34 C.F.R. §§ 300.300–300.606

§300.300. Parental consent.

34 C.F.R. § 300.300

(a)

Parental consent for initial evaluation.

(1)

(i)

The public agency proposing to conduct an initial evaluation to determine if a child qualifies as a child with a disability under § 300.8 must, after providing notice consistent with §§ 300.503 and 300.504, obtain informed consent, consistent with § 300.9, from the parent of the child before conducting the evaluation.

(ii)

Parental consent for initial evaluation must not be construed as consent for initial provision of special education and related services.

(iii)

The public agency must make reasonable efforts to obtain the informed consent from the parent for an initial evaluation to determine whether the child is a child with a disability.

(2)

For initial evaluations only, if the child is a ward of the State and is not residing with the child's parent, the public agency is not required to obtain informed consent from the parent for an initial evaluation to determine whether the child is a child with a disability if—

(i)

Despite reasonable efforts to do so, the public agency cannot discover the whereabouts of the parent of the child;

(ii)

The rights of the parents of the child have been terminated in accordance with State law; or

(iii)

The rights of the parent to make educational decisions have been subrogated by a judge in accordance with State law and consent for an initial evaluation has been given by an individual appointed by the judge to represent the child.

(3)

(i)

If the parent of a child enrolled in public school or seeking to be enrolled in public school does not provide consent for initial evaluation under paragraph (a)(1) of this section, or the parent fails to respond to a request to provide consent, the public agency may, but is not required to, pursue the initial evaluation of the child by utilizing the procedural safeguards in subpart E of this part (including the mediation procedures under § 300.506 or the due process procedures under §§ 300.507 through 300.516), if appropriate, except to the extent inconsistent with State law relating to such parental consent.

(ii)

The public agency does not violate its obligation under § 300.111 and §§ 300.301 through 300.311 if it declines to pursue the evaluation.

(b)

Parental consent for services.

(1)

A public agency that is responsible for making FAPE available to a child with a disability must obtain informed consent from the parent of the child before the initial provision of special education and related services to the child.

(2)

The public agency must make reasonable efforts to obtain informed consent from the parent for the initial provision of special education and related services to the child.

(3)

If the parent of a child fails to respond to a request for, or refuses to consent to, the initial provision of special education and related services, the public agency—

(i)

May not use the procedures in subpart E of this part (including the mediation procedures under § 300.506 or the due process procedures under §§ 300.507 through 300.516) in order to obtain agreement or a ruling that the services may be provided to the child;

(ii)

Will not be considered to be in violation of the requirement to make FAPE available to the child because of the failure to provide the child with the special education and related services for which the parent refuses to or fails to provide consent; and

(iii)

Is not required to convene an IEP Team meeting or develop an IEP under §§ 300.320 and 300.324 for the child.

(4)

If, at any time subsequent to the initial provision of special education and related services, the parent of a child revokes consent in writing for the continued provision of special education and related services, the public agency—

(i)

May not continue to provide special education and related services to the child, but must provide prior written notice in accordance with § 300.503 before ceasing the provision of special education and related services;

(ii)

May not use the procedures in subpart E of this part (including the mediation procedures under § 300.506 or the due process procedures under §§ 300.507 through 300.516) in order to obtain agreement or a ruling that the services may be provided to the child;

(iii)

Will not be considered to be in violation of the requirement to make FAPE available to the child because of the failure to provide the child with further special education and related services; and

(iv)

Is not required to convene an IEP Team meeting or develop an IEP under §§ 300.320 and 300.324 for the child for further provision of special education and related services.

(c)

Parental consent for reevaluations.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (c)(2) of this section, each public agency—

(i)

Must obtain informed parental consent, in accordance with § 300.300(a)(1), prior to conducting any reevaluation of a child with a disability.

(ii)

If the parent refuses to consent to the reevaluation, the public agency may, but is not required to, pursue the reevaluation by using the consent override procedures described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section.

(iii)

The public agency does not violate its obligation under § 300.111 and §§ 300.301 through 300.311 if it declines to pursue the evaluation or reevaluation.

(2)

The informed parental consent described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section need not be obtained if the public agency can demonstrate that—

(i)

It made reasonable efforts to obtain such consent; and

(ii)

The child's parent has failed to respond.

(d)

Other consent requirements.

(1)

Parental consent is not required before—

(i)

Reviewing existing data as part of an evaluation or a reevaluation; or

(ii)

Administering a test or other evaluation that is administered to all children unless, before administration of that test or evaluation, consent is required of parents of all children.

(2)

In addition to the parental consent requirements described in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section, a State may require parental consent for other services and activities under this part if it ensures that each public agency in the State establishes and implements effective procedures to ensure that a parent's refusal to consent does not result in a failure to provide the child with FAPE.

(3)

A public agency may not use a parent's refusal to consent to one service or activity under paragraphs (a), (b), (c), or (d)(2) of this section to deny the parent or child any other service, benefit, or activity of the public agency, except as required by this part.

(4)

(i)

If a parent of a child who is home schooled or placed in a private school by the parents at their own expense does not provide consent for the initial evaluation or the reevaluation, or the parent fails to respond to a request to provide consent, the public agency may not use the consent override procedures (described in paragraphs (a)(3) and (c)(1) of this section); and

(ii)

The public agency is not required to consider the child as eligible for services under §§ 300.132 through 300.144.

(5)

To meet the reasonable efforts requirement in paragraphs (a)(1)(iii), (a)(2)(i), (b)(2), and (c)(2)(i) of this section, the public agency must document its attempts to obtain parental consent using the procedures in § 300.322(d).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

§300.301. Initial evaluations.

34 C.F.R. § 300.301

(a)

General. Each public agency must conduct a full and individual initial evaluation, in accordance with §§ 300.304 through 300.306, before the initial provision of special education and related services to a child with a disability under this part.

(b)

Request for initial evaluation. Consistent with the consent requirements in § 300.300, either a parent of a child or a public agency may initiate a request for an initial evaluation to determine if the child is a child with a disability.

(c)

Procedures for initial evaluation. The initial evaluation—

(1)

(i)

Must be conducted within 60 days of receiving parental consent for the evaluation; or

(ii)

If the State establishes a timeframe within which the evaluation must be conducted, within that timeframe; and

(2)

Must consist of procedures—

(i)

To determine if the child is a child with a disability under § 300.8; and

(ii)

To determine the educational needs of the child.

(d)

Exception. The timeframe described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section does not apply to a public agency if—

(1)

The parent of a child repeatedly fails or refuses to produce the child for the evaluation; or

(2)

A child enrolls in a school of another public agency after the relevant timeframe in paragraph (c)(1) of this section has begun, and prior to a determination by the child's previous public agency as to whether the child is a child with a disability under § 300.8.

(e)

The exception in paragraph (d)(2) of this section applies only if the subsequent public agency is making sufficient progress to ensure a prompt completion of the evaluation, and the parent and subsequent public agency agree to a specific time when the evaluation will be completed.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.302. Screening for instructional purposes is not evaluation.

34 C.F.R. § 300.302

The screening of a student by a teacher or specialist to determine appropriate instructional strategies for curriculum implementation shall not be considered to be an evaluation for eligibility for special education and related services.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.303. Reevaluations.

34 C.F.R. § 300.303

(a)

General. A public agency must ensure that a reevaluation of each child with a disability is conducted in accordance with §§ 300.304 through 300.311—

(1)

If the public agency determines that the educational or related services needs, including improved academic achievement and functional performance, of the child warrant a reevaluation; or

(2)

If the child's parent or teacher requests a reevaluation.

(b)

Limitation. A reevaluation conducted under paragraph (a) of this section—

(1)

May occur not more than once a year, unless the parent and the public agency agree otherwise; and

(2)

Must occur at least once every 3 years, unless the parent and the public agency agree that a reevaluation is unnecessary.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.304. Evaluation procedures.

34 C.F.R. § 300.304

(a)

Notice. The public agency must provide notice to the parents of a child with a disability, in accordance with § 300.503, that describes any evaluation procedures the agency proposes to conduct.

(b)

Conduct of evaluation. In conducting the evaluation, the public agency must—

(1)

Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental, and academic information about the child, including information provided by the parent, that may assist in determining—

(i)

Whether the child is a child with a disability under § 300.8; and

(ii)

The content of the child's IEP, including information related to enabling the child to be involved in and progress in the general education curriculum (or for a preschool child, to participate in appropriate activities);

(2)

Not use any single measure or assessment as the sole criterion for determining whether a child is a child with a disability and for determining an appropriate educational program for the child; and

(3)

Use technically sound instruments that may assess the relative contribution of cognitive and behavioral factors, in addition to physical or developmental factors.

(c)

Other evaluation procedures. Each public agency must ensure that—

(1)

Assessments and other evaluation materials used to assess a child under this part—

(i)

Are selected and administered so as not to be discriminatory on a racial or cultural basis;

(ii)

Are provided and administered in the child's native language or other mode of communication and in the form most likely to yield accurate information on what the child knows and can do academically, developmentally, and functionally, unless it is clearly not feasible to so provide or administer;

(iii)

Are used for the purposes for which the assessments or measures are valid and reliable;

(iv)

Are administered by trained and knowledgeable personnel; and

(v)

Are administered in accordance with any instructions provided by the producer of the assessments.

(2)

Assessments and other evaluation materials include those tailored to assess specific areas of educational need and not merely those that are designed to provide a single general intelligence quotient.

(3)

Assessments are selected and administered so as best to ensure that if an assessment is administered to a child with impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills, the assessment results accurately reflect the child's aptitude or achievement level or whatever other factors the test purports to measure, rather than reflecting the child's impaired sensory, manual, or speaking skills (unless those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure).

(4)

The child is assessed in all areas related to the suspected disability, including, if appropriate, health, vision, hearing, social and emotional status, general intelligence, academic performance, communicative status, and motor abilities;

(5)

Assessments of children with disabilities who transfer from one public agency to another public agency in the same school year are coordinated with those children's prior and subsequent schools, as necessary and as expeditiously as possible, consistent with § 300.301(d)(2) and (e), to ensure prompt completion of full evaluations.

(6)

In evaluating each child with a disability under §§ 300.304 through 300.306, the evaluation is sufficiently comprehensive to identify all of the child's special education and related services needs, whether or not commonly linked to the disability category in which the child has been classified.

(7)

Assessment tools and strategies that provide relevant information that directly assists persons in determining the educational needs of the child are provided.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.305. Additional requirements for evaluations and reevaluations.

34 C.F.R. § 300.305

(a)

Review of existing evaluation data. As part of an initial evaluation (if appropriate) and as part of any reevaluation under this part, the IEP Team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, must—

(1)

Review existing evaluation data on the child, including—

(i)

Evaluations and information provided by the parents of the child;

(ii)

Current classroom-based, local, or State assessments, and classroom-based observations; and

(iii)

Observations by teachers and related services providers; and

(2)

On the basis of that review, and input from the child's parents, identify what additional data, if any, are needed to determine—

(i)

(A)

Whether the child is a child with a disability, as defined in § 300.8, and the educational needs of the child; or

(B)

In case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the child continues to have such a disability, and the educational needs of the child;

(ii)

The present levels of academic achievement and related developmental needs of the child;

(iii)

(A)

Whether the child needs special education and related services; or

(B)

In the case of a reevaluation of a child, whether the child continues to need special education and related services; and

(iv)

Whether any additions or modifications to the special education and related services are needed to enable the child to meet the measurable annual goals set out in the IEP of the child and to participate, as appropriate, in the general education curriculum.

(b)

Conduct of review. The group described in paragraph (a) of this section may conduct its review without a meeting.

(c)

Source of data. The public agency must administer such assessments and other evaluation measures as may be needed to produce the data identified under paragraph (a) of this section.

(d)

Requirements if additional data are not needed.

