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    If your child is struggling academically, socially or emotionally, you are encouraged to work with school personnel to determine ways to help your child. Not all children who struggle in school are eligible for special education services. This handbook is intended to provide you with important basic information regarding your rights as a parent of a child with a disability in south Dakota.

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    If your child is struggling academically, socially or emotionally, you are encouraged to work with school personnel to determine ways to help your child. Not all children who struggle in school are eligible for special education services. This handbook is intended to provide you with important basic information regarding your rights as a parent of a child with a disability in south Dakota.

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    Southdakotaparentalrightsandproceduralsafeguards

    Uploaded by

    api-303005260
    If your child is struggling academically, socially or emotionally, you are encouraged to work with school personnel to determine ways to help your child. Not all children who struggle in school are eligible for special education services. This handbook is intended to provide you with important basic information regarding your rights as a parent of a child with a disability in south Dakota.

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    of 42

    Educationisoneofthemostimportantresponsibilitiesaparenthaswhenraisingachild.

    Specialeducationservicesmaybeavailableasanoptionforparentswhentheirchildrenare
    strugglingwithlearningbecauseofadisability.Ifyouseeyourchildstrugglingacademically,
    sociallyoremotionally,youareencouragedtoworkwithschoolpersonneltodetermineways
    tohelpyourchild.Therearenumerouswaystomakechangestothelearningenvironment
    thatwillhelpchildrenlearneffectively.Specialeducationisoneofthoseways.Notallchildren
    whostruggleinschoolareeligibleforspecialeducationservices,ifyourchildisstruggling;itis
    beneficialtoworkwithschoolstaff.Ifyoubelievethatyourschoolisnothelpingorignoring
    yourconcerns,youmaycontactSouthDakotaAdvocacyServices,ParentConnection,orthe
    SouthDakotaDepartmentofEducation,StateSpecialEducationProgramsforhelp.The
    contactinformationfortheseagenciesisavailableatthebackofthishandbook.

    Thepurposeofthisdocumentistoprovideyouwithimportantbasicinformationregarding
    yourrightsasaparentofachildwithadisabilityinSouthDakota.Pleasereviewcarefully.This
    isnotintendedasafullexplanationofyourlegalrightsand/orresponsibilitiesunderStateand
    federalspecialeducationlaw.Ifyouhavequestionsorneedassistanceinunderstandingthe
    Statesspecialeducationrules,contactanyoftheorganizationslistedattheendofthis
    document,yourlocalschooldistrictssuperintendent,ordesignee.

    TheIndividualswithDisabilitiesEducationAct(IDEA)isthefederallawthatrequiresschoolsto
    providespecialeducationservicesandspecifiesproceduresschoolsmustfollow.Statelawalso
    containsrequirementsforprovidingservicestospecialeducationstudents.Ifyouareaparent
    ofachildwithadisabilityundertheIDEA,thishandbookisyournoticeofproceduralsafeguards
    andexplainstheprinciplesandrequirementsofspecialeducationtoyou.Inthishandbook,you
    willfindsectionheadingsfortopicsinvolvingspecialeducation.Undereachtopicheadingis
    thefederalandStatelawcitationsforthetopic.Eachtopicheadinghasabriefsummaryofits
    meaningfollowedbyappropriatedefinitionsanddescriptionsofprocessesthatapplytothe
    topic.Thedocumentendswithanappendixthatincludesothertopicsrelatedtospecial
    educationsuchaseducationrecords,definitionsofspecialcircumstances,andnativelanguage
    requirements.Ifyouneedassistancebecauseyoususpectyourchildhasadisabilityandyou
    believeyourchildmayneedspecialeducationservices,youmaycontacttheagencieslistedat
    theendofthispamphlet.

    TableofContents
    AVAILABILITYOFPROCEDURALSAFEGUARDSNOTICE..................................................................5

    PARENTALCONSENT.......................................................................................................................5
    DefinitionofaParent................................................................................................................5
    DefinitionofaWardoftheState..............................................................................................6
    DefinitionofParentalConsent.................................................................................................6
    ConsentforInitialEvaluation....................................................................................................7
    ConsentforServices.................................................................................................................7
    ConsentforReevaluations........................................................................................................8
    OtherConsentRequirements...................................................................................................9

    PRIORWRITTENNOTICE.................................................................................................................9

    INDEPENDENTEDUCATIONALEVALUATION(IEE)........................................................................10

    CONFIDENTIALITYOFINFORMATION&ACCESSTOEDUCATIONALRECORDS............................11
    Definitions...............................................................................................................................11
    NoticetoParentsRegardingConfidentialityofInformationandAccesstoConfidential
    Information.............................................................................................................................12
    AmendmentofRecordsatParentRequest............................................................................16
    ReferraltoandActionbyLawEnforcement&JudicialAuthoritiesandTransmittalof
    Records...................................................................................................................................17

    PLACEMENTOFCHILDRENBYTHEIRPARENTSINPRIVATESCHOOL
    ChildrenPlacedinPrivateSchoolsbyTheirParentsifFAPEisNotatIssue...........................18
    ChildrenPlacedinPrivateSchoolsbyTheirParentsifFAPEisatIssue..................................18

    DISCIPLINEOFSTUDENTSWITHDISABILITIES..............................................................................20
    GeneralAuthority...................................................................................................................20
    DisciplinaryChangeofPlacement..........................................................................................20
    ManifestationDeterminationandPossibleOutcomes..........................................................21
    SpecialCircumstancesandPossibleOutcomes......................................................................22
    DueProcessHearingComplaintsRegardingDisciplineofStudentswithDisabilities............22

    ProtectionsforChildrenNotDeterminedEligibleforSpecialEducationandRelatedServices
    .................................................................................................................................................24

    STATEDISPUTERESOLUTIONPROCEDURES.................................................................................25
    DifferencesBetweenDueProcessHearingComplaintandStateComplaintProcedures.....25
    StateComplaints.....................................................................................................................25
    Mediation................................................................................................................................28
    DueProcessHearingComplaint.............................................................................................29
    FilingaDueProcessHearingComplaint.................................................................................29
    SufficiencyofComplaint.........................................................................................................30
    DistrictResponsetoaDueProcessHearingComplaintFiledbyaParent.............................31
    OtherPartyResponsetoaDueProcessHearingComplaint..................................................31
    ResolutionMeeting.................................................................................................................31
    30DayResolutionPeriod.......................................................................................................32
    Adjustmentstothe30dayResolutionPeriod........................................................................32
    WrittenSettlementAgreement..............................................................................................33
    ImpartialDueProcessHearing...............................................................................................33
    ImpartialHearingOfficer........................................................................................................33
    SubjectMatterofDueProcessHearings................................................................................34
    HearingRights.........................................................................................................................34
    AdditionalDisclosureofInformation......................................................................................34
    ParentalRightsatHearings.....................................................................................................34
    HearingDecisions....................................................................................................................35
    FindingsandDecisionstoAdvisoryPanelandGeneralPublic...............................................35
    FinalityofDecision..................................................................................................................35
    HearingTimelines...................................................................................................................35
    CivilActions.............................................................................................................................36
    AttorneysFees.......................................................................................................................36
    ChildsStatusDuringProceedings(StayPut)......................................................................37

    TRANSFEROFPARENTALRIGHTSATAGEOFMAJORITY..............................................................38

    SOURCESTOCONTACTFORADDITIONALASSISTANCEINUNDERSTANDINGYOURRIGHTS......39

    APPENDIX......................................................................................................................................40
    EducationRecords..................................................................................................................40
    SpecialCircumstancesDefinitions..........................................................................................41
    NativeLanguage......................................................................................................................42
    4

    Theparentalrightsavailabletoyouasaparentofachildwithadisabilityaredescribedinthis
    documentandarealsocontainedintheSouthDakotaSpecialEducationAdministrativeRules,
    Article 24:05. Specific citations to the Administrative Rules are listed as appropriate. Since
    theseproceduralsafeguardsarerequiredundertheIDEA,specificregulatorycitationstoPartB
    of the IDEA (34 CFR Part 300) are provided throughout this document as an additional
    reference point. This is intended as a summary of the special education provisions in South
    Dakota State law and Part B of the IDEA (34 CFR Part 300), a federal law. Please see the
    statutoryandregulatoryprovisionsfortheexactlanguagethatapplies.

    AVAILABILITYOFPROCEDURALSAFEGUARDSNOTICE
    34CFR300.504(a)&(b);ARSD24:05:30:06.01

    Acopyoftheproceduralsafeguardsnoticemustbegiventoyou,theparentofachildwitha
    disability,atleastonceeveryschoolyear.Acopymustalsobegiventoyou:

    1. Uponinitialreferralorrequestbyyouforanevaluationofyourchild;

    2. Uponrequestbyyou;

    3. Whenyourchildmaybedisciplinedinamannerthatchangesyourchildsplacement;

    4. AfterthefirstfilingbyyouofaStatecomplaintordueprocesshearingcomplaintina
    schoolyear.
    Acopyoftheproceduralsafeguardsnoticemayalsobepostedontheschooldistrictswebsite.

    PARENTALCONSENT
    DefinitionofaParent
    34CFR300.30;ARSD24:05:13:03

    Aparentmeans:

    1. Abiologicaloradoptiveparentofachild;

    2. Afosterparentunlessrestrictedbystatelaw,regulationorcontract;

    3. Aguardianappointedbythecourtandauthorizedtoactasthechildsparent,orto
    makeeducationaldecisionsforthechild;

    4. Anindividualactingastheparentintheabsenceofabiologicaloradoptiveparent
    (includingagrandparent,stepparent,orotherrelative)withwhomthechildlives,oran
    individualwhoislegallyresponsibleforthechildswelfare;

    5. Asurrogateparentwhohasbeenappointedinaccordancewithspecialeducationrules;
    or

    6. AspecificpersonorpersonstheCourtorderstoactastheparentofachildortomake
    educationaldecisionsonbehalfofachild.

    Ifyouareyourchildsbiologicaloradoptiveparent,youarepresumedtobetheparentunless
    youdonothavelegalauthoritytomakeeducationaldecisionsforyourchild.
    TheStatecannotbeaparentifthechildisawardoftheState.
    DefinitionofaWardoftheState
    34CFR300.45

    WardoftheState,asusedintheIDEA,meansachildwhois:

    1. Afosterchild;
    2. ConsideredawardoftheStateunderStatelaw;or
    3. Inthecustodyofapublicchildwelfareagency.
    Except:

    WardoftheStatedoesnotincludeafosterchildwhohasafosterparentwhomeetsthe
    definitionofaparent.
    DefinitionofParentalConsent
    34CFR300.9

    "Consent"meansthatyouhavereceivedallofthenecessaryinformationinorderforyouto
    understandthedescribedactivity,andyouagreeinwritingtocompletetheactivity.Inthisway,
    youareabletogiveyourpermission.Theinformationmustbeprovidedinyournativelanguage
    ormodeofcommunication.Iftheactivityforwhichyourconsentisrequestedinvolvessharing
    yourchildsrecords,youwillbeinformedaboutwhatrecordswillbesharedandwithwhom
    thoserecordsmaybeshared.Yourconsentisvoluntaryandcanbecancelledbyyouatany
    time.

    Ifyoucancelconsent,itonlyappliestofutureactivitiesandnotactivitiesthathavealready
    occurred.Ifyoucancelconsentinwritingforyourchildtoreceivespecialeducationand
    relatedservicesafteryourchildhasbegunreceivingspecialeducationandrelatedservices,the
    schooldistrictisnotrequiredtoremoveanyinformationfromyourchildseducationrecords
    aboutthespecialeducationandrelatedservicesthatyourchildreceivedbeforeyoucanceled
    consent.Afteryougivetheschooldistrictwrittencancellation(revocation)ofyourconsent,
    6

    theschooldistrictmustgiveyoupriorwrittennoticeandthendiscontinuespecialeducation
    andrelatedservicestoyourchild.
    ConsentforInitialEvaluation
    34CFR300.300(a);34CFR300.45;ARSD24:05:25:02.01;ARSD24:05:15:06

    Yourschooldistrictmustprovidenoticeinwritingandhaveyourconsentbeforestartingan
    initialevaluationofyourchildtodetermineifyourchildiseligibleunderPartBoftheIDEAto
    receivespecialeducationandrelatedservices.

