Q&A
Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) for students with IEPs facing suspensions
3:07:00
ยท
138 sec
Council Member Rita Joseph inquires about the process and training for Manifestation Determination Reviews (MDRs) for students with IEPs facing suspensions. DOE representatives explain their efforts to improve the MDR process and ensure proper implementation.
- DOE is revamping training materials for MDRs in partnership with advocates and stakeholders
- New training covers the entire MDR process, family engagement, and provision of materials
- MDR worksheets are uploaded into internal systems for review
- DOE worked with advocacy groups to update the MDR letter to ensure families know their rights
Rita Joseph
3:07:00
11 business days.
3:07:01
Thank you.
3:07:02
We're gonna get into some behavioral regarding manifestation determination reviews for students with IEPs facing suspensions, we know that students, since with IEPs, tend to have more suspensions.
3:07:14
What are we doing in terms of restorative justice?
3:07:17
And, what training do do do we facilitate with MDRs receiving regarding how to conduct the meetings?
John Hammer
3:07:26
So I can start on on MDR and then, you know, my colleagues can talk a little bit about training, therapeutic crisis
Althea Stevens
3:07:32
Mhmm.
John Hammer
3:07:32
Intervention.
3:07:34
MDR process is something that our our division is is focusing on this year.
3:07:38
We've been working to revamp our training materials in in close partnership with advocates and other stakeholders.
3:07:45
And so the the the training that has been developed and is being rolled out this year really takes schools through the the entire process, what's expected at the meeting, how they should be engaging families through this process, the materials that should be provided to families, and really ensuring that families are aware of of agencies that can support them.
3:08:04
And so this training is being rolled out.
3:08:05
We're we're starting at the committees on special education.
3:08:07
We're starting with some targeted districts.
3:08:10
We're getting really good feedback on on what's happening right now, and we're excited to continue to focus on this work.
Rita Joseph
3:08:15
And, for families, again, that English is not their first language, is this also being provided in in their language, translated?
3:08:22
Yes.
3:08:23
Does anyone review the MDR worksheet after they complete it to determine if the meeting has been conducted according to city, federal, and state laws and guidelines?
John Hammer
3:08:32
Yeah.
3:08:32
So families should always have access to the MDR worksheets and any of the other materials and documents that are used, during the meeting.
3:08:40
We do review documents when an escalation is brought to our attention, and it's something that we've been working closely with, our our partners, our advocacy stakeholders and partners on.
Rita Joseph
3:08:50
Is that an option families are aware that they can have an MDR?
John Hammer
3:08:54
We we it's our our policy.
3:08:57
We believe that to be the case, and we're continually reinforcing that.
Rita Joseph
3:09:01
And do you collect the MDR worksheets, schools are required to fill out for every MDR?
Christina Foti
3:09:06
Yeah.
3:09:06
So so MDR worksheets are uploaded into the internal systems.
3:09:11
And I also just wanna note that we worked closely in conjunction with advocacy groups to update the MDR letter to ensure that families know their rights.
Rita Joseph
3:09:18
And if I would like to request the data to would I be able to get that?