(1)

If the IEP Team and other qualified professionals, as appropriate, determine that no additional data are needed to determine whether the child continues to be a child with a disability, and to determine the child's educational needs, the public agency must notify the child's parents of—

(i)

That determination and the reasons for the determination; and

(ii)

The right of the parents to request an assessment to determine whether the child continues to be a child with a disability, and to determine the child's educational needs.

(2)

The public agency is not required to conduct the assessment described in paragraph (d)(1)(ii) of this section unless requested to do so by the child's parents.

(e)

Evaluations before change in eligibility.

(1)

Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, a public agency must evaluate a child with a disability in accordance with §§ 300.304 through 300.311 before determining that the child is no longer a child with a disability.

(2)

The evaluation described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section is not required before the termination of a child's eligibility under this part due to graduation from secondary school with a regular diploma, or due to exceeding the age eligibility for FAPE under State law.

(3)

For a child whose eligibility terminates under circumstances described in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, a public agency must provide the child with a summary of the child's academic achievement and functional performance, which shall include recommendations on how to assist the child in meeting the child's postsecondary goals.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.306. Determination of eligibility.

34 C.F.R. § 300.306

(a)

General. Upon completion of the administration of assessments and other evaluation measures—

(1)

A group of qualified professionals and the parent of the child determines whether the child is a child with a disability, as defined in § 300.8, in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section and the educational needs of the child; and

(2)

The public agency provides a copy of the evaluation report and the documentation of determination of eligibility at no cost to the parent.

(b)

Special rule for eligibility determination. A child must not be determined to be a child with a disability under this part—

(1)

If the determinant factor for that determination is—

(i)

Lack of appropriate instruction in reading, including the essential components of reading instruction (as defined in section 1208(3) of the ESEA as such section was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of the Every Student Succeeds Act (December 9, 2015));

(ii)

Lack of appropriate instruction in math; or

(iii)

Limited English proficiency; and

(2)

If the child does not otherwise meet the eligibility criteria under § 300.8(a).

(c)

Procedures for determining eligibility and educational need.

(1)

In interpreting evaluation data for the purpose of determining if a child is a child with a disability under § 300.8, and the educational needs of the child, each public agency must—

(i)

Draw upon information from a variety of sources, including aptitude and achievement tests, parent input, and teacher recommendations, as well as information about the child's physical condition, social or cultural background, and adaptive behavior; and

(ii)

Ensure that information obtained from all of these sources is documented and carefully considered.

(2)

If a determination is made that a child has a disability and needs special education and related services, an IEP must be developed for the child in accordance with §§ 300.320 through 300.324.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007; 82 FR 29761, June 30, 2017]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007; 82 FR 29761, June 30, 2017]

§300.307. Specific learning disabilities.

34 C.F.R. § 300.307

(a)

General. A State must adopt, consistent with § 300.309, criteria for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability as defined in § 300.8(c)(10). In addition, the criteria adopted by the State—

(1)

Must not require the use of a severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability, as defined in § 300.8(c)(10);

(2)

Must permit the use of a process based on the child's response to scientific, research-based intervention; and

(3)

May permit the use of other alternative research-based procedures for determining whether a child has a specific learning disability, as defined in § 300.8(c)(10).

(b)

Consistency with State criteria. A public agency must use the State criteria adopted pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section in determining whether a child has a specific learning disability.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.308. Additional group members.

34 C.F.R. § 300.308

The determination of whether a child suspected of having a specific learning disability is a child with a disability as defined in § 300.8, must be made by the child's parents and a team of qualified professionals, which must include—

(a)

(1)

The child's regular teacher; or

(2)

If the child does not have a regular teacher, a regular classroom teacher qualified to teach a child of his or her age; or

(3)

For a child of less than school age, an individual qualified by the SEA to teach a child of his or her age; and

(b)

At least one person qualified to conduct individual diagnostic examinations of children, such as a school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, or remedial reading teacher.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.309. Determining the existence of a specific learning disability.

34 C.F.R. § 300.309

(a)

The group described in § 300.306 may determine that a child has a specific learning disability, as defined in § 300.8(c)(10), if—

(1)

The child does not achieve adequately for the child's age or to meet State-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the following areas, when provided with learning experiences and instruction appropriate for the child's age or State-approved grade-level standards:

(i)

Oral expression.

(ii)

Listening comprehension.

(iii)

Written expression.

(iv)

Basic reading skill.

(v)

Reading fluency skills.

(vi)

Reading comprehension.

(vii)

Mathematics calculation.

(viii)

Mathematics problem solving.

(2)

(i)

The child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or State-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section when using a process based on the child's response to scientific, research-based intervention; or

(ii)

The child exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development, that is determined by the group to be relevant to the identification of a specific learning disability, using appropriate assessments, consistent with §§ 300.304 and 300.305; and

(3)

The group determines that its findings under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section are not primarily the result of—

(i)

A visual, hearing, or motor disability;

(ii)

An intellectual disability;

(iii)

Emotional disturbance;

(iv)

Cultural factors;

(v)

Environmental or economic disadvantage; or

(vi)

Limited English proficiency.

(b)

To ensure that underachievement in a child suspected of having a specific learning disability is not due to lack of appropriate instruction in reading or math, the group must consider, as part of the evaluation described in §§ 300.304 through 300.306—

(1)

Data that demonstrate that prior to, or as a part of, the referral process, the child was provided appropriate instruction in regular education settings, delivered by qualified personnel; and

(2)

Data-based documentation of repeated assessments of achievement at reasonable intervals, reflecting formal assessment of student progress during instruction, which was provided to the child's parents.

(c)

The public agency must promptly request parental consent to evaluate the child to determine if the child needs special education and related services, and must adhere to the timeframes described in §§ 300.301 and 300.303, unless extended by mutual written agreement of the child's parents and a group of qualified professionals, as described in § 300.306(a)(1)—

(1)

If, prior to a referral, a child has not made adequate progress after an appropriate period of time when provided instruction, as described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section; and

(2)

Whenever a child is referred for an evaluation.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 82 FR 31912, July 11, 2017]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 82 FR 31912, July 11, 2017]

§300.310. Observation.

34 C.F.R. § 300.310

(a)

The public agency must ensure that the child is observed in the child's learning environment (including the regular classroom setting) to document the child's academic performance and behavior in the areas of difficulty.

(b)

The group described in § 300.306(a)(1), in determining whether a child has a specific learning disability, must decide to—

(1)

Use information from an observation in routine classroom instruction and monitoring of the child's performance that was done before the child was referred for an evaluation; or

(2)

Have at least one member of the group described in § 300.306(a)(1) conduct an observation of the child's academic performance in the regular classroom after the child has been referred for an evaluation and parental consent, consistent with § 300.300(a), is obtained.

(c)

In the case of a child of less than school age or out of school, a group member must observe the child in an environment appropriate for a child of that age.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.311. Specific documentation for the eligibility determination.

34 C.F.R. § 300.311

(a)

For a child suspected of having a specific learning disability, the documentation of the determination of eligibility, as required in § 300.306(a)(2), must contain a statement of—

(1)

Whether the child has a specific learning disability;

(2)

The basis for making the determination, including an assurance that the determination has been made in accordance with § 300.306(c)(1);

(3)

The relevant behavior, if any, noted during the observation of the child and the relationship of that behavior to the child's academic functioning;

(4)

The educationally relevant medical findings, if any;

(5)

Whether—

(i)

The child does not achieve adequately for the child's age or to meet State-approved grade-level standards consistent with § 300.309(a)(1); and

(ii)

(A)

The child does not make sufficient progress to meet age or State-approved grade-level standards consistent with § 300.309(a)(2)(i); or

(B)

The child exhibits a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both, relative to age, State-approved grade level standards or intellectual development consistent with § 300.309(a)(2)(ii);

(6)

The determination of the group concerning the effects of a visual, hearing, motor disability, or an intellectual disability; emotional disturbance; cultural factors; environmental or economic disadvantage; or limited English proficiency on the child's achievement level; and

(7)

If the child has participated in a process that assesses the child's response to scientific, research-based intervention—

(i)

The instructional strategies used and the student-centered data collected; and

(ii)

The documentation that the child's parents were notified about—

(A)

The State's policies regarding the amount and nature of student performance data that would be collected and the general education services that would be provided;

(B)

Strategies for increasing the child's rate of learning; and

(C)

The parents' right to request an evaluation.

(b)

Each group member must certify in writing whether the report reflects the member's conclusion. If it does not reflect the member's conclusion, the group member must submit a separate statement presenting the member's conclusions.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 82 FR 31913, July 11, 2017]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 82 FR 31913, July 11, 2017]

§300.320. Definition of individualized education program.

34 C.F.R. § 300.320

(a)

General. As used in this part, the term individualized education program or IEP means a written statement for each child with a disability that is developed, reviewed, and revised in a meeting in accordance with §§ 300.320 through 300.324, and that must include—

(1)

A statement of the child's present levels of academic achievement and functional performance, including—

(i)

How the child's disability affects the child's involvement and progress in the general education curriculum (i.e., the same curriculum as for nondisabled children); or

(ii)

For preschool children, as appropriate, how the disability affects the child's participation in appropriate activities;

(2)

(i)

A statement of measurable annual goals, including academic and functional goals designed to—

(A)

Meet the child's needs that result from the child's disability to enable the child to be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum; and

(B)

Meet each of the child's other educational needs that result from the child's disability;

(ii)

For children with disabilities who take alternate assessments aligned to alternate academic achievement standards, a description of benchmarks or short-term objectives;

(3)

A description of—

(i)

How the child's progress toward meeting the annual goals described in paragraph (2) of this section will be measured; and

(ii)

When periodic reports on the progress the child is making toward meeting the annual goals (such as through the use of quarterly or other periodic reports, concurrent with the issuance of report cards) will be provided;

(4)

A statement of the special education and related services and supplementary aids and services, based on peer-reviewed research to the extent practicable, to be provided to the child, or on behalf of the child, and a statement of the program modifications or supports for school personnel that will be provided to enable the child—

(i)

To advance appropriately toward attaining the annual goals;

(ii)

To be involved in and make progress in the general education curriculum in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and to participate in extracurricular and other nonacademic activities; and

(iii)

To be educated and participate with other children with disabilities and nondisabled children in the activities described in this section;

(5)

An explanation of the extent, if any, to which the child will not participate with nondisabled children in the regular class and in the activities described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section;

(6)

(i)

A statement of any individual appropriate accommodations that are necessary to measure the academic achievement and functional performance of the child on State and districtwide assessments consistent with section 612(a)(16) of the Act; and

(ii)

If the IEP Team determines that the child must take an alternate assessment instead of a particular regular State or districtwide assessment of student achievement, a statement of why—

(A)

The child cannot participate in the regular assessment; and

(B)

The particular alternate assessment selected is appropriate for the child; and

(7)

The projected date for the beginning of the services and modifications described in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, and the anticipated frequency, location, and duration of those services and modifications.

(b)

Transition services. Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team, and updated annually, thereafter, the IEP must include—

(1)

Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and

(2)

The transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals.

(c)

Transfer of rights at age of majority. Beginning not later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under State law, the IEP must include a statement that the child has been informed of the child's rights under Part B of the Act, if any, that will transfer to the child on reaching the age of majority under § 300.520.

(d)

Construction. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require—

(1)

That additional information be included in a child's IEP beyond what is explicitly required in section 614 of the Act; or

(2)

The IEP Team to include information under one component of a child's IEP that is already contained under another component of the child's IEP.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.321. IEP Team.

34 C.F.R. § 300.321

(a)

General. The public agency must ensure that the IEP Team for each child with a disability includes—

(1)

The parents of the child;

(2)

Not less than one regular education teacher of the child (if the child is, or may be, participating in the regular education environment);

(3)

Not less than one special education teacher of the child, or where appropriate, not less than one special education provider of the child;

(4)

A representative of the public agency who—

(i)

Is qualified to provide, or supervise the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities;

(ii)

Is knowledgeable about the general education curriculum; and

(iii)

Is knowledgeable about the availability of resources of the public agency.