    1. Yourschooldistrictmustmakereasonableeffortstoobtainyourinformedconsentfor
    aninitialevaluation.

    2. Yourconsentforaninitialevaluationdoesnotmeanthatyouhaveconsentedtospecial
    educationandrelatedservicesforyourchild.

    3. Ifyourchildisenrolledorattemptingtoenrollinpublicschoolandyourefuseto
    consenttoaninitialevaluationordonotrespondtoarequestforconsentforaninitial
    evaluation,yourschooldistrictmay,butdoesnothaveto,usetheIDEAdispute
    resolutionprocedures(i.e.,mediation,dueprocesscomplaint)toaddressyourlackof
    consentforaninitialevaluationofyourchild.

    4. IfyourschooldistrictdoesnotrequestanevaluationthroughtheIDEAdispute
    resolutionprocedures(i.e.,mediation,dueprocesscomplaint),itwillnotviolateitschild
    findobligationstolocate,identifyandevaluateyourchildortherequirementsregarding
    parentalconsent,evaluation,andreevaluation.

    IfachildisawardoftheStateandisnotresidingwithhis/herparent,theschooldistrictdoes
    notneedconsentfromtheparentforaninitialevaluationtodetermineifthechildisachild
    withadisabilityif:

    1. Theschooldistrictcannotdiscoverthewhereaboutsoftheparentaftermaking
    reasonableeffortstodoso;
    2. TheparentalrightshavebeenterminatedinaccordancewithStatelaw;or
    3. Ajudgehasassignedtherighttomakeeducationaldecisions,includingconsentforan
    initialevaluation,toanindividualotherthantheparent,andthatindividualhasgiven
    consent.
    ConsentforServices
    34CFR300.300(b)

    Yourschooldistrictmusthaveyourpermissionbeforeprovidingspecialeducationtoyourchild
    forthefirsttime.

    1. Theschooldistrictmustmakereasonableeffortstoobtainyourinformedconsent
    beforeprovidingspecialeducationandrelatedservicestoyourchildforthefirsttime.

    2. Ifyoudonotrespondtoarequesttoconsentforyourchildtoreceivespecialeducation
    andrelatedservicesforthefirsttime,orifyourefusetogivesuchconsent,orlater
    cancelyourconsentinwriting,yourschooldistrictmaynotusetheIDEAdispute
    resolutionprocedures(i.e.mediation,dueprocesscomplaint)inordertooverrideyour
    lackofconsentforspecialeducationandrelatedservicestobeprovidedtoyourchild.
    3. Ifyourefusetogiveyourconsent,failtorespondtoarequestforconsentforyourchild
    toreceivespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforthefirsttime,oryoulatercancel
    yourconsentinwriting,andtheschooldistrictstopsprovidingspecialeducationand
    relatedservicestoyourchild,yourschooldistrict:
    a. Isnotinviolationoftherequirementtomakeafreeappropriatepublic
    education(FAPE)availabletoyourchildbecauseitfailedtoprovidethose
    servicestoyourchild;and
    b. Isnotrequiredtohaveanindividualizededucationprogram(IEP)meetingor
    developanIEPforyourchildtodeterminespecialeducationandrelated
    services.
    Ifyoucancelyourconsentinwritingafteryourchildfirstreceivesspecialeducationandrelated
    services,thentheschooldistrictmustprovideyouwithpriorwrittennotice,asdescribedunder
    theheadingPriorWrittenNotice,andmuststopservicestoyourchildafterprovidingyouwith
    priorwrittennotice.
    ConsentforReevaluations
    34CFR300.300(c)and(d);ARSD24:05:25:06.01
    Yourschooldistrictmustobtainyourconsentbeforeitreevaluatesyourchild,unlessyour
    schooldistrictcandemonstrateanddocumentthat:
    1. Ittookreasonablestepstoobtainyourconsentforyourchild'sreevaluation;and
    2. Youdidnotrespond.
    Ifyourefusetoconsenttoyourchild'sreevaluation,theschooldistrictmay,butisnotrequired
    to,usethedisputeresolutionprocedures(i.e.mediation,dueprocesshearingcomplaint)to
    overrideyourrefusaltoconsenttoyourchild'sreevaluation.Aswithinitialevaluations,your
    schooldistrictdoesnotviolateitschildfindandotherobligationsunderPartBoftheIDEA,ifit
    doesnotpursuethereevaluationwhenyourefusetoconsent.
    Yourschooldistrictmustmaintainrecordsofitsreasonableeffortstoobtainyourconsentfor
    initialevaluations,toprovidespecialeducationandrelatedservicesforthefirsttime,to
    reevaluate,andtolocateparentsofchildrenwhoarewardsoftheStateforinitialevaluations.
    Thedocumentationmustincludearecordoftheschooldistrictsattemptsinthefollowing
    areas:

    1. Detailedrecordsoftelephonecallsmadeorattemptedandtheresultsofthosecalls;
    2. Copiesofcorrespondencesenttoyouandanyresponsesreceived;and
    3. Detailedrecordsofvisitsmadetoyourhomeorplaceofemploymentandtheresultsof
    thosevisits.
    OtherConsentRequirements
    34CFR300.300(d);ARSD24:05:25:02.03
    Yourconsentisnotrequiredbeforeyourschooldistrictmay:
    1. Reviewexistingdataaspartofyourchild'sevaluationorreevaluation;or
    2. Giveyourchildatestorotherevaluationthatisgiventoallchildrenunless,beforethat
    testorevaluationisgiven,consentisrequiredfromallparentsofallchildren.
    Yourschooldistrictmaynotuseyourrefusaltoconsenttoanevaluationorservicesunderthe
    IDEAtodenyyouoryourchildanyotherservice,benefit,oractivity,exceptasrequiredunder
    PartBoftheIDEA.
    Ifyouhaveenrolledyourchildinaprivateschoolatyourownexpenseorifyouarehome
    schoolingyourchild,andyoudonotprovideyourconsentforaninitialevaluationor
    reevaluationofyourchild,oryoufailtorespondtoarequesttoprovideyourconsent,the
    schooldistrictcannotusetheIDEAdisputeresolutionprocedures(i.e.,mediation,dueprocess
    hearing)tooverrideyourlackofconsent.Underthesecircumstances,theschooldistrictisnot
    requiredtoconsideryourchildeligibletoreceiveequitableservices(servicesmadeavailableto
    someparentallyplacedprivateschoolchildrenwithdisabilities).

    PRIORWRITTENNOTICE
    34CFR300.503;34CFR300.505;34CFR300.304;ARSD24:05:30:04
    Atleastfivedaysbeforerecommendingorrefusingtobeginorchangetheidentification,
    evaluation,educationalplacementofyourchild,ortheprovisionofFAPEtoyourchild,the
    schooldistrictmustprovideyouwithpriorwrittennotice.Youmaywaivethepriorwritten
    notice.
    Thepriorwrittennoticemust:
    1. Describetheactionthatyourschooldistrictplansorrefusestotake;
    2. Explainwhyyourschooldistrictisplanningorrefusingtotaketheaction;
    3. Describeeachevaluationprocedure,assessment,record,orreportyourschooldistrict
    usedindecidingtoplanorrefusetotaketheaction;
    4. Includeastatementthatyouhaveprotectionsundertheproceduralsafeguards
    provisionsinPartBoftheIDEA;
    5. Tellyouwhereyoucanfindmoreabouttheproceduralsafeguardsiftheplannedor
    refusedactionisnotaninitialreferralforevaluation;
    9

    6. IncludecontactinformationforresourcestohelpyouunderstandPartBoftheIDEA;
    7. Describeanyotheroptionsthatyourchild'sIEPTeamconsideredandwhythoseoptions
    wererejected;
    8. Provideadescriptionofotherfactorsthattheschooldistrictusedinitsdecisiontoplan
    orrefusetheaction;and
    9. Ifyourschooldistrictisplanningtoconductanevaluation,describeanyevaluation
    proceduresyourschooldistrictisplanningtoconduct.
    Thepriorwrittennoticemustbe:
    1. Writtenineasilyunderstoodlanguage;and

    2. Providedinyournativelanguageorothermodeofcommunication,unlessnotfeasible
    todoso.
    Ifyournativelanguageorothermodeofcommunicationisnotawrittenlanguage,yourschool
    districtmusttakestepstoensurethat:

    1. Thenoticeistranslatedforyouorallyorbyothermeansinyournativelanguageor
    othermodeofcommunication;
    2. Youunderstandthecontentofthenotice;and
    3. Thereiswrittendocumentationthat1and2havebeenmet.
    Youmaychoosetoreceivepriorwrittennotices,proceduralsafeguardsnotices,andnotices
    relatedtoadueprocesshearingcomplaintbyanelectronicmailcommunication(email),if
    available.Yourschooldistrictwillverifythatyouwishtoreceivenoticesbyelectronicmail.

    INDEPENDENTEDUCATIONALEVALUATION(IEE)
    34CFR300.502;ARSD24:05:30:03

    YouhavetherighttohaveanIEEofyourchildatpublicexpense,ifyoudisagreewithan
    evaluationobtainedbytheschooldistrict.

    AnIEEmeansanevaluationconductedbyaqualifiedexaminerwhoisnotemployedbythe
    schooldistrict.

    Publicexpensemeansthattheschooldistricteitherpaysforthefullcostoftheevaluationor
    ensuresthattheevaluationisotherwiseprovidedatnocosttoyouconsistentwiththe
    provisionsofPartBoftheIDEA.

    IfyourequestanIEE,theschooldistrictmayaskyouforthereasonwhyyouobjecttothe
    schoolsevaluation.Youdonothavetoexplainwhyyouobject.

    10

    WhenyourequestanIEE,theschooldistrictwillprovideyouwithinformationaboutwherean
    IEEmaybeobtained,andtheapplicableschooldistrictcriteriaforIEEs.

    IfanIEEisatpublicexpense,theschooldistrictcriteriafortheevaluation,includingthelocation
    oftheevaluationandthequalificationsoftheexaminermustbethesameasthecriteriathat
    theschooldistrictuseswhenitinitiatesanevaluation.Exceptforthecriteriadescribedabove,
    theschooldistrictmaynotimposeadditionalconditionsortimelinesforobtaininganIEE.

    TheschooldistrictmusteithergranttheIEEatpublicexpense,ortheschooldistrictmustfilea
    dueprocesshearingcomplainttodemonstratethattheschooldistrictsevaluationwas
    appropriateorthattheIEEyouarerequestingorhaveobtaineddoesnotcomplywiththe
    schooldistrictscriteria.

    Iftheschooldistrictfilesadueprocesscomplainttorequestahearing,andthefinaldecisionof
    thehearingofficeristhattheschooldistrictsevaluationisappropriate,youstillhavetheright
    toanIEE,butnotatpublicexpense.

    You are entitled to only one IEE of your child at public expense each time the school district
    conductsanevaluationofyourchild.

    IfyouobtainanIEEatpublicexpenseorsharewiththeschooldistrictanevaluationobtainedat
    privateexpense,theIEPTeammustconsideranyIEEorotherevaluationssharedbyyouthat
    complywiththeschooldistrictcriteriaforIEEsinanydecisionmadeabouttheprovisionof
    FAPEtoyourchild.

    TheresultsoftheIEEmaybepresentedbyanypartyasevidenceatadueprocesshearing
    regardingyourchild.

    IfahearingofficerrequestsanIEEaspartofahearingonadueprocesscomplaint,thecostof
    theevaluationmustbeatpublicexpense.

    CONFIDENTIALITYOFINFORMATION&ACCESSTOEDUCATIONALRECORDS
    34CFR300.611617;ARSD24:05:29;34CFR300.622625;34CFR300.32

    TheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct(FERPA)givesparentsandstudentswhoare18
    yearsofageorolder(eligiblestudents)certainrightswithrespecttothestudentsrecords
    includingtherighttoaccess(inspectandreview)therecordsandfurtherprotectsthe
    confidentialityoftheserecords.TheIDEAalsoaddressesaccessandconfidentialityofrecords.

