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2025 Manifestation Determinations as a Tool for Support
Webinar Overview: This interactive, scenario-based learning series provides a comprehensive look at Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDR) as a vital resource for supporting students with disabilities. Participants will explore legal requirements, best practices, and how MDRs can prevent discriminatory discipline. Through case studies and discussions, the series will guide participants in using MDRs to offer equitable and culturally responsive support that addresses the specific needs of students with disabilities. Sessions will build on one another, starting with an introduction to MDRs, moving through effective MDR practices, and concluding with strategies for leveraging MDR findings to support student success. All sessions will be recorded.
- Module 1: Introduction to Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDR)
- This session introduces the purpose and process of MDRs, which are required by IDEA when disciplining students with disabilities. Participants will explore when an MDR is needed, how it safeguards students' rights to FAPE, and how it helps ensure behaviors related to a disability are not misinterpreted as intentional misconduct. Real-world examples will highlight the MDR’s role in preventing exclusionary discipline and maintaining educational support for students in their least restrictive environment.
- Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
- Time: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
- This session introduces the purpose and process of MDRs, which are required by IDEA when disciplining students with disabilities. Participants will explore when an MDR is needed, how it safeguards students' rights to FAPE, and how it helps ensure behaviors related to a disability are not misinterpreted as intentional misconduct. Real-world examples will highlight the MDR’s role in preventing exclusionary discipline and maintaining educational support for students in their least restrictive environment.
- Module 2: Conducting Effective, Anti-Ablest, & Culturally Responsive MDRs
- This session focuses on conducting MDRs in a manner that is anti-ableist and culturally responsive. Participants will examine how to assess behavior in the context of disability and cultural factors, ensuring equitable and respectful treatment of students. The session will cover strategies for identifying and addressing implicit biases, examining the student’s behavior in relation to their IEP, and considering whether behaviors are linked to a failure to implement the IEP. Case studies will provide practical examples of equitable decision-making processes.
- Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
- Time: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
- This session focuses on conducting MDRs in a manner that is anti-ableist and culturally responsive. Participants will examine how to assess behavior in the context of disability and cultural factors, ensuring equitable and respectful treatment of students. The session will cover strategies for identifying and addressing implicit biases, examining the student’s behavior in relation to their IEP, and considering whether behaviors are linked to a failure to implement the IEP. Case studies will provide practical examples of equitable decision-making processes.
- Module 3: Leveraging MDRs for Student Support
- This final module focuses on using MDR outcomes to shape supportive interventions for students. Participants will learn how to integrate MDR findings into revised IEPs, functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs). The session will explore strategies for preventing future incidents by tailoring supports to the student’s unique needs, ensuring that they receive FAPE while minimizing the need for disciplinary actions.
- Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
- Time: 12 - 1:30 p.m.
- This final module focuses on using MDR outcomes to shape supportive interventions for students. Participants will learn how to integrate MDR findings into revised IEPs, functional behavioral assessments (FBAs), and behavioral intervention plans (BIPs). The session will explore strategies for preventing future incidents by tailoring supports to the student’s unique needs, ensuring that they receive FAPE while minimizing the need for disciplinary actions.
Cost: FREE In order to participate, you must be a COSA 'Active' member.