(5)

An individual who can interpret the instructional implications of evaluation results, who may be a member of the team described in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(6) of this section;

(6)

At the discretion of the parent or the agency, other individuals who have knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate; and

(7)

Whenever appropriate, the child with a disability.

(b)

Transition services participants.

(1)

In accordance with paragraph (a)(7) of this section, the public agency must invite a child with a disability to attend the child's IEP Team meeting if a purpose of the meeting will be the consideration of the postsecondary goals for the child and the transition services needed to assist the child in reaching those goals under § 300.320(b).

(2)

If the child does not attend the IEP Team meeting, the public agency must take other steps to ensure that the child's preferences and interests are considered.

(3)

To the extent appropriate, with the consent of the parents or a child who has reached the age of majority, in implementing the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the public agency must invite a representative of any participating agency that is likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition services.

(c)

Determination of knowledge and special expertise. The determination of the knowledge or special expertise of any individual described in paragraph (a)(6) of this section must be made by the party (parents or public agency) who invited the individual to be a member of the IEP Team.

(d)

Designating a public agency representative. A public agency may designate a public agency member of the IEP Team to also serve as the agency representative, if the criteria in paragraph (a)(4) of this section are satisfied.

(e)

IEP Team attendance.

(1)

A member of the IEP Team described in paragraphs (a)(2) through (a)(5) of this section is not required to attend an IEP Team meeting, in whole or in part, if the parent of a child with a disability and the public agency agree, in writing, that the attendance of the member is not necessary because the member's area of the curriculum or related services is not being modified or discussed in the meeting.

(2)

A member of the IEP Team described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section may be excused from attending an IEP Team meeting, in whole or in part, when the meeting involves a modification to or discussion of the member's area of the curriculum or related services, if—

(i)

The parent, in writing, and the public agency consent to the excusal; and

(ii)

The member submits, in writing to the parent and the IEP Team, input into the development of the IEP prior to the meeting.

(f)

Initial IEP Team meeting for child under Part C. In the case of a child who was previously served under Part C of the Act, an invitation to the initial IEP Team meeting must, at the request of the parent, be sent to the Part C service coordinator or other representatives of the Part C system to assist with the smooth transition of services.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.322. Parent participation.

34 C.F.R. § 300.322

(a)

Public agency responsibility—general. Each public agency must take steps to ensure that one or both of the parents of a child with a disability are present at each IEP Team meeting or are afforded the opportunity to participate, including—

(1)

Notifying parents of the meeting early enough to ensure that they will have an opportunity to attend; and

(2)

Scheduling the meeting at a mutually agreed on time and place.

(b)

Information provided to parents.

(1)

The notice required under paragraph (a)(1) of this section must—

(i)

Indicate the purpose, time, and location of the meeting and who will be in attendance; and

(ii)

Inform the parents of the provisions in § 300.321(a)(6) and (c) (relating to the participation of other individuals on the IEP Team who have knowledge or special expertise about the child), and § 300.321(f) (relating to the participation of the Part C service coordinator or other representatives of the Part C system at the initial IEP Team meeting for a child previously served under Part C of the Act).

(2)

For a child with a disability beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team, the notice also must—

(i)

Indicate—

(A)

That a purpose of the meeting will be the consideration of the postsecondary goals and transition services for the child, in accordance with § 300.320(b); and

(B)

That the agency will invite the student; and

(ii)

Identify any other agency that will be invited to send a representative.

(c)

Other methods to ensure parent participation. If neither parent can attend an IEP Team meeting, the public agency must use other methods to ensure parent participation, including individual or conference telephone calls, consistent with § 300.328 (related to alternative means of meeting participation).

(d)

Conducting an IEP Team meeting without a parent in attendance. A meeting may be conducted without a parent in attendance if the public agency is unable to convince the parents that they should attend. In this case, the public agency must keep a record of its attempts to arrange a mutually agreed on time and place, such as—

(1)

Detailed records of telephone calls made or attempted and the results of those calls;

(2)

Copies of correspondence sent to the parents and any responses received; and

(3)

Detailed records of visits made to the parent's home or place of employment and the results of those visits.

(e)

Use of interpreters or other action, as appropriate. The public agency must take whatever action is necessary to ensure that the parent understands the proceedings of the IEP Team meeting, including arranging for an interpreter for parents with deafness or whose native language is other than English.

(f)

Parent copy of child's IEP. The public agency must give the parent a copy of the child's IEP at no cost to the parent.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.323. When IEPs must be in effect.

34 C.F.R. § 300.323

(a)

General. At the beginning of each school year, each public agency must have in effect, for each child with a disability within its jurisdiction, an IEP, as defined in § 300.320.

(b)

IEP or IFSP for children aged three through five.

(1)

In the case of a child with a disability aged three through five (or, at the discretion of the SEA, a two-year-old child with a disability who will turn age three during the school year), the IEP Team must consider an IFSP that contains the IFSP content (including the natural environments statement) described in section 636(d) of the Act and its implementing regulations (including an educational component that promotes school readiness and incorporates pre-literacy, language, and numeracy skills for children with IFSPs under this section who are at least three years of age), and that is developed in accordance with the IEP procedures under this part. The IFSP may serve as the IEP of the child, if using the IFSP as the IEP is—

(i)

Consistent with State policy; and

(ii)

Agreed to by the agency and the child's parents.

(2)

In implementing the requirements of paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the public agency must—

(i)

Provide to the child's parents a detailed explanation of the differences between an IFSP and an IEP; and

(ii)

If the parents choose an IFSP, obtain written informed consent from the parents.

(c)

Initial IEPs; provision of services. Each public agency must ensure that—

(1)

A meeting to develop an IEP for a child is conducted within 30 days of a determination that the child needs special education and related services; and

(2)

As soon as possible following development of the IEP, special education and related services are made available to the child in accordance with the child's IEP.

(d)

Accessibility of child's IEP to teachers and others. Each public agency must ensure that—

(1)

The child's IEP is accessible to each regular education teacher, special education teacher, related services provider, and any other service provider who is responsible for its implementation; and

(2)

Each teacher and provider described in paragraph (d)(1) of this section is informed of—

(i)

His or her specific responsibilities related to implementing the child's IEP; and

(ii)

The specific accommodations, modifications, and supports that must be provided for the child in accordance with the IEP.

(e)

IEPs for children who transfer public agencies in the same State. If a child with a disability (who had an IEP that was in effect in a previous public agency in the same State) transfers to a new public agency in the same State, and enrolls in a new school within the same school year, the new public agency (in consultation with the parents) must provide FAPE to the child (including services comparable to those described in the child's IEP from the previous public agency), until the new public agency either—

(1)

Adopts the child's IEP from the previous public agency; or

(2)

Develops, adopts, and implements a new IEP that meets the applicable requirements in §§ 300.320 through 300.324.

(f)

IEPs for children who transfer from another State. If a child with a disability (who had an IEP that was in effect in a previous public agency in another State) transfers to a public agency in a new State, and enrolls in a new school within the same school year, the new public agency (in consultation with the parents) must provide the child with FAPE (including services comparable to those described in the child's IEP from the previous public agency), until the new public agency—

(1)

Conducts an evaluation pursuant to §§ 300.304 through 300.306 (if determined to be necessary by the new public agency); and

(2)

Develops, adopts, and implements a new IEP, if appropriate, that meets the applicable requirements in §§ 300.320 through 300.324.

(g)

Transmittal of records. To facilitate the transition for a child described in paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section—

(1)

The new public agency in which the child enrolls must take reasonable steps to promptly obtain the child's records, including the IEP and supporting documents and any other records relating to the provision of special education or related services to the child, from the previous public agency in which the child was enrolled, pursuant to 34 CFR 99.31(a)(2); and

(2)

The previous public agency in which the child was enrolled must take reasonable steps to promptly respond to the request from the new public agency.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.324. Development, review, and revision of IEP.

34 C.F.R. § 300.324

(a)

Development of IEP—

(1)

General. In developing each child's IEP, the IEP Team must consider—

(i)

The strengths of the child;

(ii)

The concerns of the parents for enhancing the education of their child;

(iii)

The results of the initial or most recent evaluation of the child; and

(iv)

The academic, developmental, and functional needs of the child.

(2)

Consideration of special factors. The IEP Team must—

(i)

In the case of a child whose behavior impedes the child's learning or that of others, consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, to address that behavior;

(ii)

In the case of a child with limited English proficiency, consider the language needs of the child as those needs relate to the child's IEP;

(iii)

In the case of a child who is blind or visually impaired, provide for instruction in Braille and the use of Braille unless the IEP Team determines, after an evaluation of the child's reading and writing skills, needs, and appropriate reading and writing media (including an evaluation of the child's future needs for instruction in Braille or the use of Braille), that instruction in Braille or the use of Braille is not appropriate for the child;

(iv)

Consider the communication needs of the child, and in the case of a child who is deaf or hard of hearing, consider the child's language and communication needs, opportunities for direct communications with peers and professional personnel in the child's language and communication mode, academic level, and full range of needs, including opportunities for direct instruction in the child's language and communication mode; and

(v)

Consider whether the child needs assistive technology devices and services.

(3)

Requirement with respect to regular education teacher. A regular education teacher of a child with a disability, as a member of the IEP Team, must, to the extent appropriate, participate in the development of the IEP of the child, including the determination of—

(i)

Appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports and other strategies for the child; and

(ii)

Supplementary aids and services, program modifications, and support for school personnel consistent with § 300.320(a)(4).

(4)

Agreement.

(i)

In making changes to a child's IEP after the annual IEP Team meeting for a school year, the parent of a child with a disability and the public agency may agree not to convene an IEP Team meeting for the purposes of making those changes, and instead may develop a written document to amend or modify the child's current IEP.

(ii)

If changes are made to the child's IEP in accordance with paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section, the public agency must ensure that the child's IEP Team is informed of those changes.

(5)

Consolidation of IEP Team meetings. To the extent possible, the public agency must encourage the consolidation of reevaluation meetings for the child and other IEP Team meetings for the child.

(6)

Amendments. Changes to the IEP may be made either by the entire IEP Team at an IEP Team meeting, or as provided in paragraph (a)(4) of this section, by amending the IEP rather than by redrafting the entire IEP. Upon request, a parent must be provided with a revised copy of the IEP with the amendments incorporated.

(b)

Review and revision of IEPs—

(1)

General. Each public agency must ensure that, subject to paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section, the IEP Team—

(i)

Reviews the child's IEP periodically, but not less than annually, to determine whether the annual goals for the child are being achieved; and

(ii)

Revises the IEP, as appropriate, to address—

(A)

Any lack of expected progress toward the annual goals described in § 300.320(a)(2), and in the general education curriculum, if appropriate;

(B)

The results of any reevaluation conducted under § 300.303;

(C)

Information about the child provided to, or by, the parents, as described under § 300.305(a)(2);

(D)

The child's anticipated needs; or

(E)

Other matters.

(2)

Consideration of special factors. In conducting a review of the child's IEP, the IEP Team must consider the special factors described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(3)

Requirement with respect to regular education teacher. A regular education teacher of the child, as a member of the IEP Team, must, consistent with paragraph (a)(3) of this section, participate in the review and revision of the IEP of the child.

(c)

Failure to meet transition objectives—

(1)

Participating agency failure. If a participating agency, other than the public agency, fails to provide the transition services described in the IEP in accordance with § 300.320(b), the public agency must reconvene the IEP Team to identify alternative strategies to meet the transition objectives for the child set out in the IEP.

(2)

Construction. Nothing in this part relieves any participating agency, including a State vocational rehabilitation agency, of the responsibility to provide or pay for any transition service that the agency would otherwise provide to children with disabilities who meet the eligibility criteria of that agency.

(d)

Children with disabilities in adult prisons—

(1)

Requirements that do not apply. The following requirements do not apply to children with disabilities who are convicted as adults under State law and incarcerated in adult prisons:

(i)

The requirements contained in section 612(a)(16) of the Act and § 300.320(a)(6) (relating to participation of children with disabilities in general assessments).