    Definitions

    "Destruction"meansphysicaldestructionorremovalofnamesorpersonalidentifierssothat
    theinformationisnolongerpersonallyidentifiable.
    11


    "Educationrecords"meansthetypeofrecordscoveredunderthedefinitionof"education
    records"in34CFRpart99(theregulationsimplementingtheFamilyEducationalRightsand
    PrivacyActof1974,20U.S.C.1232g(FERPA)).(SeeAppendixAforfulldefinition)

    "Participatingagency"meansanyagencyorinstitutionthatcollects,maintains,oruses
    personallyidentifiableinformation,orfromwhichinformationisobtained,underPartBofthe
    IDEA.

    "Personallyidentifiableinformation,"thetermincludes:

    1. Thestudent'sname;
    2. Thenameofthestudent'sparentorotherfamilymembers;
    3. Theaddressofthestudentorstudent'sfamily;
    4. Apersonalidentifier,suchasthestudent'ssocialsecuritynumber,studentnumber,or
    biometricrecord;
    5. Otherindirectidentifiers,suchasthestudent'sdateofbirth,placeofbirth,and
    mother'smaidenname;
    6. Otherinformationthat,aloneorincombination,islinkedorlinkabletoaspecific
    studentthatwouldallowareasonablepersonintheschoolcommunity,whodoesnot
    havepersonalknowledgeoftherelevantcircumstances,toidentifythestudentwith
    reasonablecertainty;or
    7. Informationrequestedbyapersonwhotheeducationalagencyorinstitutionbelieves
    knowstheidentityofthestudenttowhomtheeducationrecordrelates.
    NoticetoParentsRegardingConfidentialityofInformationandAccesstoConfidential
    Information

    UnderFERPA,aschoolmustannuallynotifyparentsofstudentsinattendanceoftheirrights
    underFERPA.Theannualnotificationmustincludeinformationregardingaparent'srightto
    inspectandreviewhisorherchild'seducationrecords,therighttoseektoamendtherecords,
    therighttoconsenttodisclosureofpersonallyidentifiableinformationfromtherecords
    (exceptincertaincircumstances),andtherighttofileacomplaintwiththeFamilyPolicy
    ComplianceOfficeoftheU.S.DepartmentofEducationregardinganallegedfailurebyaschool
    tocomplywithFERPA.Theschoolmustalsoinformparentsofitsdefinitionsoftheterms
    "schoolofficial"and"legitimateeducationalinterest."

    FERPAdoesnotrequireaschooltonotifyparentsindividuallyoftheirrightsunderFERPA.
    Instead,theschoolmayprovidetheannualnotificationbyanymeanslikelytoinformparents
    oftheirrights.

    12

    UnderbothFERPAandtheIDEA,theschooldistrict:

    1. Mustpermityoutoinspectandreviewanyeducationrecordsrelatingtoyourchild
    whicharecollected,maintained,orusedbytheschooldistrictunderPartBoftheIDEA;
    2. Mustcomplywithyourrequesttoinspectandreviewyourchildsrecordswithout
    unnecessarydelayandbeforeanyIEPmeeting,resolutionsession,ordueprocess
    hearing(concerningidentification,evaluation,educationalplacement,disciplineor
    provisionofFAPE);and
    3. Maynottakemorethan45calendardaystocomplyaftertherequesthasbeenmade.
    Yourrighttoinspectandrevieweducationrecordsincludes:
    1. Therighttoaresponsefromtheschooldistricttoreasonablerequestsforexplanations
    andinterpretationsoftherecords;
    2. Therighttorequestthattheschooldistrictprovidecopiesoftherecordscontainingthe
    informationiffailuretoprovidethesecopieswouldeffectivelypreventyoufrom
    exercisingyourrighttoinspectandreviewtherecords;and
    3. Therighttohaveyourrepresentativereviewtherecords.
    Theschooldistrictmaypresumethatyouhaveauthoritytoreviewrecordsrelatingtoyourchild
    unlesstheschooldistricthasbeeninformedthatyoudonothavetheauthority.
    Theschooldistrictmustkeeparecordofpartiesthatobtainaccesstoeducationrecords
    collected,maintained,orusedunderPartBoftheIDEA(exceptaccessbyyouorauthorized
    employeesoftheschooldistrict)includingthenameoftheparty,thedateaccesswasgiven,
    andthepurposeforwhichthepartyisauthorizedtousetherecords.Youoryoureligible
    studentmayrequesttoinspecttherecordofaccess.
    Ifanyeducationrecordsincludeinformationonmorethanonechild,eachparenthastheright
    toinspectandreviewonlytheinformationrelatingtohisorherchildorbeinformedofthe
    specificinformationrelatingtohisorherchild.
    Theschooldistrictmustprovideyou,uponrequest,alistofthetypesofeducationrecordsand
    thelocationsofthoserecordscollected,maintained,orusedbytheschooldistrict.
    Afeemaybechargedbytheschooldistrictforcopiesofrecordsthataremadeforyouunder
    PartBoftheIDEA,ifthefeedoesnoteffectivelypreventyoufromreviewingthoserecords.The
    schooldistrictmaynotchargeafeetosearchfororretrieveinformationunderPartBofthe
    IDEA.
    Yourconsentmustbeobtainedbeforepersonallyidentifiableinformationissharedwithothers,
    unlessotherwisepermittedbyFERPAortheIDEA.
    UndertheIDEA,yourconsentisnotrequiredbeforepersonallyidentifiableinformationis
    releasedtoofficialsofparticipatingagenciescollectingorusingtheinformationunderPartBof
    theIDEA,exceptthat:

    13

    1. Yourconsent,orconsentofyoureligiblestudent,mustbeobtainedbeforepersonally
    identifiableinformationisreleasedtoofficialsofparticipatingagenciesprovidingor
    payingfortransitionservices;and

    2. Ifyourchildisin,orisgoingtogoto,aprivateschool,yourconsentmustbeobtained
    beforeanypersonallyidentifiableinformationaboutyourchildisreleasedbetween
    officialsinyourchildspublicschooldistrictwheretheprivateschoolislocatedand
    officialsinyourchildsresidentschooldistrict.

    UnderFERPA,yourconsentisnotrequiredbeforepersonallyidentifiableinformationis
    released:

    1. Tootherschoolofficials,includingteachers,withinyourschooldistrictwhomtheschool
    hasdeterminedtohavelegitimateeducationalinterests.Thisincludescontractors,
    consultants,volunteers,orotherpartiestowhomtheschoolhasoutsourced
    institutionalservicesorfunctions,ifapplicablerequirementsaremet.

    2. Toofficialsofanotherschool,schoolsystem,orinstitutionofpostsecondaryeducation
    whereyourchildseeksorintendstoenroll,orwhereyourchildisalreadyenrolledifthe
    disclosureisforpurposesrelatedtoyourchildsenrollmentortransfer,ifapplicable
    requirementsaremet(specifically,iftheannualnoticeinformsparentsthattheschool
    releasesrecordsunderthisexception,ortheschoolmakesareasonableattemptto
    notifyyouoryoureligiblestudentatyourlastknownaddress,orthedisclosureis
    initiatedbyyouoryoureligiblestudent).

    3. ToauthorizedrepresentativesoftheU.S.ComptrollerGeneral,theU.S.Attorney
    General,theU.S.SecretaryofEducation,orStateandlocaleducationalauthorities,such
    astheSouthDakotaDepartmentofEducation.Disclosuresunderthisprovisionmaybe
    made,subjecttoapplicablerequirements,inconnectionwithanauditorevaluationof
    FederalorStatesupportededucationprograms,orfortheenforcementofor
    compliancewithFederallegalrequirementsthatrelatetothoseprograms.These
    entitiesmaymakefurtherdisclosuresofpersonallyidentifiableinformationtooutside
    entitiesthataredesignatedbythemastheirauthorizedrepresentativestoconductany
    audit,evaluation,orenforcementorcomplianceactivityontheirbehalf,ifapplicable
    requirementsaremet.

    4. Inconnectionwithfinancialaidforwhichyourchildhasappliedorwhichyourchildhas
    received,iftheinformationisnecessaryforsuchpurposesastodetermineeligibilityfor
    theaid,determinetheamountoftheaid,determinetheconditionsoftheaid,or
    enforcethetermsandconditionsoftheaid.

    5. ToStateandlocalofficialsorauthoritiestowhominformationisspecificallyallowedto
    bereportedordisclosedbyaStatestatutethatconcernsthejuvenilejusticesystemand
    14

    thesystemsabilitytoeffectivelyserve,priortoadjudication,thestudentwhoserecords
    werereleased,subjecttoapplicablerequirements.

    6. Toorganizationsconductingstudiesfor,oronbehalfof,theschool,inorderto:(a)
    develop,validate,oradministerpredictivetests;(b)administerstudentaidprograms;or
    (c)improveinstruction,ifapplicablerequirementsaremet.

    7. Toaccreditingorganizationstocarryouttheiraccreditingfunctions.

    8. Toyouifyourchildisaneligiblestudent,aslongasyoureligiblestudentisadependent
    forIRStaxpurposes.

    9. Tocomplywithajudicialorderorlawfullyissuedsubpoena,ifapplicablerequirements
    aremet.

    10. Toappropriateofficialsinconnectionwithahealthorsafetyemergency,subjectto
    applicablerequirements.

    11. Thathasbeendesignatedbytheschoolasdirectoryinformation,aslongasapplicable
    requirementsaremet.

    12. ToanagencycaseworkerorotherrepresentativeofaStateorlocalchildwelfareagency
    ortribalorganizationwhoisauthorizedtoaccessastudentscaseplanwhensuch
    agencyororganizationislegallyresponsible,inaccordancewithStateortriballaw,for
    thecareandprotectionofthestudentinfostercareplacement.

    13. TotheSecretaryofAgricultureorauthorizedrepresentativesoftheFoodandNutrition
    Serviceforpurposesofconductingprogrammonitoring,evaluations,andperformance
    measurementsofprogramsauthorizedundertheRichardB.RussellNationalSchool
    LunchActortheChildNutritionActof1966,undercertainconditions.

    Aneducationalagencyreceivingpersonallyidentifiableinformationfromanothereducational
    agencyorinstitution,maymakefurtherdisclosuresoftheinformationonbehalfofthe
    educationalagencywithoutthepriorwrittenconsentofyouoryoureligiblestudentiftheIDEA
    orFERPAconditionsfordisclosurewithoutparentalconsentaremetandiftheeducational
    agencyinformsthepartytowhomdisclosureismadeoftheserequirements.

    Theschooldistrictmustprotecttheconfidentialityofpersonallyidentifiableinformationatthe
    collection,storage,disclosureanddestructionstages.

    1. Oneofficialattheschooldistrictmustassumeresponsibilityforensuringthe
    confidentialityofanypersonallyidentifiableinformation.

    15

    2. Allpersonscollectingorusingpersonallyidentifiableinformationmustreceivetraining
    orinstructionregardingtheStatespoliciesandproceduresregardingconfidentialityof
    personallyidentifiableinformationunderPartBoftheIDEAandFERPA.

    3. Thedistrictmustmaintain,forpublicinspection,acurrentlistingofthenamesand
    positionsofthoseemployeeswithinthedistrictwhomayhaveaccesstopersonally
    identifiableinformation.

    4. Thedistrictmustinformyouwhenpersonallyidentifiableinformationcollected,
    maintainedorusedforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesisnolongerneededto
    provideeducationalservicestoyourchild.

    5. Theinformationnolongerneededmustbedestroyedatyourrequest;however,a
    permanentrecordofyourchildsname,address,phonenumber,hisorherowngrades,
    attendancerecord,classesattendedandgradelevelcompletedmaybemaintained
    indefinitely.

    UndertheregulationsfortheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyActof1974(34CFR
    99.5(a)),yourrightsregardingeducationrecordsaretransferredtothestudentatage18.A
    studentwhois18orolderisreferredtoasaneligiblestudentunderFERPA.

    WhenyourrightsunderPartBoftheIDEAaretransferredtoastudentwhoreachestheageof
    majority,therightsregardingeducationalrecordsmustalsobetransferredtothestudent.
    However,theschooldistrictmustprovideanynoticerequiredunderPartBoftheIDEAtoyou
    andthestudent.(SeeadditionalinformationundertheheadingTransferofParentalRightsat
    AgeofMajority).
    AmendmentofRecordsatParentRequest
    34CFR300.618621;ARSD24:05:29:04

    Ifyoubelievethattheinformationintheeducationrecordsaboutyourchildisinaccurate,
    misleading,orviolatestheprivacyorotherrightsofyourchild,youmayrequestthattheschool
    districtcorrectorremovetheinformation(i.e.amendtherecord).

