MANIFESTATION DETERMINATION GUIDELINES

Revised February 2018

Purpose

Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) is a required process of data review when a student with a disability demonstrates problem behavior that results in a change of placement*. The MDR seeks to determine whether offending behavior was a manifestation of the student’s disability or due to failure to implement the student’s program. A meaningful MDR will result in informed decision making and appropriate allocation of supports that are crucial to student success.

*Change of placement is defined as removal from a program for:

more than 10 consecutive days

-OR- a series of removals that constitutes a pattern or exceeds 10 cumulative days

- OR - removal from a program to an interim alternative educational setting.

When should a district conduct MDR

Legal Requirement (MARSE 34 CFR §300.530)

A MDR is required within 10 school days of any decision to change the placement of a child with a disability because of a violation of the code of student conduct.

*NOTE: The district MUST document that Procedural Safeguards were provided to the parent/guardian.

Participants

MDR team must include:

• Local Education Agency (LEA) representative (e.g. school administrator)

• Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

• Relevant IEP team members:

Administrator

General education teacher

Special education teacher/provider

Individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results

Other possible participants include:

• Related services professionals

• Individuals invited by the parent

Process Steps

A  FBA will include the following components:

• Teacher interview(s)

• Parent interview(s)

• Student interview

• Observations

• ABC data collection

• ABC data analysis

• Log of Interventions Attempted

• Intervention Recommendations

References

Scott, T. M., & Cooper, J. T. (2017). Functional Behavior Assessment and

Function-Based Intervention Planning: Considering the Simple Logic of the

Process. Beyond Behavior, 26(3), 101-104. doi:10.1177/1074295617716113