State Office of Education Practices Implementing the IDEA Disciplinary Provisions

Abstract

A survey was conducted to obtain information on state policies and practices for implementing components of the disciplinary provisions outlined in the 1997 reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Thirty-seven state directors of special education (or a designee) responded to the survey, which addressed the availability and nature of state policies on discipline, state training, and technical assistance in the area of discipline and functional behavioral assessment (FBA), as well as practices related to FBA. Overall, the survey revealed that states across the nation are developing disciplinary policies and monitoring procedures based on the provisions outlined in IDEA. Training and technical assistance are offered to school districts, but most often these are not mandated and are limited. Finally, FBA strategies and policies have been developed by states to address all topographies of behavior. However, the qualifications of individuals completing the FBA have not been addressed. These results are discussed in light of the current research and may be useful for state directors and practitioners to further improve and expand their disciplinary policies.