Making an Appropriate Special Education Placement: Conflict Abounds!

Abstract

An upcoming IEP meeting with unhappy parents who are demanding a change in placement from a segregated public school for students with behavioral disorders to a “home school” placement, a reluctant if not hostile teaching staff to the change, a “forceful attorney, and a “behaviorally challenged” and angry student. What is a principal to do? What does the law say needs to be done? What actions should the principal take with the teaching staff? What can/should the principal do at the meeting? How does the concept of Least Restrictive Environment of IDEA affect the actions to be taken in this case? These are some of the key questions presented by this case drawn from court documents.