时间?

学区在收到申诉后有 30 个日历日的时间通过解决程序进行尝试或解决问题,以使家长满意。如果学区在 30 个日历日内未采取此类行动,则将对正当程序听证会时限开始进行计算。必须在 45 个日历日内举行听证会并做出决定。

如果发生以下情况之一,则会对 30 个日历日的解决时限做调整:

  • 双方书面同意放弃举行解决方案会议;
  • 在调解或解决方案会议之后,双方以书面形式同意无法达成协议;或
  • 双方同意在 30 天时限的解决方案会议过后参加调解,但一方退出调解。在这些情况下,45 个日历日的时限将立即开始计算。

听证会本身的时间长短取决于争议问题是什么,以及双方认为陈述案情需要多长时间。

解决方案会议非常重要。如果家长不愿意参加解决方案会议,则解决方案会议和正当程序听证会的时限将推迟,直至会议召开为止。此外,如果家长拒绝参加解决方案会议,则学区可以在 30 天的解决时限结束后要求听证官驳回家长的正当程序听证会申请。反之,如果学区未能在收到听证会申请后的 15 天内安排解决方案会议,则家长可以要求听证官立即开始 45 天的正当程序听证会时限。

正当程序听证会时限

 

家长以书面形式申请正当程序听证会

学区在 10 个日历日内作出答复

学区在 15 个日历日内安排解决方案会议,除非书面放弃

如果解决方案会议未能在 30 个日历日内解决申诉,则继续进行正当程序听证会,并且在 45 个日历日内做出听证决定。

什么是保持现状?当我申请举行听证会时,我的学生去哪里上学?

IDEA 中,保持现状是一个术语,用来描述在申请听证会时学生的就学地点。如果申请举行听证会,学生有权继续在同一环境中接受其个性化教育计划,直至听证会结束并做出决定。当残疾学生受到纪律处分时,保持现状也有一些例外情况。

正当程序听证会能为我的学生带来什么?

可以要求学区提供服务、给予学生补偿性教育,以及支付家长的法律方面的相关费用。

正当程序听证会可以帮助学生获得适当的服务,并弥补因学区失误而缺失的教育。听证官可以帮助解决有关学生资格、IEP、教育环境变化、以及评估和重新评估等方面的争议。

听证官还可以下令进行补偿性教育,即学区必须提供服务,以弥补因学区失误而错失的时间或机会。例如,可能会责令学区支付学生参加社区大学课程的费用、在特殊教育计划之外提供辅导、或提供暑期课程,即使该学生原本不符合延长学年服务的条件,也应如此。

补偿性教育申请应该与 IEP 的目的和目标相关。在申请补偿性教育时要有创意。想想学生都喜欢做什么(艺术、音乐、科学等),并建议提供这些体验的计划或服务。

如果您在听证会上获胜,学区可能需要支付您在听证会方面发生的费用以及律师代理费。做好为准备听证会所产生费用的相关记录。

Special Education Links and Resources

Special Education Links and Resources Anonymous (not verified)
Last updated December 2021

Information and Support for Navigating Special Education Services and Resolving Concerns

OEO is one of many places in Washington State where students, families, community professionals, educators and others can find information and support in understanding special education services and resolving conflicts or concerns.

The resources on this page include links to community organizations, associations and state agencies providing individualized information and supports on special education matters at no cost to students and families.  This graphic illustrates the range of supports from informal to formal.

Community Based Organizations
Behavioral and Mental Health Focused supports, including Peer Partners
State Agency Resources for Navigating Special Education

Washington State Governor’s Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO).

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

State Education Agency responsible for oversight of implementation of special education in Washington State.

Department of Children Youth & Families (DCYF) Foster Care Regional Education Leads 

Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) | DSHS

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Division of Vocational Rehabilitation | DSHS

Legal Advice and Representation

Legal Assistance List maintained by OAH:

Other organizations providing free legal advice and representation to eligible students or families on special education or other education related matters: Check each for specific eligibility requirements.