    Theschooldistrictmustdecidewhethertocorrectorremovetheinformationwithina
    reasonableperiodoftimefollowingyourrequest.Iftheschooldistrictdecidestorefuseto
    correctorremovetheinformation,itmustinformyouoftherefusal,andadviseyouofyour
    righttoaFERPAhearing.

    Theschooldistrictmust,onrequest,provideyouwithaFERPAhearingsothatyoucan
    challengetheinformationinyourchildseducationrecordsthatyoubelieveisinaccurate,
    misleading,orotherwiseinviolationoftheprivacyorotherrightsofyourchild.
    Ahearingtochallengeinformationineducationrecordsmustbeconductedaccordingtothe
    proceduresforsuchhearingsundertheFERPA.
    16

    Ataminimum,aschooldistrict'sFERPAhearingproceduresmustaffordyouthefollowing:

    1. Thehearingmustbeheldwithin30daysaftertheschooldistrictreceivedyourrequest
    forahearing,andyouoryoureligiblestudentmustbegivennoticeofthedate,place,
    andtimefivedaysinadvanceofthehearing;

    2. The hearing may be conducted by any individual, including an official of the school
    district,whodoesnothaveadirectinterestintheoutcomeofthehearing;

    3. You or your eligible student must be given a full and fair opportunity to present
    evidence relevant to the issues raised and may be assisted or be represented by
    individualsofyourchoiceatyourownexpense,includinganattorney;

    4. Theschooldistrictmustmakeitsdecisioninwritingwithin30daysaftertheconclusion
    ofthehearing;and

    5. Thedecisionoftheschooldistrictmustbebasedsolelyupontheevidencepresentedat
    the hearing and must include a summary of the evidence and the reasons for the
    decision.

    If,asaresultofthehearing,theschooldistrictdecidesthattheinformationcontainedinyour
    childsrecordisinaccurate,misleadingorotherwiseinviolationoftheprivacyorotherrightsof
    yourchild,itmustcorrectorremovetheinformationandinformyouinwriting.

    If,ontheotherhand,asaresultofthehearing,theschooldistrictdecidesthattheinformation
    isnotinaccurate,misleading,orotherwiseinviolationoftheprivacyorotherrightsofyour
    child,itmustinformyouofyourrighttoplaceastatementintherecordscommentingonthe
    informationorprovidinganyreasonsfordisagreeingwiththedecisionoftheschooldistrict.
    Anyexplanationplacedinyourchildsrecordsmustbemaintainedbytheschooldistrictaspart
    oftherecordsofyourchildaslongastherecordismaintainedbytheschooldistrict;ifthe
    disputedrecordsofyourchildaredisclosedbytheschooldistricttoanyparty,theexplanation
    mustalsobedisclosedtotheparty.
    ReferraltoandActionbyLawEnforcement&JudicialAuthoritiesandTransmittalofRecords
    34CFR300.535(a)&(b);ARSD24:05:26:15

    Aschooldistrictmayreportacrimecommittedbyachildwithadisabilitytoappropriate
    authorities.NothingintheIDEApreventsStatelawenforcementandjudicialauthoritiesfrom
    exercisingtheirresponsibilitiestoapplyFederalandStatelawtocrimescommittedbyachild
    withadisability.

    Aschooldistrictreportingacrimecommittedbyachildwithadisabilityshallprovidecopiesof
    thespecialeducationanddisciplinaryrecordsofthechildforconsiderationbytheappropriate
    authoritiestowhomitreportedthecrime,butonlytotheextentallowedbyFERPA.
    17

    PLACEMENTOFCHILDRENBYTHEIRPARENTSINPRIVATESCHOOL
    ChildrenPlacedinPrivateSchoolsbyTheirParentsifFAPEisNotatIssue
    34CFR300.132;ARSD24:05:31:04

    Ifyouplacedyourchildinaprivateschoolorfacilityandthereisnodisputeabouttheprovision
    ofFAPE,yourplacementdecisionisvoluntary.IftheschooldistrictmadeFAPEavailableto
    yourchildwithintheschooldistrict,theschooldistrictdoesnothavetopayforspecial
    educationorothercostsofyourchildsprivateeducation.However,publicschoolsdohave
    certaindutieswithrespecttovoluntarilyplacedprivateschoolchildrenwithdisabilitieswhoare
    attendingprivateschoolslocatedwithintheirgeographicboundaries.

    IfyourchildsprivateschoolmeetstheIDEAandStatedefinitionofaprivateschool,thepublic
    schoolwheretheprivateschoolislocatedmust:

    1. Countyourchildinitspopulationofparentallyplacedprivateschoolchildren.

    2. Withyourconsent,conducttheperiodicreevaluationsofyourchildrequiredbythe
    IDEA.

    3. Consultwithyouandyourchildsprivateschooltoobtaininputregardinghowthe
    proportionateshareoftheIDEAPartBfundsshouldbeequitablyspentonspecial
    educationandrelatedservicestoparentallyplacedprivateschoolchildrenincluding
    yourchild.

    4. Afterconsultingwithprivateschoolofficialsandrepresentativesofparentsof
    parentallyplacedprivateschoolchildren,makeafinaldecisionregardingservicestobe
    providedtoeligibleparentallyplacedprivateschoolchildrenwithdisabilities.

    Decisionsaboutwhichservicesandtheamountsofserviceschildrenwithdisabilitiesenrolled
    bytheirparentsinprivateschoolswillreceivearemadethroughtheconsultationprocessand
    arebasedontheneedsofthechildrendesignatedtoreceiveservices.Thesechildrenhaveno
    individualentitlementtoreceivesomeorallofthespecialeducationandrelatedservicesthey
    wouldreceiveifenrolledinapublicschool.
    ChildrenPlacedinPrivateSchoolsbyTheirParentsifFAPEisatIssue
    34CFR300.148;ARSD24:05:31:05

    Disagreementsbetweenyouandtheschooldistrictregardingtheavailabilityofanappropriate
    programforyourchildandthequestionofpaymentforprivateschoolplacementmaybe
    decidedatadueprocesshearing.Ahearingofficerorcourtmayrequireyourchildsschool
    district(whereyoureside)toreimburseyouforthecostoftheprivateschoolifthehearing
    18

    officerorcourtfindsthatthepublicschooldidnotmakeFAPEavailabletoyourchildandthat
    theprivateplacementisappropriate.Ahearingofficerorcourtmayfindyourplacementtobe
    appropriate,eveniftheplacementdoesnotmeettheStatestandardsthatapplytoeducation
    providedbypublicschools.

    Reimbursementamountsmaybereducedordeniedbythehearingofficerorcourtif:

    1. Youdidnot,atthemostrecentIEPTeammeetingyouattendedbeforeyouplacedyour
    childinaprivateschool,telltheIEPTeamthatyoudisagreedwiththeschooldistricts
    proposedplacementtoprovideFAPEtoyourchild,includingstatingyourconcernsand
    intenttoenrollyourchildataprivateschoolatpublicexpense;orinthealternative,you
    didnot,atleastten(10)businessdays(includinganyholidaysthatoccuronabusiness
    day)priortotheremovalofyourchildfromthepublicschool,givewrittennoticetothe
    schooldistrictofyourdisagreementwiththeproposedplacementbytheschooldistrict,
    includinglistingyourconcernsandintenttoenrollyourchildinaprivateschoolatpublic
    expense;or

    2. Beforeyourchildstoppedattendingthepublicschool,theschooldistrictprovidedprior
    writtennoticetoyouofitsproposaltoevaluateyourchild,andincludedastatementof
    thepurposeoftheevaluation,butyoudidnotmakethechildavailableforan
    appropriateandreasonableevaluationbytheschooldistrict;or

    3. Thehearingofficerorcourtmakesajudicialfindingthatyouactedunreasonable.

    However,thecostofreimbursementshallnotbereducedordeniedforyourfailuretoprovide
    therequirednoticetotheschooldistrictofyourdisagreementandyourintenttoenrollyour
    childinaprivateschool,if:
    1. Theschoolpreventedyoufromprovidingthenotice;
    2. YouwerenotgivenyourSouthDakotaParentalRightsandProceduralSafeguardsas
    required,informingyouofyourresponsibilitytoprovidethenoticetotheschool
    district;or
    3. Compliancewiththenoticerequirementsbyyouwouldlikelyresultinphysicalharm
    toyourchild.
    Additionally,thecostofreimbursementmay,atthediscretionofthehearingofficerorcourt,
    notbereducedordeniedforyourfailuretocomplywiththenoticerequirements,if:
    1. YouarenotliterateorcannotwriteinEnglish;or
    2. Compliancewiththenoticerequirementsbyyouwouldlikelyresultinseriousemotional
    harmtoyourchild.

    19


    DISCIPLINEOFSTUDENTSWITHDISABILITIES
    GeneralAuthority
    34CFR300.530(a)(d);ARSD24:05:26:02.02;ARSD24:05:26:02.01

    Whenyourchildwithadisabilityviolatesacodeofstudentconduct,schoolpersonnelmay
    removeyourchildfromhisorhercurrentplacementtoanappropriateinterimalternative
    educationalsettingoranothersetting,orsuspendyourchild,fornotmorethan10consecutive
    schooldays,totheextenttheseconsequencesareappliedtonondisabledchildren.Additional
    removalsofnotmorethan10consecutiveschooldaysinthatsameschoolyearforseparate
    incidentsofmisconductmayoccuraslongasthoseremovalsdonotconstituteachangeof
    placement(seeDisciplinaryChangeofPlacementbelow).

    Foranydayofremovalbeyond10schooldaysinthesameschoolyearthatdoesnot
    constituteachangeofplacement,schoolpersonnel,inconsultationwithatleastoneofthe
    childsteachers,mustdeterminetheextenttowhichservicesareneeded,toenablethechildto
    continuetoparticipateinthegeneraleducationcurriculum,althoughinanothersetting,andto
    progresstowardmeetingthegoalssetoutinthechildsIEP.Theschooldistrictmustprovide
    yourchildwiththeservicesdeterminedbyschoolpersonnelinconsultationwithatleastoneof
    thechildsteachers.

    Schoolpersonnelmayconsideranyuniquecircumstancesonacasebycasebasiswhen
    determiningwhetherachangeinplacementisappropriateforyourchildwhenheorshe
    violatesacodeofstudentconduct.Whenmakingacasebycasedeterminationregarding
    whetheradisciplinarychangeinplacementisappropriate,factorssuchasyourchilds
    disciplinaryhistory,abilitytounderstandconsequences,expressionofremorse,andsupports
    providedtoyourchildpriortotheviolationofaschoolcodecouldbeuniquecircumstances
    consideredbyschoolpersonnel.
    DisciplinaryChangeofPlacement
    34CFR300.536;ARSD24:05:26:02.01;34CFR300.530(h)
    Aremovalofyourchildfromhisorhercurrenteducationalplacementisachangeofplacement
    if:
    1. Theremovalisformorethan10consecutiveschooldays;or
    2. Yourchildhasbeensubjectedtoaseriesofremovalsthatconstituteapatternbecause:
    a. Theseriesofremovalstotalmorethan10schooldaysinaschoolyear;
    b. Yourchildsbehaviorissubstantiallysimilartohisorherbehaviorinprevious
    incidentsthatresultedintheseriesofremovals;and
    c. Otheradditionalfactorssuchasthelengthofeachremoval,thetotalamountof
    timethechildhasbeenremoved,andtheproximityoftheremovalstooneanother.
    20

    Theschooldistrictdetermineswhetherapatternofremovalsconstitutesachangeof
    placementonacasebycasebasis.Whentheschooldistrictdecidestoremoveyourchild
    becauseofaviolationofacodeofconductinamannerthatwillresultinachangeof
    placement,theschooldistrictmustnotifyyouthatsameday,andprovideyouwiththis
    proceduralsafeguardsnotice.

    Thisdeterminationofwhetheraremovalisachangeofplacementissubjecttoreviewthrough
    dueprocesshearingandjudicialproceedings.

