What does a manifestation determination assess regarding a student's behavior?

A manifestation determination assesses a student's misbehavior related to their disability by evaluating whether the behavior in question is linked to the student's identified disability. This process is crucial in the context of special education law, specifically under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

When a student with a disability faces disciplinary action, the manifestation determination helps determine if the behavior was a result of their disability. If the behavior is found to be a manifestation of the disability, the school must consider this in its disciplinary actions and may need to provide appropriate interventions rather than simply applying standard disciplinary measures. This ensures that students with disabilities are treated fairly and that their unique needs are considered in maintaining their educational rights.

This kind of assessment does not focus on academic performance, the effectiveness of the school curriculum, or the student’s social skills, but rather on the direct link between the student’s behavior and their disability, making this the most relevant option.