(ii)

The requirements in § 300.320(b) (relating to transition planning and transition services) do not apply with respect to the children whose eligibility under Part B of the Act will end, because of their age, before they will be eligible to be released from prison based on consideration of their sentence and eligibility for early release.

(2)

Modifications of IEP or placement.

(i)

Subject to paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, the IEP Team of a child with a disability who is convicted as an adult under State law and incarcerated in an adult prison may modify the child's IEP or placement if the State has demonstrated a bona fide security or compelling penological interest that cannot otherwise be accommodated.

(ii)

The requirements of §§ 300.320 (relating to IEPs), and 300.114 (relating to LRE), do not apply with respect to the modifications described in paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 82 FR 29761, June 30, 2017]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 82 FR 29761, June 30, 2017]

§300.325. Private school placements by public agencies.

34 C.F.R. § 300.325

(a)

Developing IEPs.

(1)

Before a public agency places a child with a disability in, or refers a child to, a private school or facility, the agency must initiate and conduct a meeting to develop an IEP for the child in accordance with §§ 300.320 and 300.324.

(2)

The agency must ensure that a representative of the private school or facility attends the meeting. If the representative cannot attend, the agency must use other methods to ensure participation by the private school or facility, including individual or conference telephone calls.

(b)

Reviewing and revising IEPs.

(1)

After a child with a disability enters a private school or facility, any meetings to review and revise the child's IEP may be initiated and conducted by the private school or facility at the discretion of the public agency.

(2)

If the private school or facility initiates and conducts these meetings, the public agency must ensure that the parents and an agency representative—

(i)

Are involved in any decision about the child's IEP; and

(ii)

Agree to any proposed changes in the IEP before those changes are implemented.

(c)

Responsibility. Even if a private school or facility implements a child's IEP, responsibility for compliance with this part remains with the public agency and the SEA.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.326. Reserved

34 C.F.R. § 300.326

34 C.F.R. § 300.501

(a)

Opportunity to examine records. The parents of a child with a disability must be afforded, in accordance with the procedures of §§ 300.613 through 300.621, an opportunity to inspect and review all education records with respect to—

(1)

The identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child; and

(2)

The provision of FAPE to the child.

(b)

Parent participation in meetings.

(1)

The parents of a child with a disability must be afforded an opportunity to participate in meetings with respect to—

(i)

The identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child; and

(ii)

The provision of FAPE to the child.

(2)

Each public agency must provide notice consistent with § 300.322(a)(1) and (b)(1) to ensure that parents of children with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in meetings described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(3)

A meeting does not include informal or unscheduled conversations involving public agency personnel and conversations on issues such as teaching methodology, lesson plans, or coordination of service provision. A meeting also does not include preparatory activities that public agency personnel engage in to develop a proposal or response to a parent proposal that will be discussed at a later meeting.

(c)

Parent involvement in placement decisions.

(1)

Each public agency must ensure that a parent of each child with a disability is a member of any group that makes decisions on the educational placement of the parent's child.

(2)

In implementing the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the public agency must use procedures consistent with the procedures described in § 300.322(a) through (b)(1).

(3)

If neither parent can participate in a meeting in which a decision is to be made relating to the educational placement of their child, the public agency must use other methods to ensure their participation, including individual or conference telephone calls, or video conferencing.

(4)

A placement decision may be made by a group without the involvement of a parent, if the public agency is unable to obtain the parent's participation in the decision. In this case, the public agency must have a record of its attempt to ensure their involvement.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.502. Independent educational evaluation.

34 C.F.R. § 300.502

(a)

General.

(1)

The parents of a child with a disability have the right under this part to obtain an independent educational evaluation of the child, subject to paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.

(2)

Each public agency must provide to parents, upon request for an independent educational evaluation, information about where an independent educational evaluation may be obtained, and the agency criteria applicable for independent educational evaluations as set forth in paragraph (e) of this section.

(3)

For the purposes of this subpart—

(i)

Independent educational evaluation means an evaluation conducted by a qualified examiner who is not employed by the public agency responsible for the education of the child in question; and

(ii)

Public expense means that the public agency either pays for the full cost of the evaluation or ensures that the evaluation is otherwise provided at no cost to the parent, consistent with § 300.103.

(b)

Parent right to evaluation at public expense.

(1)

A parent has the right to an independent educational evaluation at public expense if the parent disagrees with an evaluation obtained by the public agency, subject to the conditions in paragraphs (b)(2) through (4) of this section.

(2)

If a parent requests an independent educational evaluation at public expense, the public agency must, without unnecessary delay, either—

(i)

File a due process complaint to request a hearing to show that its evaluation is appropriate; or

(ii)

Ensure that an independent educational evaluation is provided at public expense, unless the agency demonstrates in a hearing pursuant to §§ 300.507 through 300.513 that the evaluation obtained by the parent did not meet agency criteria.

(3)

If the public agency files a due process complaint notice to request a hearing and the final decision is that the agency's evaluation is appropriate, the parent still has the right to an independent educational evaluation, but not at public expense.

(4)

If a parent requests an independent educational evaluation, the public agency may ask for the parent's reason why he or she objects to the public evaluation. However, the public agency may not require the parent to provide an explanation and may not unreasonably delay either providing the independent educational evaluation at public expense or filing a due process complaint to request a due process hearing to defend the public evaluation.

(5)

A parent is entitled to only one independent educational evaluation at public expense each time the public agency conducts an evaluation with which the parent disagrees.

(c)

Parent-initiated evaluations. If the parent obtains an independent educational evaluation at public expense or shares with the public agency an evaluation obtained at private expense, the results of the evaluation—

(1)

Must be considered by the public agency, if it meets agency criteria, in any decision made with respect to the provision of FAPE to the child; and

(2)

May be presented by any party as evidence at a hearing on a due process complaint under subpart E of this part regarding that child.

(d)

Requests for evaluations by hearing officers. If a hearing officer requests an independent educational evaluation as part of a hearing on a due process complaint, the cost of the evaluation must be at public expense.

(e)

Agency criteria.

(1)

If an independent educational evaluation is at public expense, the criteria under which the evaluation is obtained, including the location of the evaluation and the qualifications of the examiner, must be the same as the criteria that the public agency uses when it initiates an evaluation, to the extent those criteria are consistent with the parent's right to an independent educational evaluation.

(2)

Except for the criteria described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section, a public agency may not impose conditions or timelines related to obtaining an independent educational evaluation at public expense.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.503. Prior notice by the public agency; content of notice.

34 C.F.R. § 300.503

(a)

Notice. Written notice that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section must be given to the parents of a child with a disability a reasonable time before the public agency—

(1)

Proposes to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child or the provision of FAPE to the child; or

(2)

Refuses to initiate or change the identification, evaluation, or educational placement of the child or the provision of FAPE to the child.

(b)

Content of notice. The notice required under paragraph (a) of this section must include—

(1)

A description of the action proposed or refused by the agency;

(2)

An explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses to take the action;

(3)

A description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, record, or report the agency used as a basis for the proposed or refused action;

(4)

A statement that the parents of a child with a disability have protection under the procedural safeguards of this part and, if this notice is not an initial referral for evaluation, the means by which a copy of a description of the procedural safeguards can be obtained;

(5)

Sources for parents to contact to obtain assistance in understanding the provisions of this part;

(6)

A description of other options that the IEP Team considered and the reasons why those options were rejected; and

(7)

A description of other factors that are relevant to the agency's proposal or refusal.

(c)

Notice in understandable language.

(1)

The notice required under paragraph (a) of this section must be—

(i)

Written in language understandable to the general public; and

(ii)

Provided in the native language of the parent or other mode of communication used by the parent, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so.

(2)

If the native language or other mode of communication of the parent is not a written language, the public agency must take steps to ensure—

(i)

That the notice is translated orally or by other means to the parent in his or her native language or other mode of communication;

(ii)

That the parent understands the content of the notice; and

(iii)

That there is written evidence that the requirements in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) and (ii) of this section have been met.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.504. Procedural safeguards notice.

34 C.F.R. § 300.504

(a)

General. A copy of the procedural safeguards available to the parents of a child with a disability must be given to the parents only one time a school year, except that a copy also must be given to the parents—

(1)

Upon initial referral or parent request for evaluation;

(2)

Upon receipt of the first State complaint under §§ 300.151 through 300.153 and upon receipt of the first due process complaint under § 300.507 in a school year;

(3)

In accordance with the discipline procedures in § 300.530(h); and

(4)

Upon request by a parent.

(b)

Internet Web site. A public agency may place a current copy of the procedural safeguards notice on its Internet Web site if a Web site exists.

(c)

Contents. The procedural safeguards notice must include a full explanation of all of the procedural safeguards available under § 300.148, §§ 300.151 through 300.153, § 300.300, §§ 300.502 through 300.503, §§ 300.505 through 300.518, §§ 300.530 through 300.536 and §§ 300.610 through 300.625 relating to—

(1)

Independent educational evaluations;

(2)

Prior written notice;

(3)

Parental consent;

(4)

Access to education records;

(5)

Opportunity to present and resolve complaints through the due process complaint and State complaint procedures, including—

(i)

The time period in which to file a complaint;

(ii)

The opportunity for the agency to resolve the complaint; and

(iii)

The difference between the due process complaint and the State complaint procedures, including the jurisdiction of each procedure, what issues may be raised, filing and decisional timelines, and relevant procedures;

(6)

The availability of mediation;

(7)

The child's placement during the pendency of any due process complaint;

(8)

Procedures for students who are subject to placement in an interim alternative educational setting;

(9)

Requirements for unilateral placement by parents of children in private schools at public expense;

(10)

Hearings on due process complaints, including requirements for disclosure of evaluation results and recommendations;

(11)

State-level appeals (if applicable in the State);

(12)

Civil actions, including the time period in which to file those actions; and

(13)

Attorneys' fees.

(d)

Notice in understandable language. The notice required under paragraph (a) of this section must meet the requirements of § 300.503(c).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.505. Electronic mail.

34 C.F.R. § 300.505

A parent of a child with a disability may elect to receive notices required by §§ 300.503, 300.504, and 300.508 by an electronic mail communication, if the public agency makes that option available.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.506. Mediation.

34 C.F.R. § 300.506

(a)

General. Each public agency must ensure that procedures are established and implemented to allow parties to disputes involving any matter under this part, including matters arising prior to the filing of a due process complaint, to resolve disputes through a mediation process.

(b)

Requirements. The procedures must meet the following requirements:

(1)

The procedures must ensure that the mediation process—

(i)

Is voluntary on the part of the parties;

(ii)

Is not used to deny or delay a parent's right to a hearing on the parent's due process complaint, or to deny any other rights afforded under Part B of the Act; and

(iii)

Is conducted by a qualified and impartial mediator who is trained in effective mediation techniques.

(2)

A public agency may establish procedures to offer to parents and schools that choose not to use the mediation process, an opportunity to meet, at a time and location convenient to the parents, with a disinterested party—

(i)

Who is under contract with an appropriate alternative dispute resolution entity, or a parent training and information center or community parent resource center in the State established under section 671 or 672 of the Act; and

(ii)

Who would explain the benefits of, and encourage the use of, the mediation process to the parents.

(3)

(i)

The State must maintain a list of individuals who are qualified mediators and knowledgeable in laws and regulations relating to the provision of special education and related services.

(ii)

The SEA must select mediators on a random, rotational, or other impartial basis.

(4)

The State must bear the cost of the mediation process, including the costs of meetings described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(5)

Each session in the mediation process must be scheduled in a timely manner and must be held in a location that is convenient to the parties to the dispute.

(6)

If the parties resolve a dispute through the mediation process, the parties must execute a legally binding agreement that sets forth that resolution and that—

(i)

States that all discussions that occurred during the mediation process will remain confidential and may not be used as evidence in any subsequent due process hearing or civil proceeding; and

(ii)

Is signed by both the parent and a representative of the agency who has the authority to bind such agency.