    AnIEPTeammeetingmustbeheldtoconductaManifestationDeterminationbeforemakinga
    disciplinarychangeofplacementofyourchild.
    ManifestationDeterminationandPossibleOutcomes
    34CFR300.530(c)and(e);ARSD24:05:26:09.03;34CFR300.531;ARSD24:05:26:09.02

    Within10schooldaysofanydecisiontochangetheplacementofyourchildbecauseofa
    violationofacodeofstudentconduct,yourchild'sIEPTeam(asdeterminedbyyouandthe
    schooldistrict)mustreviewallrelevantinformationinyourchildsfile,includinghisorherIEP,
    anyteacherobservations,andanyrelevantinformationprovidedbyyoutodetermine:

    1. Iftheconductinquestionwascausedby,orhadadirectandsubstantialrelationshipto,
    yourchild'sdisability;or

    2. Iftheconductinquestionwasthedirectresultoftheschooldistrict'sfailureto
    implementyourchildsIEP.

    Ifyourchild'sIEPTeamdeterminesthateither(1)or(2)aboveweremet,theconductisa
    manifestationofyourchild'sdisability.

    Iftheviolationofthecodeofconductwasamanifestationofyourchildsdisability,theschool
    districtmusttakeimmediatestepstochangethesituation.Additionally,theIEPTeammust:

    1. Conductafunctionalbehaviorassessment(FBA),unlesstheschooldistricthad
    conductedaFBAbefore,andimplementabehavioralinterventionplan(BIP)foryour
    child;or
    2. IfaBIPhasalreadybeendeveloped,reviewtheBIP,andmodifyit,asnecessary,to
    addressthebehavior;and
    3. Exceptasprovidedincasesofspecialcircumstances(i.e.weapons,drugs,serious
    bodilyinjury)yourchildmustbereturnedtohisorheroriginalplacement,unlessyou
    andtheschooldistrictagreetoachangeofplacementaspartofthemodificationof
    yourchildsBIP.

    21

    Iftheviolationofthecodeofconductwasnotamanifestationofyourchildsdisability,the
    childmaybedisciplinedinthesamemannerandforthesamelengthoftimeaschildren
    withoutdisabilities(exceptthatservicesmustbeprovidedtoyourchild).Sincetheremovalisa
    changeofplacement,theIEPTeammust:
    1. Ensurethatyourchildreceivesasappropriate,aFBA,andbehavioralintervention
    servicesandmodifications,thataredesignedtoaddressthebehaviorviolationsothatit
    doesnothappenagain;
    2. Decidetheservicestobeprovidedtoyourchildtoenablehimorhertocontinueto
    participateinthegeneraleducationcurriculum,althoughinanothersetting,andto
    progresstowardmeetingthegoalssetoutinyourchildsIEP;and
    3. Decidetheinterimalternativeeducationalsettingfordeliveringservicestoyourchild.
    SpecialCircumstancesandPossibleOutcomes
    34CFR300.530(g);34CFR300.531;ARSD24:05:26:09.02
    Evenifyourchildsbehaviorisdeterminedtobeamanifestationofyourchild'sdisability,
    schoolpersonnelmayremoveyourchildtoaninterimalternativeeducationalsetting(IAES)for
    notmorethan45schooldays,ifyourchild:
    1. Carriesaweapontoorpossessesaweaponatschool,onschoolpremises,orataschool
    function;
    2. Knowinglypossessesorusesillegaldrugs,orsellsorsolicitsthesaleofacontrolled
    substance,whileatschool,onschoolpremises,orataschoolfunction;or
    3. Hasinflictedseriousbodilyinjuryuponanotherpersonwhileatschool,onschool
    premises,orataschoolfunction.
    Beforechangingthechildsplacementduetothesespecialcircumstances,theIEPTeammust:
    1. Ensurethatyourchildreceivesasappropriate,aFBA,andbehavioralintervention
    servicesandmodifications,thataredesignedtoaddressthebehaviorviolationsothatit
    doesnothappenagain;
    2. Decidetheservicestobeprovidedtoyourchildtoenablehimorhertocontinueto
    participateinthegeneraleducationcurriculum,althoughinanothersetting,andto
    progresstowardmeetingthegoalssetoutinyourchildsIEP;and
    3. Decidetheinterimalternativeeducationalsettingfordeliveringservicestoyourchild.
    Ifthebehaviorisdeterminedtonotbeamanifestationofthechildsdisability,thechildmaybe
    disciplinedinthesamemannerandforthesamelengthoftimeaschildrenwithoutdisabilities
    asdescribedaboveunderManifestationDetermination.
    Forfurtherinformationontheaboveissues,pleaseseethedefinitionsinAppendix.
    DueProcessHearingComplaintsRegardingDisciplineofStudentswithDisabilities
    34CFR300.532(a);ARSD24:05:26:09.06;34CFR300.532(b);ARSD24:05:26:08.02;34CFR
    300.532(c);ARSD24:05:26:09.08;34.CFR300.533;ARSD24:05:26:09.07
    22


    Ifyoudisagreewithanydecisionregardingmanifestationdeterminationorplacementofyour
    childunderthedisciplineproceduresoftheIDEA,youmayrequestahearingbyfilingadue
    processhearingcomplaint.

    Additionally,ifaschooldistrictbelievesthatmaintainingthecurrentplacementofyourchildis
    substantiallylikelytoresultininjurytoyourchildorothers,theschooldistrictmayrequesta
    hearingbyfilingadueprocesshearingcomplaint.

    Ahearingofficerhears,andmakesadeterminationregarding,anappealrequestedunderthe
    disciplineappealssectionoftheIDEA.Thehearingofficermay:

    1. Returnyourchildtotheoriginalplacementifthehearingofficerdeterminesthatthe
    removalwasaviolationofthedisciplineproceduresorthatyourchild'sbehaviorwasa
    manifestationofthechild'sdisability;or
    2. Orderachangeofplacementofyourchildtoanappropriateinterimalternative
    educationalsettingfornotmorethan45schooldays,ifthehearingofficerdetermines
    thatmaintainingthecurrentplacementofyourchildissubstantiallylikelytoresultin
    injurytothechildortoothers.
    Theschooldistrictmayrepeattheprocessofrequestingahearingtoextendthechangeof
    placementforanother45schooldayperiodiftheschooldistrictbelievesyourchildis
    substantiallylikelytoinjurehimorherselforotherchildrenifreturnedtotheoriginal
    placement.

    WheneverahearingisrequestedunderthedisciplineappealssectionoftheIDEA,youorthe
    schooldistrictinvolvedinthedisputemusthaveanopportunityforaquickimpartialdue
    processhearing.Thesearereferredtoasexpediteddueprocesshearings.

    TheStateSpecialEducationProgramsisresponsibleforarrangingtheexpediteddueprocess
    hearing,whichmustoccurwithin20schooldaysofthedatethatthehearingrequestisfiled.
    Thehearingofficermustmakeadecisionwithin10schooldaysafterthedateofthehearing.

    UnlessyouandtheschooldistrictagreeinwritingtowaivetheResolutionMeeting,oragreeto
    usethemediationprocess:
    1. AResolutionMeetingmustoccurwithinsevendaysofreceivingnoticeofthedue
    processhearingcomplaint;and

    2. Thedueprocesshearingmayproceedunlessthematterhasbeenresolvedwithin15
    daysofthereceiptofthedueprocesshearingcomplaint.
    Youortheschooldistrictmayappealthedecisionofthehearingofficerinanexpediteddue
    processhearinginthesamewayasyouappealdecisionsinotherdueprocesshearings.

    23

    WhenahearingisrequestedunderthedisciplineappealssectionoftheIDEAbyeitherthe
    parentortheschooldistrict,thechildmustremaininthe InterimAlternativeEducationalSetting
    untiltheappealisresolvedunlesstherearespecialcircumstancesand/oryouandtheschool
    districtagreeotherwise.
    ProtectionsforChildrenNotDeterminedEligibleforSpecialEducationandRelatedServices
    34CFR300.534;ARSD24:05:26:14

    Achildwhohasviolatedthecodeofconductbuthasnotyetbeendeterminedeligiblefor
    specialeducationandrelatedservicesmayclaimanyoftheIDEAprotections,iftheschool
    districthadknowledgethatthechildwasachildwithadisability.

    ForpurposesofextendingtheIDEAprotections,aschooldistrictispresumedtohave
    knowledgethatachildisachildwithadisabilityifbeforethebehaviorthatresultedin
    disciplinaryactionoccurred:

    1. Youexpressedconcerninwritingtosupervisory,administrativepersonnelorateacher
    ofyourchild,thatyourchildisinneedofspecialeducationandrelatedservices;
    2. Yourequestedanevaluationofyourchild;or
    3. Yourchildsteacher,orotherpersonnelofthelocaleducationalagency,expressed
    specificconcernsdirectlytothedirectorofspecialeducationoftheschooldistrictorto
    othersupervisorypersonneloftheschooldistrictaboutapatternofbehavior
    demonstratedbyyourchild.
    Aschooldistrictisnotpresumedtoknowthatyourchildisachildwithadisabilityifyoudidnot
    allowanevaluationofyourchild,oryourefusedtoconsenttoyourchildreceivingspecial
    educationorrelatedservicesunderPartBoftheIDEA,oryourchildwaspreviouslyevaluated
    anddeterminedtonotbeachildwithadisabilityunderPartBoftheIDEA.

    Iftheschooldistrictdidnotknowthatyourchildisachildwithadisabilitybeforedisciplining
    yourchild,theIDEAprotectionsdonotextendtoyourchild.Instead,theregulardisciplinary
    measuresthatnondisabledchildrenreceiveforviolationsofcodeofconductapplytoyour
    child.However,ifarequestismadebyyouortheschooldistricttoevaluateyourchildduring
    thedisciplinaryperiod,theevaluationmustbecompletedbytheschooldistrictinanexpedited
    manner.Duringthisexpeditedevaluationperiod,untiltheevaluationiscompleted,yourchild
    willremainintheeducationalplacementdeterminedbyschoolauthorities,whichcaninclude
    suspensionorexpulsionwithouteducationalservices.Consideringinformationfromthe
    evaluationconductedbytheschooldistrictandinformationprovidedbyyou,ifyourchildis
    ultimatelydeterminedtobeachildwithadisability,theschooldistrictmustprovidespecial
    educationandrelatedservicestoyourchildinaccordancewithalltheprovisionsofPartBof
    theIDEAincludingthedisciplinaryprovisionsandFAPErequirements.

    24


    STATEDISPUTERESOLUTIONPROCEDURES
    DifferencesBetweenDueProcessHearingComplaintandStateComplaintProcedures
    34CFR300.504(c)(5)(iii)
    TheregulationsforPartBoftheIDEAsetforthseparateproceduresforStatecomplaintsand
    fordueprocesshearingcomplaints.
    1. AnyindividualororganizationmayfileaStatecomplaintallegingaviolationofanyIDEA
    PartBrequirementbyaschooldistrict,theSouthDakotaDepartmentofEducation,
    StateSpecialEducationPrograms,oranyotherpublicagency.
    2. Onlyaparentofachildwithadisabilityoraschooldistrictmayfileadueprocess
    hearingcomplaintonanymatterrelatingto:
    a. aproposalorarefusaltoinitiateorchangetheidentification,evaluationor
    educationalplacementofthechildwithadisability,or
    b. theprovisionofFAPEtothechild.
    3. TheStateSpecialEducationProgramsgenerallymustresolveaStatecomplaintwithina
    60calendardaytimeline.Animpartialdueprocesshearingofficermustconductadue
    processhearing(ifthedueprocesscomplaintisnototherwiseresolvedduringaninitial
    30dayresolutionperiod)andissueawrittendecisionwithin45calendardaysafterthe
    endofthe30dayresolutionperiod,unlessthehearingofficergrantsaspecific
    extensionofthetimelineatyourrequestortheschooldistrict'srequest.
    4. SeebelowforfurtherinformationregardingtheStatecomplaintanddueprocess
    complaintresolutionandhearingprocedures.
    StateComplaints
    34CFR300.151;ARSD24:05:15:02;34CFR300.153;ARSD24:05:15:03;34CFR300.152;ARSD
    24:05:15:05

    AStatecomplaintisawrittensignedstatementbyanindividualororganization,includingout
    ofstatecomplainants,allegingthattheSouthDakotaDepartmentofEducation,StateSpecial
    EducationProgramsoraschooldistricthasviolatedarequirementofPartBoftheIDEAorits
    implementingfederalorStatestatutes,rulesorregulationsthatapplytospecialeducation
    programs.Thecomplaintmustalsoincludethefactsofthesituation.

