The Toolbox is a full day training program designed to help school officials serve all kids appropriately and safely. The focus is on the students whose behavior is particularly challenging.

One issue we discuss in some detail is the definition of “change of placement.” If the principal wants to remove a student from the classroom in which a student is placed, we have to ask: would that removal be a “change of placement”? Or not?  If it’s a C.O.P., the principal cannot simply order it. We need an ARD meeting where we can conduct an MDR—Manifestation Determination Review.  Principals do not have the legal authority to order a change of placement. They can recommend it to the ARD Committee—but they cannot order it.

On the other hand, if the removal is not a C.O.P., the principal can make it happen.

If the removal is for more than ten consecutive days, it’s ALWAYS a C.O.P.  Thus a removal to the DAEP is almost always going to be a C.O.P.

If the removal is for less than ten consecutive days, it may or may not be a C.O.P. It depends.  Here is where you have to study 34 CFR 300.536 which defines “Change of Placement.”

That’s one of the things we do in the Toolbox Training. We also provide suggested language for your Code of Conduct that might make these decisions a little easier.

Interested in a Toolbox Training? Just let me know.

DAWG BONE:  YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHETHER IT’S A “CHANGE OF PLACEMENT” OR NOT!

File this one under: SPECIAL EDUCATION DISCIPLINE

Tomorrow: We have a SCOTUS decision involving Wonder the Service Dog!