(7)

A written, signed mediation agreement under this paragraph is enforceable in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States.

(8)

Discussions that occur during the mediation process must be confidential and may not be used as evidence in any subsequent due process hearing or civil proceeding of any Federal court or State court of a State receiving assistance under this part.

(c)

Impartiality of mediator.

(1)

An individual who serves as a mediator under this part—

(i)

May not be an employee of the SEA or the LEA that is involved in the education or care of the child; and

(ii)

Must not have a personal or professional interest that conflicts with the person's objectivity.

(2)

A person who otherwise qualifies as a mediator is not an employee of an LEA or State agency described under § 300.228 solely because he or she is paid by the agency to serve as a mediator.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.507. Filing a due process complaint.

34 C.F.R. § 300.507

(a)

General.

(1)

A parent or a public agency may file a due process complaint on any of the matters described in § 300.503(a)(1) and (2) (relating to the identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability, or the provision of FAPE to the child).

(2)

The due process complaint must allege a violation that occurred not more than two years before the date the parent or public agency knew or should have known about the alleged action that forms the basis of the due process complaint, or, if the State has an explicit time limitation for filing a due process complaint under this part, in the time allowed by that State law, except that the exceptions to the timeline described in § 300.511(f) apply to the timeline in this section.

(b)

Information for parents. The public agency must inform the parent of any free or low-cost legal and other relevant services available in the area if—

(1)

The parent requests the information; or

(2)

The parent or the agency files a due process complaint under this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.508. Due process complaint.

34 C.F.R. § 300.508

(a)

General.

(1)

The public agency must have procedures that require either party, or the attorney representing a party, to provide to the other party a due process complaint (which must remain confidential).

(2)

The party filing a due process complaint must forward a copy of the due process complaint to the SEA.

(b)

Content of complaint. The due process complaint required in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must include—

(1)

The name of the child;

(2)

The address of the residence of the child;

(3)

The name of the school the child is attending;

(4)

In the case of a homeless child or youth (within the meaning of section 725(2) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(2)), available contact information for the child, and the name of the school the child is attending;

(5)

A description of the nature of the problem of the child relating to the proposed or refused initiation or change, including facts relating to the problem; and

(6)

A proposed resolution of the problem to the extent known and available to the party at the time.

(c)

Notice required before a hearing on a due process complaint. A party may not have a hearing on a due process complaint until the party, or the attorney representing the party, files a due process complaint that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.

(d)

Sufficiency of complaint.

(1)

The due process complaint required by this section must be deemed sufficient unless the party receiving the due process complaint notifies the hearing officer and the other party in writing, within 15 days of receipt of the due process complaint, that the receiving party believes the due process complaint does not meet the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section.

(2)

Within five days of receipt of notification under paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the hearing officer must make a determination on the face of the due process complaint of whether the due process complaint meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, and must immediately notify the parties in writing of that determination.

(3)

A party may amend its due process complaint only if—

(i)

The other party consents in writing to the amendment and is given the opportunity to resolve the due process complaint through a meeting held pursuant to § 300.510; or

(ii)

The hearing officer grants permission, except that the hearing officer may only grant permission to amend at any time not later than five days before the due process hearing begins.

(4)

If a party files an amended due process complaint, the timelines for the resolution meeting in § 300.510(a) and the time period to resolve in § 300.510(b) begin again with the filing of the amended due process complaint.

(e)

LEA response to a due process complaint.

(1)

If the LEA has not sent a prior written notice under § 300.503 to the parent regarding the subject matter contained in the parent's due process complaint, the LEA must, within 10 days of receiving the due process complaint, send to the parent a response that includes—

(i)

An explanation of why the agency proposed or refused to take the action raised in the due process complaint;

(ii)

A description of other options that the IEP Team considered and the reasons why those options were rejected;

(iii)

A description of each evaluation procedure, assessment, record, or report the agency used as the basis for the proposed or refused action; and

(iv)

A description of the other factors that are relevant to the agency's proposed or refused action.

(2)

A response by an LEA under paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall not be construed to preclude the LEA from asserting that the parent's due process complaint was insufficient, where appropriate.

(f)

Other party response to a due process complaint. Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the party receiving a due process complaint must, within 10 days of receiving the due process complaint, send to the other party a response that specifically addresses the issues raised in the due process complaint.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.509. Model forms.

34 C.F.R. § 300.509

(a)

Each SEA must develop model forms to assist parents and public agencies in filing a due process complaint in accordance with §§ 300.507(a) and 300.508(a) through (c) and to assist parents and other parties in filing a State complaint under §§ 300.151 through 300.153. However, the SEA or LEA may not require the use of the model forms.

(b)

Parents, public agencies, and other parties may use the appropriate model form described in paragraph (a) of this section, or another form or other document, so long as the form or document that is used meets, as appropriate, the content requirements in § 300.508(b) for filing a due process complaint, or the requirements in § 300.153(b) for filing a State complaint.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.510. Resolution process.

34 C.F.R. § 300.510

(a)

Resolution meeting.

(1)

Within 15 days of receiving notice of the parent's due process complaint, and prior to the initiation of a due process hearing under § 300.511, the LEA must convene a meeting with the parent and the relevant member or members of the IEP Team who have specific knowledge of the facts identified in the due process complaint that—

(i)

Includes a representative of the public agency who has decision-making authority on behalf of that agency; and

(ii)

May not include an attorney of the LEA unless the parent is accompanied by an attorney.

(2)

The purpose of the meeting is for the parent of the child to discuss the due process complaint, and the facts that form the basis of the due process complaint, so that the LEA has the opportunity to resolve the dispute that is the basis for the due process complaint.

(3)

The meeting described in paragraph (a)(1) and (2) of this section need not be held if—

(i)

The parent and the LEA agree in writing to waive the meeting; or

(ii)

The parent and the LEA agree to use the mediation process described in § 300.506.

(4)

The parent and the LEA determine the relevant members of the IEP Team to attend the meeting.

(b)

Resolution period.

(1)

If the LEA has not resolved the due process complaint to the satisfaction of the parent within 30 days of the receipt of the due process complaint, the due process hearing may occur.

(2)

Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the timeline for issuing a final decision under § 300.515 begins at the expiration of this 30-day period.

(3)

Except where the parties have jointly agreed to waive the resolution process or to use mediation, notwithstanding paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section, the failure of the parent filing a due process complaint to participate in the resolution meeting will delay the timelines for the resolution process and due process hearing until the meeting is held.

(4)

If the LEA is unable to obtain the participation of the parent in the resolution meeting after reasonable efforts have been made (and documented using the procedures in § 300.322(d)), the LEA may, at the conclusion of the 30-day period, request that a hearing officer dismiss the parent's due process complaint.

(5)

If the LEA fails to hold the resolution meeting specified in paragraph (a) of this section within 15 days of receiving notice of a parent's due process complaint or fails to participate in the resolution meeting, the parent may seek the intervention of a hearing officer to begin the due process hearing timeline.

(c)

Adjustments to 30-day resolution period. The 45-day timeline for the due process hearing in § 300.515(a) starts the day after one of the following events:

(1)

Both parties agree in writing to waive the resolution meeting;

(2)

After either the mediation or resolution meeting starts but before the end of the 30-day period, the parties agree in writing that no agreement is possible;

(3)

If both parties agree in writing to continue the mediation at the end of the 30-day resolution period, but later, the parent or public agency withdraws from the mediation process.

(d)

Written settlement agreement. If a resolution to the dispute is reached at the meeting described in paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section, the parties must execute a legally binding agreement that is—

(1)

Signed by both the parent and a representative of the agency who has the authority to bind the agency; and

(2)

Enforceable in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States, or, by the SEA, if the State has other mechanisms or procedures that permit parties to seek enforcement of resolution agreements, pursuant to § 300.537.

(e)

Agreement review period. If the parties execute an agreement pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, a party may void the agreement within 3 business days of the agreement's execution.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.511. Impartial due process hearing.

34 C.F.R. § 300.511

(a)

General. Whenever a due process complaint is received under § 300.507 or § 300.532, the parents or the LEA involved in the dispute must have an opportunity for an impartial due process hearing, consistent with the procedures in §§ 300.507, 300.508, and 300.510.

(b)

Agency responsible for conducting the due process hearing. The hearing described in paragraph (a) of this section must be conducted by the SEA or the public agency directly responsible for the education of the child, as determined under State statute, State regulation, or a written policy of the SEA.

(c)

Impartial hearing officer.

(1)

At a minimum, a hearing officer—

(i)

Must not be—

(A)

An employee of the SEA or the LEA that is involved in the education or care of the child; or

(B)

A person having a personal or professional interest that conflicts with the person's objectivity in the hearing;

(ii)

Must possess knowledge of, and the ability to understand, the provisions of the Act, Federal and State regulations pertaining to the Act, and legal interpretations of the Act by Federal and State courts;

(iii)

Must possess the knowledge and ability to conduct hearings in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice; and

(iv)

Must possess the knowledge and ability to render and write decisions in accordance with appropriate, standard legal practice.

(2)

A person who otherwise qualifies to conduct a hearing under paragraph (c)(1) of this section is not an employee of the agency solely because he or she is paid by the agency to serve as a hearing officer.

(3)

Each public agency must keep a list of the persons who serve as hearing officers. The list must include a statement of the qualifications of each of those persons.

(d)

Subject matter of due process hearings. The party requesting the due process hearing may not raise issues at the due process hearing that were not raised in the due process complaint filed under § 300.508(b), unless the other party agrees otherwise.

(e)

Timeline for requesting a hearing. A parent or agency must request an impartial hearing on their due process complaint within two years of the date the parent or agency knew or should have known about the alleged action that forms the basis of the due process complaint, or if the State has an explicit time limitation for requesting such a due process hearing under this part, in the time allowed by that State law.

(f)

Exceptions to the timeline. The timeline described in paragraph (e) of this section does not apply to a parent if the parent was prevented from filing a due process complaint due to—

(1)

Specific misrepresentations by the LEA that it had resolved the problem forming the basis of the due process complaint; or

(2)

The LEA's withholding of information from the parent that was required under this part to be provided to the parent.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.512. Hearing rights.

34 C.F.R. § 300.512

(a)

General. Any party to a hearing conducted pursuant to §§ 300.507 through 300.513 or §§ 300.530 through 300.534, or an appeal conducted pursuant to § 300.514, has the right to—

(1)

Be accompanied and advised by counsel and by individuals with special knowledge or training with respect to the problems of children with disabilities, except that whether parties have the right to be represented by non-attorneys at due process hearings is determined under State law;

(2)

Present evidence and confront, cross-examine, and compel the attendance of witnesses;

(3)

Prohibit the introduction of any evidence at the hearing that has not been disclosed to that party at least five business days before the hearing;

(4)

Obtain a written, or, at the option of the parents, electronic, verbatim record of the hearing; and

(5)

Obtain written, or, at the option of the parents, electronic findings of fact and decisions.

(b)

Additional disclosure of information.

(1)

At least five business days prior to a hearing conducted pursuant to § 300.511(a), each party must disclose to all other parties all evaluations completed by that date and recommendations based on the offering party's evaluations that the party intends to use at the hearing.

(2)

A hearing officer may bar any party that fails to comply with paragraph (b)(1) of this section from introducing the relevant evaluation or recommendation at the hearing without the consent of the other party.

(c)

Parental rights at hearings. Parents involved in hearings must be given the right to—

(1)

Have the child who is the subject of the hearing present;

(2)

Open the hearing to the public; and

(3)

Have the record of the hearing and the findings of fact and decisions described in paragraphs (a)(4) and (a)(5) of this section provided at no cost to parents.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

§300.513. Hearing decisions.

34 C.F.R. § 300.513

(a)

Decision of hearing officer on the provision of FAPE.

(1)

Subject to paragraph (a)(2) of this section, a hearing officer's determination of whether a child received FAPE must be based on substantive grounds.