    InresolvingaStatecomplaintthataschooldistrictfailedtoprovideappropriateservices,the
    StateSpecialEducationProgramsmustaddress:
    1. Thefailuretoprovideappropriateservicesincludingcorrectiveactionappropriateto
    addresstheneedsofthechild(suchascompensatoryservicesorreimbursement);and
    2. Appropriatefutureprovisionofservicesforallchildrenwithdisabilities.

    25

    AnorganizationorindividualmayfileasignedwrittenStatecomplaint.
    Thecomplaintmustinclude:
    1. AstatementthattheSouthDakotaDepartmentofEducation,StateSpecialEducation
    ProgramsoraschooldistricthasviolatedarequirementofPartBoftheAct,orits
    implementingfederalorStatestatutes,rulesorregulationsthatapplytothespecial
    educationprogram;
    2. Thefactsonwhichthestatementisbased;
    3. Thesignatureandcontactinformationforthecomplainant;and
    4. Ifallegingviolationswithrespecttoaspecificchild:

    (a) Thenameandaddressoftheresidenceofthechild;

    (b) Thenameoftheschoolthechildisattending;

    (c) Inthecaseofahomelesschildoryouth(withinthemeaningofsection725(2)of
    theMcKinneyVentoHomelessAssistanceAct(42U.S.C.11434a(2)),available
    contactinformationforthechild,andthenameoftheschoolthechildis
    attending;

    (d) Adescriptionofthenatureoftheproblemofthechild,includingfactsrelatingto
    theproblem;and

    (e) Aproposedresolutionoftheproblemtotheextentknownandavailabletothe
    partyatthetimethecomplaintisfiled.
    Thecomplaintmustallegeaviolationthatoccurrednotmorethanoneyearbeforethedate
    thatthecomplaintisreceivedbythedepartment.

    TheStateSpecialEducationProgramshasdevelopedamodelformtoassistparentsandother
    partiesinfilingastatecomplaint;however,youarenotrequiredtousethismodelform.You
    mayusetheappropriatemodelformoranotherformorotherdocument,solongastheform
    ordocumentthatisusedmeets,asappropriate,thecontentrequirementsforfilingaState
    complaint.

    ThepartyfilingtheStatecomplaintmustforwardacopyofthecomplainttotheschooldistrict
    servingthechildatthesametimethepartyfilesthecomplaintwiththeStateSpecialEducation
    Programs.

    TheStateDirectorofSpecialEducationProgramsappointsacomplaintinvestigatorandany
    consultantsnecessarytoinvestigatethecomplaint.

    Theinvestigatormayconductanindependentonsiteinvestigation,ifnecessary.

    26

    Theinvestigatormustallowthecomplainanttosubmitadditionalinformationbeyondwhatwas
    includedinthewrittenStatecomplaint,eitherorallyorinwriting,abouttheallegationsinthe
    complaint.

    Theinvestigatorshallallowtheschooldistricttorespondtothecomplaint,including,ata
    minimum:
    1. Atthediscretionoftheschooldistrict,offeringaproposaltoresolvethecomplaint;and
    2. Affordinganopportunityforaparentwhohasfiledacomplaintandtheschooldistrict
    tovoluntarilyengageinmediation.
    The investigator shall make a recommendation to the State Director of Special Education
    Programs;

    Afterreviewingallrelevantinformation,theStateDirectorofSpecialEducationProgramsshall
    make an independent determination as to whether the complaint is valid, what corrective
    actionisnecessarytoresolvethecomplaintandthetimelimitwhencorrectiveactionistobe
    completed.TheStateDirectorofSpecialEducationProgramsshallsubmitawrittenreportof
    thefinaldecisiontoallpartiesinvolved.

    Thewrittenreportshalladdresseachallegationinthecomplaint,containfindingsoffactand
    conclusions,andincludereasonsforthefinaldecision.

    Documentationsupportingthecorrectiveactionstakenbyaschooldistrictshallbemaintained
    bytheStateSpecialEducationProgramsandincorporatedintotheState'smonitoringprocess.

    Allcomplaintsmustberesolvedwithin60daysafterreceiptofthecomplaintbytheState
    DirectorofSpecialEducationProgramsexceptasstatedinthissection.Thetimelimitof60
    daysmaybeextendedonlyunderexceptionalcircumstancesasdeterminedbytheState
    DirectorofSpecialEducationPrograms,suchastheneedforadditionaltimetoprovide
    necessaryinformation.Underthesecircumstances,anextensionoftimemaynotexceed30
    daysinanyoneinstance.

    Inaddition,the60daytimelimitmaybeextended,iftheparent,individual,ororganizationand
    theschooldistrictinvolvedinthecomplaintagreetoextendthetimeinordertoengagein
    mediationtoattempttoresolvetheissuesspecifiedinthecomplaint.

    AnissuecannotsimultaneouslybethesubjectofbothaStatecomplaintanddueprocess
    hearingcomplaint.Ifthisoccurs, theStateshallsetasideanypartoftheStatecomplaintthatis
    beingaddressedinthedueprocesshearinguntiltheconclusionofthehearing.Anyotherissues
    intheStatecomplaintthatarenotapartofthedueprocesshearingcomplaintshallbe
    resolvedinatimelymannerthroughtheStatecomplaintprocess.

    27

    IfanissueisraisedinaStatecomplainthaspreviouslybeendecidedinadueprocesshearing
    involvingthesameparties,thehearingdecisionisbindingonthatissueandtheStateSpecial
    EducationProgramsmustinformthecomplainanttothateffect.

    AStatecomplaintallegingaschooldistrictsfailuretoimplementadueprocesshearing
    decisionmustberesolvedbytheStateSpecialEducationPrograms.
    Mediation
    34CFR300.506;ARSD24:05.30.05

    PartiestodisputesinvolvinganymatterundertheStatesspecialeducationrulesmayresolve
    theirdisputesthroughamediationprocess.
    1. Participationinmediationisvoluntaryandfreelyagreedtobytheparties.
    2. Mediationmaynotbeusedtodenyordelayaparentsrighttoahearingontheparents
    dueprocesshearingcomplaintortodenyanyotherrightsaffordedunderPartBofthe
    IDEA.
    3. Mediationmustbeconductedbyaqualifiedandimpartialmediatorwhoistrainedin
    effectivemediationtechniques.
    4. Mediatorsareselectedonarandom,rotational,orotherimpartialbasis.
    TheStateSpecialEducationProgramsshallmaintainalistofindividualswhoarequalified
    mediatorsandknowledgeableinlawsandregulationsrelatingtotheprovisionofspecial
    educationandrelatedservices.TheStatewillbearthecostofthemediationprocess,including
    meetingswithadisinterestedparty.

    Eachsessioninthemediationprocessmustbescheduledinatimelymannerandmustbeheld
    inalocationthatisconvenienttoyouandtheschooldistrict.Mediationisaninformalprocess,
    conductedinanonadversarialatmosphere.

    Ifyouandtheschooldistrictresolveadisputethroughthemediationprocess,youandthe
    schooldistrictmustsignalegallybindingagreementthatsetsforththetermsofthat
    agreementandfurtherprovidesthatalldiscussionsthatoccurredduringthemediationprocess
    willremainconfidentialandmaynotbeusedasevidenceinanysubsequentdueprocess
    hearingorcivilproceedingarisingfromthatdispute.Theagreementmustbesignedbyboth
    youandarepresentativeoftheschooldistrictwhohastheauthoritytosignfortheschool
    district.

    Awritten,signedmediationagreementunderthissectionisenforceableinanyStatecourtorin
    adistrictcourtoftheUnitedStates.

    Ifyouchoosenottousethemediationprocess,theStateSpecialEducationProgramsorthe
    schooldistrictmayofferyouanopportunitytomeet,atatimeandlocationconvenienttoyou,
    withadisinterestedparty,toencouragetheuseof,andexplainthebenefitsof,themediation
    28

    processtoyou.Thispartyisundercontractwithaparenttrainingandinformationcenterora
    communityparentresourcecenterestablishedinthestateoranappropriatealternative
    disputeresolutionentity.
    DueProcessHearingComplaint
    34CFR300.507

    Youoraschooldistrictmayfileadueprocesshearingcomplaintonanymatterrelatingtothe
    identification,evaluation,educationalplacement,orprovisionofFAPEtoyourchild.

    Youmayfileanotherdueprocesshearingcomplaintonanissuethatisseparatefromadue
    processhearingcomplaintalreadyfiledbyyouortheschooldistrict.

    Thedueprocesshearingcomplaintmustallegeaviolationthatoccurrednotmorethantwo
    yearsbeforethedateyouortheschooldistrict(iftheschooldistrictisrequestingthehearing)
    kneworshouldhaveknownabouttheallegedbasisofthedueprocesshearingcomplaint.This
    timelinedescribedabovedoesnotapplytoyouifyouwerepreventedfromfilingadueprocess
    hearingcomplaintdueto:
    1. Specificmisrepresentationsbytheschooldistrictthatithadresolvedtheproblem;or
    2. TheschooldistrictnotsharingrequiredinformationunderPartBoftheIDEAwithyou.
    Theschooldistrictmustinformyouofanyfreeorlowcostlegalandotherrelevantservices
    availableintheareaif:

    1. Yourequesttheinformation;or
    2. Youortheschooldistrictfileadueprocesshearingcomplaint
    FilingaDueProcessHearingComplaint
    34CFR300.508509;ARSD24:05:30:07.01

    You,ortheschooldistrict(iftheschooldistrictisrequestingthehearing),ortheattorney
    representingapartywhoisrequestingthehearing,mustsubmitaconfidentialdueprocess
    hearingcomplainttotheotherparty.

    Thepartyfilingthedueprocesshearingcomplaintmustalsoforwardacopyofthedueprocess
    hearingcomplainttotheStateSpecialEducationPrograms.

    Thedueprocesshearingcomplaintmustincludethefollowinginformation:
    1. Thenameofthechild;
    2. Theaddressoftheresidenceofthechild;
    3. Thenameoftheschoolthechildisattending;

    29

    4. Inthecaseofahomelesschildoryouth(withinthemeaningofsection725(2)ofthe
    McKinneyVentoHomelessAssistanceAct(42U.S.C.11434a(2)),availablecontact
    informationforthechild,andthenameoftheschoolthechildisattending;
    5. Adescriptionofthenatureoftheproblemofthechildrelatingtotheproposedor
    refusedinitiationorchange,includingfactsrelatingtotheproblem;and
    6. Aproposedresolutionoftheproblem.
    TheStateSpecialEducationProgramshasdevelopedamodelformtoassistyouandschool
    districtsinfilingadueprocesshearingcomplaintnotice.Youarenotrequiredtousethemodel
    forms.ApartyrequestingadueprocesshearingmayusetheStatedevelopedmodelform,
    anotherform,orotherdocumentaslongastheformordocumentthatisusedmeetsthe
    contentrequirementsforfilingadueprocesshearingcomplaint.
    Youortheschooldistrictmaynothaveahearingonadueprocesscomplaintuntiltheparty
    requestingthedueprocesshearingsubmitsadueprocesscomplaintthatmeetstheIDEAPartB
    requirementslistedabove.

    SufficiencyofComplaint
    ARSD24:05:30:08.04

    Thedueprocesshearingcomplaintwillbeconsideredsufficientunlessthepartyreceivingthe
    dueprocesshearingcomplaint,notifiesthehearingofficerandtheotherpartyinwriting,
    within15daysofreceiptofthedueprocesshearingcomplaint,thatthereceivingparty
    believesthedueprocesshearingcomplaintdoesnotmeetthecontentrequirementsofthe
    IDEA.

    Withinfivedaysofreceiptofsuchnotification,thehearingofficermustmakeadetermination
    onthefaceofthedueprocesshearingcomplaintofwhethertheduehearingprocesshearing
    complaintmeetsthecontentrequirementsoftheIDEA,andmustimmediatelynotifythe
    partiesinwritingofthatdetermination.

    Apartymayamenditsdueprocesshearingcomplaintonlyif:
    1. Theotherpartyconsentsinwritingtotheamendmentandisgiventheopportunity
    toresolvetheamendeddueprocesshearingcomplaintthroughaResolution
    Meeting;or
    2. Thehearingofficergrantspermission,exceptthatthehearingofficermayonlygrant
    permissiontoamendatanytimenotlaterthanfivedaysbeforethedueprocess
    hearingbegins.
    TheapplicabletimelineforadueprocesshearingunderPartBshallrestartatthetimetheparty
    filesanamendeddueprocesshearingcomplaint,includingthetimelineforaResolution
    Meeting.

    DistrictResponsetoaDueProcessHearingComplaintFiledbyaParent
    30


    Ifyouarethepartyrequestingthedueprocesshearingandtheschooldistricthasnotsenta
    priorwrittennoticeunderPartBoftheIDEAtoyouregardingthesubjectmatterinyourdue
    processhearingcomplaint,theschooldistrictmust,within10daysofreceivingthedueprocess
    hearingcomplaint,sendtoyouaresponsethatincludes:
    1. Anexplanationofwhytheschooldistrictproposedorrefusedtotaketheaction(s)
    raisedinyourdueprocesshearingcomplaint;
    2. AdescriptionofotheroptionsthattheIEPTeamconsideredandthereasonswhythose
    optionswererejected;
    3. Adescriptionofeachevaluationprocedure,assessment,record,orreporttheschool
    districtusedasthebasisfortheproposedorrefusedaction(s);and
    4. Adescriptionoftheotherfactorsthatarerelevanttotheschooldistrictsproposedor
    refusedaction(s).
    Aresponsebyaschooldistrictunderthissectionmustnotpreventtheschooldistrictfrom
    assertingthatyourdueprocesshearingcomplaintwasinsufficient.
    OtherPartyResponsetoaDueProcessHearingComplaint

    Iftheschooldistrictisthepartyrequestingthedueprocesshearing,theparentreceivingadue
    processhearingcomplaintmust,within10daysofreceivingthedueprocesshearingcomplaint,
    sendtotheschooldistrictaresponsethatspecificallyrespondstotheissuesraisedinthedue
    processhearingcomplaint.
    ResolutionMeeting
    34CFR300.510;ARSD24:05:30:08.12

    Ifyouarethepartyrequestingadueprocesshearing,within15daysofreceivingnoticeofyour
    dueprocesshearingcomplaint,andpriortotheinitiationofadueprocesshearing,theschool
    districtmustconveneaResolutionMeetingthat:
    1. IncludesyouandtherelevantmembersoftheIEPTeamwhohavespecificknowledge
    ofthefactsidentifiedinyourdueprocesshearingcomplaint;
    2. Includesarepresentativeoftheschooldistrictwhohasdecisionmakingauthorityon
    behalfoftheschooldistrict;and
    3. Doesnotincludeanattorneyoftheschooldistrictunlessyouattendwithanattorney.
    YouandtheschooldistrictdeterminetherelevantmembersoftheIEPTeamtoattendthe
    ResolutionMeeting.
    ThepurposeoftheResolutionMeetingisforyoutodiscussyourdueprocesshearing
    complaint,andthefactsthatformthebasisofyourdueprocesshearingcomplaint,sothatthe
    schooldistricthastheopportunitytoresolvethedisputethatisthebasisforthedueprocess
    hearingcomplaint.
    31


    ThisResolutionMeetingisrequiredunless:
    1. Youandtheschooldistrictagreeinwritingtowaivethemeeting;or
    2. Youandtheschooldistrictagreetousethemediationprocessdescribedinthis
    document.
    30DayResolutionPeriod

    Iftheschooldistricthasnotresolvedthedueprocesshearingcomplainttoyoursatisfaction
    within30daysofthereceiptofadueprocesshearingcomplaintfiledbyyou,thedueprocess
    hearingmayoccur.Exceptasprovidedbelow,thetimelineforissuingafinaldecisionundera
    dueprocesshearingbeginsattheexpirationofthis30dayresolutionperiod.

    UnlessyouandtheschooldistricthavebothagreedtowaivetheResolutionMeetingortouse
    mediationratherthanaResolutionMeeting,yourfailuretoparticipateintheResolution
    Meetingwilldelaythetimelinesfortheresolutionprocessanddueprocesshearinguntilafter
    theResolutionMeetingisheld.

    IftheschooldistrictisunabletoobtainyourparticipationintheResolutionMeetingafter
    reasonableeffortshavebeenmadeanddocumented,theschooldistrictmay,attheconclusion
    ofthe30dayresolutionperiod,requestthatahearingofficerdismissyourdueprocesshearing
    complaint.

    DocumentationoftheschooldistrictseffortstoobtainyourparticipationintheResolution
    Meetingmustincludearecordoftheschooldistrictsattemptstoarrangeamutuallyagreed
    upontimeandplace,suchas:

    1. Detailedrecordsoftelephonecallsmadeorattemptedandtheresultsofthosecalls;
    2. Copiesofcorrespondencesenttoyouandanyresponsesreceived;and
    3. Detailedrecordsofvisitsmadetoyourhomeorplaceofemploymentandtheresultsof
    thosevisits.
    IftheschooldistrictfailstoholdtheResolutionMeetingwithin15daysofreceivingnoticeof
    yourdueprocesshearingcomplaintorfailstoparticipateintheResolutionMeeting,youmay
    seektheinterventionofahearingofficertobeginthedueprocesshearingtimeline.
    Adjustmentstothe30dayResolutionPeriod
    ARSD24:05:30:08.14
    The30dayresolutionperiodisadjusted,andthe45daytimelineforthedueprocesshearing
    starts,thedayafteroneofthefollowingeventsoccurs:
    1. BothyouandtheschooldistrictagreeinwritingtowaivetheResolutionMeeting;

    32

    2. AftereitherthemediationorResolutionMeetingstartsbutbeforetheendofthe30
    dayperiod,youandtheschooldistrictagreeinwritingthatnoagreementispossible;or
    3. Ifbothyouandtheschooldistrictagreeinwritingtocontinuethemediationattheend
    ofthe30dayresolutionperiod,butlater,youorthedistrictwithdrawsfromthe
    mediationprocess.
    WrittenSettlementAgreement
    ARSD24:05:30:08.15

    IfaresolutiontothedisputeisreachedattheResolutionMeeting,youandtheschooldistrict
    mustexecutealegallybindingagreementthatis:

    1. Signedbybothyouandarepresentativeoftheschooldistrictwhohastheauthorityto
    signfortheschooldistrict;and
    2. EnforceableinanyStatecourtorinadistrictcourtoftheUnitedStates.

    IfyouandtheschooldistrictexecuteawrittensettlementagreementataResolutionMeeting,
    eitheryouortheschooldistrictmaycanceltheagreementwithin3businessdaysofthe
    agreement'ssigning.
    ImpartialDueProcessHearing
    34CFR300.511515;ARSD24:05:30:09.04

    Wheneveradueprocesshearingcomplaintisreceived,includingadueprocesshearing
    complaintrelatingtodisciplinaryprocedures,unlesssatisfactorilyresolvedpriortothedue
    processhearing,youortheschooldistrictinvolvedinthedisputemusthaveanopportunityfor
    adueprocesshearing.TheStateSpecialEducationProgramsisresponsibleforensuringthatan
    impartialdueprocesshearingisheld.

    ImpartialHearingOfficer
    ARSD24:05:30:10

    Ataminimum,ahearingofficermust:

    1. Beimpartial(i.e.notbeanemployeeoftheSouthDakotaDepartmentofEducationor
    thelocalschooldistrict,andnothaveapersonalorprofessionalinterestthatconflicts
    withthepersonsobjectivityinthehearing);
    2. Possessknowledgeof,andtheabilitytounderstand,theprovisionsoftheIDEA,Federal
    andStateregulationspertainingtotheIDEA,andlegalinterpretationsoftheIDEAby
    FederalandStatecourts;
    3. Possesstheknowledgeandabilitytoconducthearingsinaccordancewithappropriate,
    standardlegalpractice;

    33

    4. Possess theknowledgeandabilitytorenderandwritedecisionsinaccordancewith
    appropriate,standardlegalpractice.
    TheStateSpecialEducationProgramsandschooldistrictshallkeepalistofthepersonswho
    serveashearingofficers.Thelistmustincludeastatementofthequalificationsofeachofthose
    persons.
    SubjectMatterofDueProcessHearings
    ARSD24:05:30:09.05

    Youortheschooldistrictrequestingthedueprocesshearingmaynotraiseissuesatthedue
    processhearingthatwerenotraisedinthedueprocesscomplaintunlesstheotherparty
    agrees.
    HearingRights
    ARSD24:05:30:12

    Anypartytoahearinghastherightto:

    1. Beaccompaniedandadvisedbylegalcounselandbyindividualswithspecialknowledge
    ortrainingwithrespecttotheproblemsofchildrenwithdisabilitiesexceptthatneither
    partyhastherighttoberepresentedbyanonattorneyatahearing;
    2. Presentevidenceandconfront,crossexamine,andcompeltheattendanceofwitnesses;
    3. Prohibittheintroductionofanyevidenceatthehearingthathasnotbeendisclosedto
    thatpartyatleast5businessdaysbeforethehearing;
    4. Obtainawritten,or,atyouroption,anelectronic,verbatimrecordofthehearing;and
    5. Obtainwritten,or,atyouroption,electronicfindingsoffactanddecisions.
    AdditionalDisclosureofInformation
    ARSD24:05:30:12.01

    Atleastfivebusinessdayspriortoahearing,youandtheschooldistrictshalldisclosetothe
    otherallevaluationscompletedbythatdateandrecommendationsbasedonevaluationsthat
    youortheschooldistrictintendtouseatthehearing.

    Ahearingofficermayexcludetherelevantevaluationorrecommendationatthehearingfor
    failuretocomplywithdisclosurerequirements.
    ParentalRightsatHearings

    Asaparentinvolvedinahearing,youhavetherightto:
    1. Havethechildwhoisthesubjectofthehearingpresent;
    2. Openthehearingtothepublic;and
    34

    3. Havetherecordofthehearingandthefindingsoffactanddecisionsprovidedatnocost
    toyou.
    HearingDecisions
    ARSD24:05:30:10.01

    AhearingofficersdecisionthatachildwasdeniedFAPEmustbebasedonsubstantivegrounds
    unlesstheproceduralviolationmeetsthecriteriaforadenialofFAPE.

    Inmattersallegingaproceduralviolation,ahearingofficermayfindthatyourchilddidnot
    receiveFAPEonlyiftheproceduralinadequacies:

    1. Impededyourchild'srighttoFAPE;
    2. SignificantlyimpededyouropportunitytoparticipateintheIEPdecisionmaking
    processregardingtheprovisionofFAPEtoyourchild;or
    3. Causedadeprivationofeducationalbenefittoyourchild.
    Nothinginthissectionshallbeconstruedtoprecludeahearingofficerfromorderingaschool
    districttocomplywiththeIDEAproceduralrequirements.
    FindingsandDecisionstoAdvisoryPanelandGeneralPublic
    TheStateSpecialEducationPrograms,afterdeletinganypersonallyidentifiableinformation,
    shalltransmitthefindingsanddecisionsofthehearingofficertotheStateadvisorypanel,and
    makethosefindingsanddecisionsavailabletothepublic.
    FinalityofDecision

    Adecisionmadeinahearingisfinal,exceptthatanypartyinvolvedinthehearingmayappeal
    thedecisionthroughcivilaction.
    HearingTimelines

    Notlaterthan45daysaftertheexpirationofthe30dayresolutionperiodoradjustedtime
    period,ifapplicable,theStateSpecialEducationProgramsshallensurethat:
    1. Afinaldecisionisreachedinthehearing;and
    2. Acopyofthedecisionismailedtoyouandtheschooldistrict.
    Ahearingofficermaygrantspecificextensionsofthistimelineattherequestofyouorthe
    schooldistrict.

    Eachhearingmustbeconductedatatimeandplacethatisreasonablyconvenienttoyouand
    childinvolved.

    35

    CivilActions
    34CFR300.516;ARSD24:05:30:11

    Eitherpartytoadueprocesshearing(youortheschooldistrict)whoisnotsatisfiedwiththe
    findingsanddecisionsofthehearingofficer(includingahearingrelatingtodisciplinary
    procedures)hastherighttobringacivilactionwithrespecttothedueprocesshearing
    complaint.TheactionmaybebroughtinanyStatecourtthathastheauthoritytohearthistype
    ofcaseorinadistrictcourtoftheUnitedStateswithoutregardtotheamountincontroversy.