(2)

In matters alleging a procedural violation, a hearing officer may find that a child did not receive a FAPE only if the procedural inadequacies—

(i)

Impeded the child's right to a FAPE;

(ii)

Significantly impeded the parent's opportunity to participate in the decision-making process regarding the provision of a FAPE to the parent's child; or

(iii)

Caused a deprivation of educational benefit.

(3)

Nothing in paragraph (a) of this section shall be construed to preclude a hearing officer from ordering an LEA to comply with procedural requirements under §§ 300.500 through 300.536.

(b)

Construction clause. Nothing in §§ 300.507 through 300.513 shall be construed to affect the right of a parent to file an appeal of the due process hearing decision with the SEA under § 300.514(b), if a State level appeal is available.

(c)

Separate request for a due process hearing. Nothing in §§ 300.500 through 300.536 shall be construed to preclude a parent from filing a separate due process complaint on an issue separate from a due process complaint already filed.

(d)

Findings and decision to advisory panel and general public. The public agency, after deleting any personally identifiable information, must—

(1)

Transmit the findings and decisions referred to in § 300.512(a)(5) to the State advisory panel established under § 300.167; and

(2)

Make those findings and decisions available to the public.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.514. Finality of decision; appeal; impartial review.

34 C.F.R. § 300.514

(a)

Finality of hearing decision. A decision made in a hearing conducted pursuant to §§ 300.507 through 300.513 or §§ 300.530 through 300.534 is final, except that any party involved in the hearing may appeal the decision under the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section and § 300.516.

(b)

Appeal of decisions; impartial review.

(1)

If the hearing required by § 300.511 is conducted by a public agency other than the SEA, any party aggrieved by the findings and decision in the hearing may appeal to the SEA.

(2)

If there is an appeal, the SEA must conduct an impartial review of the findings and decision appealed. The official conducting the review must—

(i)

Examine the entire hearing record;

(ii)

Ensure that the procedures at the hearing were consistent with the requirements of due process;

(iii)

Seek additional evidence if necessary. If a hearing is held to receive additional evidence, the rights in § 300.512 apply;

(iv)

Afford the parties an opportunity for oral or written argument, or both, at the discretion of the reviewing official;

(v)

Make an independent decision on completion of the review; and

(vi)

Give a copy of the written, or, at the option of the parents, electronic findings of fact and decisions to the parties.

(c)

Findings and decision to advisory panel and general public. The SEA, after deleting any personally identifiable information, must—

(1)

Transmit the findings and decisions referred to in paragraph (b)(2)(vi) of this section to the State advisory panel established under § 300.167; and

(2)

Make those findings and decisions available to the public.

(d)

Finality of review decision. The decision made by the reviewing official is final unless a party brings a civil action under § 300.516.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.515. Timelines and convenience of hearings and reviews.

34 C.F.R. § 300.515

(a)

The public agency must ensure that not later than 45 days after the expiration of the 30 day period under § 300.510(b), or the adjusted time periods described in § 300.510(c)—

(1)

A final decision is reached in the hearing; and

(2)

A copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties.

(b)

The SEA must ensure that not later than 30 days after the receipt of a request for a review—

(1)

A final decision is reached in the review; and

(2)

A copy of the decision is mailed to each of the parties.

(c)

A hearing or reviewing officer may grant specific extensions of time beyond the periods set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section at the request of either party.

(d)

Each hearing and each review involving oral arguments must be conducted at a time and place that is reasonably convenient to the parents and child involved.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.516. Civil action.

34 C.F.R. § 300.516

(a)

General. Any party aggrieved by the findings and decision made under §§ 300.507 through 300.513 or §§ 300.530 through 300.534 who does not have the right to an appeal under § 300.514(b), and any party aggrieved by the findings and decision under § 300.514(b), has the right to bring a civil action with respect to the due process complaint notice requesting a due process hearing under § 300.507 or §§ 300.530 through 300.532. The action may be brought in any State court of competent jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States without regard to the amount in controversy.

(b)

Time limitation. The party bringing the action shall have 90 days from the date of the decision of the hearing officer or, if applicable, the decision of the State review official, to file a civil action, or, if the State has an explicit time limitation for bringing civil actions under Part B of the Act, in the time allowed by that State law.

(c)

Additional requirements. In any action brought under paragraph (a) of this section, the court—

(1)

Receives the records of the administrative proceedings;

(2)

Hears additional evidence at the request of a party; and

(3)

Basing its decision on the preponderance of the evidence, grants the relief that the court determines to be appropriate.

(d)

Jurisdiction of district courts. The district courts of the United States have jurisdiction of actions brought under section 615 of the Act without regard to the amount in controversy.

(e)

Rule of construction. Nothing in this part restricts or limits the rights, procedures, and remedies available under the Constitution, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or other Federal laws protecting the rights of children with disabilities, except that before the filing of a civil action under these laws seeking relief that is also available under section 615 of the Act, the procedures under §§ 300.507 and 300.514 must be exhausted to the same extent as would be required had the action been brought under section 615 of the Act.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.517. Attorneys' fees.

34 C.F.R. § 300.517

(a)

In general.

(1)

In any action or proceeding brought under section 615 of the Act, the court, in its discretion, may award reasonable attorneys' fees as part of the costs to—

(i)

The prevailing party who is the parent of a child with a disability;

(ii)

To a prevailing party who is an SEA or LEA against the attorney of a parent who files a complaint or subsequent cause of action that is frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation, or against the attorney of a parent who continued to litigate after the litigation clearly became frivolous, unreasonable, or without foundation; or

(iii)

To a prevailing SEA or LEA against the attorney of a parent, or against the parent, if the parent's request for a due process hearing or subsequent cause of action was presented for any improper purpose, such as to harass, to cause unnecessary delay, or to needlessly increase the cost of litigation.

(2)

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to affect section 327 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2005.

(b)

Prohibition on use of funds.

(1)

Funds under Part B of the Act may not be used to pay attorneys' fees or costs of a party related to any action or proceeding under section 615 of the Act and subpart E of this part.

(2)

Paragraph (b)(1) of this section does not preclude a public agency from using funds under Part B of the Act for conducting an action or proceeding under section 615 of the Act.

(c)

Award of fees. A court awards reasonable attorneys' fees under section 615(i)(3) of the Act consistent with the following:

(1)

Fees awarded under section 615(i)(3) of the Act must be based on rates prevailing in the community in which the action or proceeding arose for the kind and quality of services furnished. No bonus or multiplier may be used in calculating the fees awarded under this paragraph.

(2)

(i)

Attorneys' fees may not be awarded and related costs may not be reimbursed in any action or proceeding under section 615 of the Act for services performed subsequent to the time of a written offer of settlement to a parent if—

(A)

The offer is made within the time prescribed by Rule 68 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure or, in the case of an administrative proceeding, at any time more than 10 days before the proceeding begins;

(B)

The offer is not accepted within 10 days; and

(C)

The court or administrative hearing officer finds that the relief finally obtained by the parents is not more favorable to the parents than the offer of settlement.

(ii)

Attorneys' fees may not be awarded relating to any meeting of the IEP Team unless the meeting is convened as a result of an administrative proceeding or judicial action, or at the discretion of the State, for a mediation described in § 300.506.

(iii)

A meeting conducted pursuant to § 300.510 shall not be considered—

(A)

A meeting convened as a result of an administrative hearing or judicial action; or

(B)

An administrative hearing or judicial action for purposes of this section.

(3)

Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(2) of this section, an award of attorneys' fees and related costs may be made to a parent who is the prevailing party and who was substantially justified in rejecting the settlement offer.

(4)

Except as provided in paragraph (c)(5) of this section, the court reduces, accordingly, the amount of the attorneys' fees awarded under section 615 of the Act, if the court finds that—

(i)

The parent, or the parent's attorney, during the course of the action or proceeding, unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the controversy;

(ii)

The amount of the attorneys' fees otherwise authorized to be awarded unreasonably exceeds the hourly rate prevailing in the community for similar services by attorneys of reasonably comparable skill, reputation, and experience;

(iii)

The time spent and legal services furnished were excessive considering the nature of the action or proceeding; or

(iv)

The attorney representing the parent did not provide to the LEA the appropriate information in the due process request notice in accordance with § 300.508.

(5)

The provisions of paragraph (c)(4) of this section do not apply in any action or proceeding if the court finds that the State or local agency unreasonably protracted the final resolution of the action or proceeding or there was a violation of section 615 of the Act.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.518. Child's status during proceedings.

34 C.F.R. § 300.518

(a)

Except as provided in § 300.533, during the pendency of any administrative or judicial proceeding regarding a due process complaint notice requesting a due process hearing under § 300.507, unless the State or local agency and the parents of the child agree otherwise, the child involved in the complaint must remain in his or her current educational placement.

(b)

If the complaint involves an application for initial admission to public school, the child, with the consent of the parents, must be placed in the public school until the completion of all the proceedings.

(c)

If the complaint involves an application for initial services under this part from a child who is transitioning from Part C of the Act to Part B and is no longer eligible for Part C services because the child has turned three, the public agency is not required to provide the Part C services that the child had been receiving. If the child is found eligible for special education and related services under Part B and the parent consents to the initial provision of special education and related services under § 300.300(b), then the public agency must provide those special education and related services that are not in dispute between the parent and the public agency.

(d)

If the hearing officer in a due process hearing conducted by the SEA or a State review official in an administrative appeal agrees with the child's parents that a change of placement is appropriate, that placement must be treated as an agreement between the State and the parents for purposes of paragraph (a) of this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.519. Surrogate parents.

34 C.F.R. § 300.519

(a)

General. Each public agency must ensure that the rights of a child are protected when—

(1)

No parent (as defined in § 300.30) can be identified;

(2)

The public agency, after reasonable efforts, cannot locate a parent;

(3)

The child is a ward of the State under the laws of that State; or

(4)

The child is an unaccompanied homeless youth as defined in section 725(6) of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11434a(6)).

(b)

Duties of public agency. The duties of a public agency under paragraph (a) of this section include the assignment of an individual to act as a surrogate for the parents. This must include a method—

(1)

For determining whether a child needs a surrogate parent; and

(2)

For assigning a surrogate parent to the child.

(c)

Wards of the State. In the case of a child who is a ward of the State, the surrogate parent alternatively may be appointed by the judge overseeing the child's case, provided that the surrogate meets the requirements in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (e) of this section.

(d)

Criteria for selection of surrogate parents.

(1)

The public agency may select a surrogate parent in any way permitted under State law.

(2)

Public agencies must ensure that a person selected as a surrogate parent—

(i)

Is not an employee of the SEA, the LEA, or any other agency that is involved in the education or care of the child;

(ii)

Has no personal or professional interest that conflicts with the interest of the child the surrogate parent represents; and

(iii)

Has knowledge and skills that ensure adequate representation of the child.

(e)

Non-employee requirement; compensation. A person otherwise qualified to be a surrogate parent under paragraph (d) of this section is not an employee of the agency solely because he or she is paid by the agency to serve as a surrogate parent.

(f)

Unaccompanied homeless youth. In the case of a child who is an unaccompanied homeless youth, appropriate staff of emergency shelters, transitional shelters, independent living programs, and street outreach programs may be appointed as temporary surrogate parents without regard to paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, until a surrogate parent can be appointed that meets all of the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.

(g)

Surrogate parent responsibilities. The surrogate parent may represent the child in all matters relating to—

(1)

The identification, evaluation, and educational placement of the child; and

(2)

The provision of FAPE to the child.

(h)

SEA responsibility. The SEA must make reasonable efforts to ensure the assignment of a surrogate parent not more than 30 days after a public agency determines that the child needs a surrogate parent.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.520. Transfer of parental rights at age of majority.

34 C.F.R. § 300.520

(a)

General. A State may provide that, when a child with a disability reaches the age of majority under State law that applies to all children (except for a child with a disability who has been determined to be incompetent under State law)—

(1)

(i)

The public agency must provide any notice required by this part to both the child and the parents; and

(ii)

All rights accorded to parents under Part B of the Act transfer to the child;

(2)

All rights accorded to parents under Part B of the Act transfer to children who are incarcerated in an adult or juvenile, State or local correctional institution; and

(3)

Whenever a State provides for the transfer of rights under this part pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section, the agency must notify the child and the parents of the transfer of rights.