    Thepartybringingtheactionhas90daysfromthedateofthedecisionofthehearingofficerto
    fileacivilaction.

    Inthecivilaction,thecourt:

    1. Shallreceivetherecordsoftheadministrativeproceedings;
    2. Shallhearadditionalevidenceattherequestofaparty;and
    3. Basingitsdecisiononthepreponderanceoftheevidence,shallgrantthereliefthatthe
    courtdeterminestobeappropriate.
    NothinginPartBoftheIDEArestrictsorlimitstherights,procedures,andremediesavailable
    undertheConstitution,theAmericanswithDisabilitiesActof1990,titleVoftheRehabilitation
    Actof1973,orotherFederallawsprotectingtherightsofchildrenwithdisabilities,exceptthat
    beforethefilingofacivilactionundertheselawsseekingreliefthatisalsoavailableunderPart
    BoftheIDEA,thedueprocessproceduresforfilingadueprocesshearingcomplaintmustbe
    exhaustedtothesameextentaswouldberequiredhadtheactionbeenbroughtunderPartB
    oftheIDEA.
    AttorneysFees
    34CFR300.517;ARSD24:05:30:11.01

    InanyactionorproceedingbroughtunderPartBoftheIDEA,thecourt,initsdiscretion,may
    awardreasonableattorneysfeesaspartofthecoststoyouwhichtheschooldistrictmustpay,
    ifyouaretheprevailingparty.
    AResolutionMeetingisnotconsideredameetingconvenedasaresultofanadministrative
    hearingorcourtaction,andalsoisnotconsideredanadministrativehearingorcourtactionfor
    purposesoftheseattorneysfeesprovisions.

    Thecourt,initsdiscretion,mayawardreasonableattorneysfeesaspartofcoststoaprevailing
    StateDepartmentofEducationProgramsortheschooldistrict,whichthecourtmayrequire
    yourattorneytopay,ifyourattorneyfilesadueprocesshearingcomplaintorsubsequent
    causeofactionthatisfrivolous,unreasonable,orwithoutfoundation,orifyourattorney
    continuedtolitigateafterthelitigationclearlybecamefrivolous,unreasonable,orwithout
    foundation.
    36


    Thecourt,initsdiscretion,mayalsoawardreasonableattorneysfeesaspartofcoststoa
    prevailingStateDepartmentofEducationortheschooldistrict,whichthecourtmayrequire
    eitheryouoryourattorneytopay,ifyourrequestforadueprocesshearingorsubsequent
    causeofactionwaspresentedforanyimproperpurpose,suchastoharass,tocause
    unnecessarydelay,ortoneedlesslyincreasethecostoflitigation.

    Ifyouaretheprevailingparty,thecourtwillreducetheamountoftheattorneysfeesawarded
    toyouunderPartBoftheIDEA,ifthecourtfindsthatyou,oryourattorney,duringthecourse
    oftheactionorproceeding:

    1. Unreasonablydelayedthefinalresolutionofthedispute;

    2. Yourattorneysfeesunreasonablyexceedthehourlyratechargedbysimilarattorneys
    inthecommunityforsimilarservices;

    3. Thetimespentandlegalservicesdeliveredbyyourattorneyisexcessivegiventhe
    natureoftheproceeding;or

    4. Yourattorneydidnotgivetheschooltheappropriateinformationinthedueprocess
    hearingcomplaint.

    Thesereductionprovisionsdonotapplyinanyactionorproceedingifthecourtfindsthatthe
    StateDepartmentofEducationorthedistrictunreasonablydelayedthefinalresolutionofthe
    actionorproceedingortherewasaviolationofPartBoftheIDEA.
    ChildsStatusDuringProceedings(StayPut)
    34CFR300.518;ARSD24:05:30:14

    Duringanydueprocesshearingorjudicialproceedingregardingadueprocesscomplaint,
    unlesstheStateSpecialEducationProgramsoryourschooldistrictandyouagreeotherwise,
    thechildinvolvedinthedueprocesscomplaintshallstayinhisorhercurrenteducational
    placement.

    Ifyouareapplyingforinitialadmissiontoapublicschool,yourchildshall,withyourconsent,be
    placedinthepublicschoolprogramuntilallsuchproceedingshavebeencompleted.

    IfthedueprocesshearingcomplaintinvolvesarequestforinitialservicesunderPartBfroma
    childwhoistransitioningfromPartCoftheIDEAtoPartBandisnolongereligibleforPartC
    servicesbecausethechildhasturnedthree,theschooldistrictisnotrequiredtoprovidethe
    PartCservicesthatthechildhadbeenreceiving.

    IfthechildiseligibleforspecialeducationandrelatedservicesunderPartBandyouconsentto
    theinitialprovisionofspecialeducationandrelatedservices,thentheschooldistrictmust
    37

    providethosespecialeducationandrelatedservicesthatarenotindisputebetweenyouand
    theschooldistrict.

    WhenahearingisrequestedunderthedisciplineproceduresoftheIDEAbyeithertheparent
    ortheschooldistrict,thechildmustremainintheInterimAlternativeEducationalSettinguntil
    theappealisresolvedunlesstherearespecialcircumstancesand/oryouandtheschooldistrict
    agreeotherwise.

    Ifahearingofficerinadueprocesshearingagreeswithyouthatachangeofplacementis
    appropriate,thatplacementmustbetreatedasanagreementbetweentheStateSpecial
    EducationProgramsandyouuntilthecompletionofthehearing.

    TRANSFEROFPARENTALRIGHTSATAGEOFMAJORITY
    34CFR300.520;ARSD24:05:30:16.01

    Whenachildwithadisabilityreachestheageofmajority(exceptforachildwithadisability
    whohasbeendeterminedtobeincompetentunderStatelaw),allrightsunderPartBofthe
    IDEAtransferfromyoutoyouradultchildexceptthattheschooldistrictshallprovideany
    noticerequiredunderspecialeducationtobothyouradultchildandyou.

    Ifyourchildisincarceratedinanadultorjuvenile,State,orlocalcorrectionalinstitution,all
    rightsunderPartBoftheIDEAtransfertoyourchild.

    Theschooldistrictshallnotifythechildandyouofthetransferofrights.

    If,consistentwithStatelaw,aneligiblechildwhohasnotbeenfoundtobeincompetentbya
    courtisdeterminednottohavetheabilitytoprovideinformedconsentwithrespecttothe
    educationalprogramofthechild,theschooldistrictshallappointtheparentor,iftheparentis
    notavailable,anotherappropriateindividualtorepresenttheeducationalinterestsofthechild
    throughoutthechildseligibilityunderPartBoftheIDEA.

    38

    SOURCESTOCONTACTFORADDITIONALASSISTANCEINUNDERSTANDINGYOURRIGHTS

    SouthDakotaDepartmentofEducation
    SpecialEducationPrograms
    800GovernorsDrive
    Pierre,SD575012294
    voice(605)7733678
    fax(605)7733782

    SouthDakotaAdvocacyServices
    221SouthCentral
    Pierre,SD57501
    18006584782(voice/TTY)or
    (605)2248294

    SouthDakotaParentConnection
    3701W.49thStreet,Suite102
    SiouxFalls,SD57106
    18006404553

    39

    APPENDIX

    ThefollowinginformationisdirectlytakenfromFederallawsandregulationsregarding
    educationalrecords,specialcircumstancesindisciplineandnativelanguage.
    EducationRecords
    34CFR300.611(b)

    (a)Thetermmeansthoserecordsthatare:

    1. Directlyrelatedtoastudent;and

    2. Maintainedbyaneducationalagencyorinstitutionorbyapartyactingforthe
    agencyorinstitution.

    (b)Thetermdoesnotinclude:

    1. Recordsofinstructional,supervisory,andadministrativepersonnelandeducational
    personnel ancillary to those persons that are kept in the sole possession of the
    makeroftherecordandarenotaccessibleorrevealedtoanyotherpersonexcepta
    temporarysubstituteforthemakeroftherecord;

    2. Recordsofalawenforcementunitofaneducationalagencyorinstitution,butonlyif
    educationrecordsmaintainedbytheagencyorinstitutionarenotdisclosedtothe
    unit and the law enforcement records are maintained separately from education
    records,maintainedsolelyforlawenforcementpurposes,anddisclosedonlytolaw
    enforcementofficialsofthesamejurisdiction;

    3. Records related to an individual who is employed by an educational agency or


    institution that are made and maintained in the normal course of business, are
    relatedexclusivelytotheindividualinthatindividual'scapacityasanemployee,and
    arenotavailableforuseforanyotherpurpose.Recordsrelatingtoanindividualin
    attendance at the agency or institution who is employed as a result of the
    individual'sstatusasastudentareeducationalrecordsandnotexceptedunderthis
    subdivision;

    4. Recordsonastudentwhois18yearsofageorolder,orisattendinganinstitutionof
    postsecondaryeducation,thatare:

    (i)Madeormaintainedbyaphysician,psychiatrist,psychologist,orother
    recognizedprofessionalorparaprofessionalactinginhisorherprofessional
    capacityorassistinginaparaprofessionalcapacity;

    40

    (ii)Made,maintained,orusedonlyinconnectionwithtreatmentofthestudent;
    and

    (iii)Disclosedonlytoindividualsprovidingthetreatment.Forthepurposeofthis
    definition,"treatment"doesnotincluderemedialeducationalactivitiesor
    activitiesthatarepartoftheprogramofinstructionattheagencyorinstitution;

    5. Records created or received by an educational agency or institution after an


    individualisnolongerastudentinattendanceandthatarenotdirectlyrelatedto
    theindividual'sattendanceasastudent;and

    6. Gradesonpeergradedpapersbeforetheyarecollectedandrecordedbyateacher;

    (Authority:20U.S.C.1232g(a)(4))
    SpecialCircumstancesDefinitions
    34CFR300.530(i)

    ControlledsubstancemeansadrugorothersubstanceidentifiedunderSDCL3420B11to
    3420B26,inclusive,orschedulesI,II,III,IV,orVinsection202(c)oftheControlled
    SubstancesAct(21U.S.C.812(c)).

    Illegaldrugmeansacontrolledsubstance;butdoesnotincludeacontrolledsubstancethat
    islegallypossessedorusedunderthesupervisionofalicensedhealthcareprofessionalor
    thatislegallypossessedorusedunderanyotherauthorityunderSDCL3420B11to34
    20B26,inclusive,orunderanyotherprovisionofFederallaw.

    Seriousbodilyinjuryhasthemeaninggiventhetermseriousbodilyinjuryunder
    paragraph(3)ofsubsection(h)ofsection1365oftitle18,UnitedStatesCode.

    Thetermseriousbodilyinjurymeansbodilyinjurythatinvolves
    o Asubstantialriskofdeath;
    o Extremephysicalpain;
    o Protractedandobviousdisfigurement;or
    o Protractedlossorimpairmentofthefunctionofabodilymember,organ,or
    mentalfaculty.

    Weaponhasthemeaninggiventhetermdangerousweaponunderparagraph(2)ofthe
    firstsubsection(g)ofsection930oftitle18,UnitedStatesCode.

    Thetermdangerousweaponmeansaweapon,device,instrument,material,or
    substance,animateorinanimate,thatisusedfor,orisreadilycapableof,causingdeath
    orseriousbodilyinjury,exceptthatsuchtermdoesnotincludeapocketknifewitha
    bladeoflessthan21/2inchesinlength.
    41

    NativeLanguage
    34CFR300.29

    (a)Nativelanguage,whenusedwithrespecttoanindividualwhoislimitedEnglishproficient,
    meansthefollowing:

    1. Thelanguagenormallyusedbythatindividual,or,inthecaseofachild,thelanguage
    normallyusedbytheparentsofthechild,exceptasprovidedinparagraph(a)(2)ofthis
    section.

    2. Inalldirectcontactwithachild(includingevaluationofthechild),thelanguage
    normallyusedbythechildinthehomeorlearningenvironment.

    (b)Foranindividualwithdeafnessorblindness,orforanindividualwithnowrittenlanguage,
    themodeofcommunicationisthatnormallyusedbytheindividual(suchassignlanguage,
    Braille,ororalcommunication).

    42

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