(b)

Special rule. A State must establish procedures for appointing the parent of a child with a disability, or, if the parent is not available, another appropriate individual, to represent the educational interests of the child throughout the period of the child's eligibility under Part B of the Act if, under State law, a child who has reached the age of majority, but has not been determined to be incompetent, can be determined not to have the ability to provide informed consent with respect to the child's educational program.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.521-300.529. Reserved

34 C.F.R. § 300.521-300.529

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.530. Authority of school personnel.

34 C.F.R. § 300.530

(a)

Case-by-case determination. School personnel may consider any unique circumstances on a case-by-case basis when determining whether a change in placement, consistent with the other requirements of this section, is appropriate for a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct.

(b)

General.

(1)

School personnel under this section may remove a child with a disability who violates a code of student conduct from his or her current placement to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting, another setting, or suspension, for not more than 10 consecutive school days (to the extent those alternatives are applied to children without disabilities), and for additional removals of not more than 10 consecutive school days in that same school year for separate incidents of misconduct (as long as those removals do not constitute a change of placement under § 300.536).

(2)

After a child with a disability has been removed from his or her current placement for 10 school days in the same school year, during any subsequent days of removal the public agency must provide services to the extent required under paragraph (d) of this section.

(c)

Additional authority. For disciplinary changes in placement that would exceed 10 consecutive school days, if the behavior that gave rise to the violation of the school code is determined not to be a manifestation of the child's disability pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section, school personnel may apply the relevant disciplinary procedures to children with disabilities in the same manner and for the same duration as the procedures would be applied to children without disabilities, except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section.

(d)

Services.

(1)

A child with a disability who is removed from the child's current placement pursuant to paragraphs (c), or (g) of this section must—

(i)

Continue to receive educational services, as provided in § 300.101(a), so as to enable the child to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child's IEP; and

(ii)

Receive, as appropriate, a functional behavioral assessment, and behavioral intervention services and modifications, that are designed to address the behavior violation so that it does not recur.

(2)

The services required by paragraph (d)(1), (d)(3), (d)(4), and (d)(5) of this section may be provided in an interim alternative educational setting.

(3)

A public agency is only required to provide services during periods of removal to a child with a disability who has been removed from his or her current placement for 10 school days or less in that school year, if it provides services to a child without disabilities who is similarly removed.

(4)

After a child with a disability has been removed from his or her current placement for 10 school days in the same school year, if the current removal is for not more than 10 consecutive school days and is not a change of placement under § 300.536, school personnel, in consultation with at least one of the child's teachers, determine the extent to which services are needed, as provided in § 300.101(a), so as to enable the child to continue to participate in the general education curriculum, although in another setting, and to progress toward meeting the goals set out in the child's IEP.

(5)

If the removal is a change of placement under § 300.536, the child's IEP Team determines appropriate services under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

(e)

Manifestation determination.

(1)

Within 10 school days of any decision to change the placement of a child with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct, the LEA, the parent, and relevant members of the child's IEP Team (as determined by the parent and the LEA) must review all relevant information in the student's file, including the child's IEP, any teacher observations, and any relevant information provided by the parents to determine—

(i)

If the conduct in question was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the child's disability; or

(ii)

If the conduct in question was the direct result of the LEA's failure to implement the IEP.

(2)

The conduct must be determined to be a manifestation of the child's disability if the LEA, the parent, and relevant members of the child's IEP Team determine that a condition in either paragraph (e)(1)(i) or (1)(ii) of this section was met.

(3)

If the LEA, the parent, and relevant members of the child's IEP Team determine the condition described in paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of this section was met, the LEA must take immediate steps to remedy those deficiencies.

(f)

Determination that behavior was a manifestation. If the LEA, the parent, and relevant members of the IEP Team make the determination that the conduct was a manifestation of the child's disability, the IEP Team must—

(1)

Either—

(i)

Conduct a functional behavioral assessment, unless the LEA had conducted a functional behavioral assessment before the behavior that resulted in the change of placement occurred, and implement a behavioral intervention plan for the child; or

(ii)

If a behavioral intervention plan already has been developed, review the behavioral intervention plan, and modify it, as necessary, to address the behavior; and

(2)

Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, return the child to the placement from which the child was removed, unless the parent and the LEA agree to a change of placement as part of the modification of the behavioral intervention plan.

(g)

Special circumstances. School personnel may remove a student to an interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days without regard to whether the behavior is determined to be a manifestation of the child's disability, if the child—

(1)

Carries a weapon to or possesses a weapon at school, on school premises, or to or at a school function under the jurisdiction of an SEA or an LEA;

(2)

Knowingly possesses or uses illegal drugs, or sells or solicits the sale of a controlled substance, while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of an SEA or an LEA; or

(3)

Has inflicted serious bodily injury upon another person while at school, on school premises, or at a school function under the jurisdiction of an SEA or an LEA.

(h)

Notification. On the date on which the decision is made to make a removal that constitutes a change of placement of a child with a disability because of a violation of a code of student conduct, the LEA must notify the parents of that decision, and provide the parents the procedural safeguards notice described in § 300.504.

(i)

Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1)

Controlled substance means a drug or other substance identified under schedules I, II, III, IV, or V in section 202(c) of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 812(c)).

(2)

Illegal drug means a controlled substance; but does not include a controlled substance that is legally possessed or used under the supervision of a licensed health-care professional or that is legally possessed or used under any other authority under that Act or under any other provision of Federal law.

(3)

Serious bodily injury— has the meaning given the term “serious bodily injury” under paragraph (3) of subsection (h) of section 1365 of title 18, United States Code.

(4)

Weapon— has the meaning given the term “dangerous weapon” under paragraph (2) of the first subsection (g) of section 930 of title 18, United States Code.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.531. Determination of setting.

34 C.F.R. § 300.531

The child's IEP Team determines the interim alternative educational setting for services under § 300.530(c), (d)(5), and (g).

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.532. Appeal.

34 C.F.R. § 300.532

(a)

General. The parent of a child with a disability who disagrees with any decision regarding placement under §§ 300.530 and 300.531, or the manifestation determination under § 300.530(e), or an LEA that believes that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or others, may appeal the decision by requesting a hearing. The hearing is requested by filing a complaint pursuant to §§ 300.507 and 300.508(a) and (b).

(b)

Authority of hearing officer.

(1)

A hearing officer under § 300.511 hears, and makes a determination regarding an appeal under paragraph (a) of this section.

(2)

In making the determination under paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the hearing officer may—

(i)

Return the child with a disability to the placement from which the child was removed if the hearing officer determines that the removal was a violation of § 300.530 or that the child's behavior was a manifestation of the child's disability; or

(ii)

Order a change of placement of the child with a disability to an appropriate interim alternative educational setting for not more than 45 school days if the hearing officer determines that maintaining the current placement of the child is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others.

(3)

The procedures under paragraphs (a) and (b)(1) and (2) of this section may be repeated, if the LEA believes that returning the child to the original placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the child or to others.

(c)

Expedited due process hearing.

(1)

Whenever a hearing is requested under paragraph (a) of this section, the parents or the LEA involved in the dispute must have an opportunity for an impartial due process hearing consistent with the requirements of §§ 300.507 and 300.508(a) through (c) and §§ 300.510 through 300.514, except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) through (4) of this section.

(2)

The SEA or LEA is responsible for arranging the expedited due process hearing, which must occur within 20 school days of the date the complaint requesting the hearing is filed. The hearing officer must make a determination within 10 school days after the hearing.

(3)

Unless the parents and LEA agree in writing to waive the resolution meeting described in paragraph (c)(3)(i) of this section, or agree to use the mediation process described in § 300.506—

(i)

A resolution meeting must occur within seven days of receiving notice of the due process complaint; and

(ii)

The due process hearing may proceed unless the matter has been resolved to the satisfaction of both parties within 15 days of the receipt of the due process complaint.

(4)

A State may establish different State-imposed procedural rules for expedited due process hearings conducted under this section than it has established for other due process hearings, but, except for the timelines as modified in paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the State must ensure that the requirements in §§ 300.510 through 300.514 are met.

(5)

The decisions on expedited due process hearings are appealable consistent with § 300.514.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.533. Placement during appeals.

34 C.F.R. § 300.533

When an appeal under § 300.532 has been made by either the parent or the LEA, the child must remain in the interim alternative educational setting pending the decision of the hearing officer or until the expiration of the time period specified in § 300.530(c) or (g), whichever occurs first, unless the parent and the SEA or LEA agree otherwise.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 72 FR 61307, Oct. 30, 2007]

§300.534. Protections for children not determined eligible for special education and related services.

34 C.F.R. § 300.534

(a)

General. A child who has not been determined to be eligible for special education and related services under this part and who has engaged in behavior that violated a code of student conduct, may assert any of the protections provided for in this part if the public agency had knowledge (as determined in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section) that the child was a child with a disability before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred.

(b)

Basis of knowledge. A public agency must be deemed to have knowledge that a child is a child with a disability if before the behavior that precipitated the disciplinary action occurred—

(1)

The parent of the child expressed concern in writing to supervisory or administrative personnel of the appropriate educational agency, or a teacher of the child, that the child is in need of special education and related services;

(2)

The parent of the child requested an evaluation of the child pursuant to §§ 300.300 through 300.311; or

(3)

The teacher of the child, or other personnel of the LEA, expressed specific concerns about a pattern of behavior demonstrated by the child directly to the director of special education of the agency or to other supervisory personnel of the agency.

(c)

Exception. A public agency would not be deemed to have knowledge under paragraph (b) of this section if—

(1)

The parent of the child—

(i)

Has not allowed an evaluation of the child pursuant to §§ 300.300 through 300.311; or

(ii)

Has refused services under this part; or

(2)

The child has been evaluated in accordance with §§ 300.300 through 300.311 and determined to not be a child with a disability under this part.

(d)

Conditions that apply if no basis of knowledge.

(1)

If a public agency does not have knowledge that a child is a child with a disability (in accordance with paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section) prior to taking disciplinary measures against the child, the child may be subjected to the disciplinary measures applied to children without disabilities who engage in comparable behaviors consistent with paragraph (d)(2) of this section.

(2)

(i)

If a request is made for an evaluation of a child during the time period in which the child is subjected to disciplinary measures under § 300.530, the evaluation must be conducted in an expedited manner.

(ii)

Until the evaluation is completed, the child remains in the educational placement determined by school authorities, which can include suspension or expulsion without educational services.

(iii)

If the child is determined to be a child with a disability, taking into consideration information from the evaluation conducted by the agency and information provided by the parents, the agency must provide special education and related services in accordance with this part, including the requirements of §§ 300.530 through 300.536 and section 612(a)(1)(A) of the Act.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.535. Referral to and action by law enforcement and judicial authorities.

34 C.F.R. § 300.535

(a)

Rule of construction. Nothing in this part prohibits an agency from reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability to appropriate authorities or prevents State law enforcement and judicial authorities from exercising their responsibilities with regard to the application of Federal and State law to crimes committed by a child with a disability.

(b)

Transmittal of records.

(1)

An agency reporting a crime committed by a child with a disability must ensure that copies of the special education and disciplinary records of the child are transmitted for consideration by the appropriate authorities to whom the agency reports the crime.

(2)

An agency reporting a crime under this section may transmit copies of the child's special education and disciplinary records only to the extent that the transmission is permitted by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.536. Change of placement because of disciplinary removals.

34 C.F.R. § 300.536

(a)

For purposes of removals of a child with a disability from the child's current educational placement under §§ 300.530 through 300.535, a change of placement occurs if—

(1)

The removal is for more than 10 consecutive school days; or

(2)

The child has been subjected to a series of removals that constitute a pattern—

(i)

Because the series of removals total more than 10 school days in a school year;

(ii)

Because the child's behavior is substantially similar to the child's behavior in previous incidents that resulted in the series of removals; and

(iii)

Because of such additional factors as the length of each removal, the total amount of time the child has been removed, and the proximity of the removals to one another.

(b)

(1)

The public agency determines on a case-by-case basis whether a pattern of removals constitutes a change of placement.

(2)

This determination is subject to review through due process and judicial proceedings.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.537. State enforcement mechanisms.

34 C.F.R. § 300.537

Notwithstanding §§ 300.506(b)(7) and 300.510(d)(2), which provide for judicial enforcement of a written agreement reached as a result of mediation or a resolution meeting, there is nothing in this part that would prevent the SEA from using other mechanisms to seek enforcement of that agreement, provided that use of those mechanisms is not mandatory and does not delay or deny a party the right to seek enforcement of the written agreement in a State court of competent jurisdiction or in a district court of the United States.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.538-300.599. Reserved

34 C.F.R. § 300.538-300.599

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.600. State monitoring and enforcement.

34 C.F.R. § 300.600

(a)

The State must—

(1)

Monitor the implementation of this part;

(2)

Make determinations annually about the performance of each LEA using the categories in § 300.603(b)(1);

(3)

Enforce this part, consistent with § 300.604, using appropriate enforcement mechanisms, which must include, if applicable, the enforcement mechanisms identified in § 300.604(a)(1) (technical assistance), (a)(3) (conditions on funding of an LEA), (b)(2)(i) (a corrective action plan or improvement plan), (b)(2)(v) (withholding funds, in whole or in part, by the SEA), and (c)(2) (withholding funds, in whole or in part, by the SEA); and

(4)

Report annually on the performance of the State and of each LEA under this part, as provided in § 300.602(b)(1)(i)(A) and (b)(2).

(b)

The primary focus of the State's monitoring activities must be on—

(1)

Improving educational results and functional outcomes for all children with disabilities; and

(2)

Ensuring that public agencies meet the program requirements under Part B of the Act, with a particular emphasis on those requirements that are most closely related to improving educational results for children with disabilities.

(c)

As a part of its responsibilities under paragraph (a) of this section, the State must use quantifiable indicators and such qualitative indicators as are needed to adequately measure performance in the priority areas identified in paragraph (d) of this section, and the indicators established by the Secretary for the State performance plans.

(d)

The State must monitor the LEAs located in the State, using quantifiable indicators in each of the following priority areas, and using such qualitative indicators as are needed to adequately measure performance in those areas:

(1)

Provision of FAPE in the least restrictive environment.

(2)

State exercise of general supervision, including child find, effective monitoring, the use of resolution meetings, mediation, and a system of transition services as defined in § 300.43 and in 20 U.S.C. 1437(a)(9).

(3)

Disproportionate representation of racial and ethnic groups in special education and related services, to the extent the representation is the result of inappropriate identification.

(e)

In exercising its monitoring responsibilities under paragraph (d) of this section, the State must ensure that when it identifies noncompliance with the requirements of this part by LEAs, the noncompliance is corrected as soon as possible, and in no case later than one year after the State's identification of the noncompliance.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

§300.601. State performance plans and data collection.

34 C.F.R. § 300.601

(a)

General. Not later than December 3, 2005, each State must have in place a performance plan that evaluates the State's efforts to implement the requirements and purposes of Part B of the Act, and describes how the State will improve such implementation.

(1)

Each State must submit the State's performance plan to the Secretary for approval in accordance with the approval process described in section 616(c) of the Act.

(2)

Each State must review its State performance plan at least once every six years, and submit any amendments to the Secretary.

(3)

As part of the State performance plan, each State must establish measurable and rigorous targets for the indicators established by the Secretary under the priority areas described in § 300.600(d).

(b)

Data collection.

(1)

Each State must collect valid and reliable information as needed to report annually to the Secretary on the indicators established by the Secretary for the State performance plans.

(2)

If the Secretary permits States to collect data on specific indicators through State monitoring or sampling, and the State collects the data through State monitoring or sampling, the State must collect data on those indicators for each LEA at least once during the period of the State performance plan.

(3)

Nothing in Part B of the Act shall be construed to authorize the development of a nationwide database of personally identifiable information on individuals involved in studies or other collections of data under Part B of the Act.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.602. State use of targets and reporting.

34 C.F.R. § 300.602

(a)

General. Each State must use the targets established in the State's performance plan under § 300.601 and the priority areas described in § 300.600(d) to analyze the performance of each LEA.

(b)

Public reporting and privacy—

(1)

Public report.

(i)

Subject to paragraph (b)(1)(ii) of this section, the State must—

(A)

Report annually to the public on the performance of each LEA located in the State on the targets in the State's performance plan as soon as practicable but no later than 120 days following the State's submission of its annual performance report to the Secretary under paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and

(B)

Make each of the following items available through public means— the State's performance plan, under § 300.601(a); annual performance reports, under paragraph (b)(2) of this section; and the State's annual reports on the performance of each LEA located in the State, under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section. In doing so, the State must, at a minimum, post the plan and reports on the SEA's Web site, and distribute the plan and reports to the media and through public agencies.

(ii)

If the State, in meeting the requirements of paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section, collects performance data through State monitoring or sampling, the State must include in its report under paragraph (b)(1)(i)(A) of this section the most recently available performance data on each LEA, and the date the data were obtained.

(2)

State performance report. The State must report annually to the Secretary on the performance of the State under the State's performance plan.

(3)

Privacy. The State must not report to the public or the Secretary any information on performance that would result in the disclosure of personally identifiable information about individual children, or where the available data are insufficient to yield statistically reliable information.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, as amended at 73 FR 73027, Dec. 1, 2008]

§300.603. Secretary's review and determination regarding State performance.

34 C.F.R. § 300.603

(a)

Review. The Secretary annually reviews the State's performance report submitted pursuant to § 300.602(b)(2).

(b)

Determination—

(1)

General. Based on the information provided by the State in the State's annual performance report, information obtained through monitoring visits, and any other public information made available, the Secretary determines if the State—

(i)

Meets the requirements and purposes of Part B of the Act;

(ii)

Needs assistance in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Act;

(iii)

Needs intervention in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Act; or

(iv)

Needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Act.

(2)

Notice and opportunity for a hearing.

(i)

For determinations made under paragraphs (b)(1)(iii) and (b)(1)(iv) of this section, the Secretary provides reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing on those determinations.

(ii)

The hearing described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section consists of an opportunity to meet with the Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to demonstrate why the Department should not make the determination described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.604. Enforcement.

34 C.F.R. § 300.604

(a)

Needs assistance. If the Secretary determines, for two consecutive years, that a State needs assistance under § 300.603(b)(1)(ii) in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Act, the Secretary takes one or more of the following actions:

(1)

Advises the State of available sources of technical assistance that may help the State address the areas in which the State needs assistance, which may include assistance from the Office of Special Education Programs, other offices of the Department of Education, other Federal agencies, technical assistance providers approved by the Secretary, and other federally funded nonprofit agencies, and requires the State to work with appropriate entities. Such technical assistance may include—

(i)

The provision of advice by experts to address the areas in which the State needs assistance, including explicit plans for addressing the area for concern within a specified period of time;

(ii)

Assistance in identifying and implementing professional development, instructional strategies, and methods of instruction that are based on scientifically based research;

(iii)

Designating and using distinguished superintendents, principals, special education administrators, special education teachers, and other teachers to provide advice, technical assistance, and support; and

(iv)

Devising additional approaches to providing technical assistance, such as collaborating with institutions of higher education, educational service agencies, national centers of technical assistance supported under Part D of the Act, and private providers of scientifically based technical assistance.

(2)

Directs the use of State-level funds under section 611(e) of the Act on the area or areas in which the State needs assistance.

(3)

Identifies the State as a high-risk grantee and imposes special conditions on the State's grant under Part B of the Act.

(b)

Needs intervention. If the Secretary determines, for three or more consecutive years, that a State needs intervention under § 300.603(b)(1)(iii) in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Act, the following shall apply:

(1)

The Secretary may take any of the actions described in paragraph (a) of this section.

(2)

The Secretary takes one or more of the following actions—

(i)

Requires the State to prepare a corrective action plan or improvement plan if the Secretary determines that the State should be able to correct the problem within one year.

(ii)

Requires the State to enter into a compliance agreement under section 457 of the General Education Provisions Act, as amended, 20 U.S.C. 1221 et seq. (GEPA), if the Secretary has reason to believe that the State cannot correct the problem within one year.

(iii)

For each year of the determination, withholds not less than 20 percent and not more than 50 percent of the State's funds under section 611(e) of the Act, until the Secretary determines the State has sufficiently addressed the areas in which the State needs intervention.

(iv)

Seeks to recover funds under section 452 of GEPA.

(v)

Withholds, in whole or in part, any further payments to the State under Part B of the Act.

(vi)

Refers the matter for appropriate enforcement action, which may include referral to the Department of Justice.

(c)

Needs substantial intervention. Notwithstanding paragraph (a) or (b) of this section, at any time that the Secretary determines that a State needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements of Part B of the Act or that there is a substantial failure to comply with any condition of an SEA's or LEA's eligibility under Part B of the Act, the Secretary takes one or more of the following actions:

(1)

Recovers funds under section 452 of GEPA.

(2)

Withholds, in whole or in part, any further payments to the State under Part B of the Act.

(3)

Refers the case to the Office of the Inspector General at the Department of Education.

(4)

Refers the matter for appropriate enforcement action, which may include referral to the Department of Justice.

(d)

Report to Congress. The Secretary reports to the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate within 30 days of taking enforcement action pursuant to paragraph (a), (b), or (c) of this section, on the specific action taken and the reasons why enforcement action was taken.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.605. Withholding funds.

34 C.F.R. § 300.605

(a)

Opportunity for hearing. Prior to withholding any funds under Part B of the Act, the Secretary provides reasonable notice and an opportunity for a hearing to the SEA involved, pursuant to the procedures in §§ 300.180 through 300.183.

(b)

Suspension. Pending the outcome of any hearing to withhold payments under paragraph (a) of this section, the Secretary may suspend payments to a recipient, suspend the authority of the recipient to obligate funds under Part B of the Act, or both, after the recipient has been given reasonable notice and an opportunity to show cause why future payments or authority to obligate funds under Part B of the Act should not be suspended.

(c)

Nature of withholding.

(1)

If the Secretary determines that it is appropriate to withhold further payments under § 300.604(b)(2) or (c)(2), the Secretary may determine—

(i)

That the withholding will be limited to programs or projects, or portions of programs or projects, that affected the Secretary's determination under § 300.603(b)(1); or

(ii)

That the SEA must not make further payments under Part B of the Act to specified State agencies or LEAs that caused or were involved in the Secretary's determination under § 300.603(b)(1).

(2)

Until the Secretary is satisfied that the condition that caused the initial withholding has been substantially rectified—

(i)

Payments to the State under Part B of the Act must be withheld in whole or in part; and

(ii)

Payments by the SEA under Part B of the Act must be limited to State agencies and LEAs whose actions did not cause or were not involved in the Secretary's determination under § 300.603(b)(1), as the case may be.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

§300.606. Public attention.

34 C.F.R. § 300.606

Whenever a State receives notice that the Secretary is proposing to take or is taking an enforcement action pursuant to § 300.604, the State must, by means of a public notice, take such actions as may be necessary to notify the public within the State of the pendency of an action pursuant to § 300.604, including, at a minimum, by posting the notice on the SEA's Web site and distributing the notice to the media and through public agencies.

Notes, amendments, and revision history

Amendments

[73 FR 73028, Dec. 1, 2008]

Authority

Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3, 1406, 1411-1419, and 3474; Pub. L. 111-256, 124 Stat. 2643; unless otherwise noted.

Source

Source: 71 FR 46753, Aug. 14, 2006, unless otherwise noted.

Amendments

[73 FR 73028, Dec. 1, 2008]