A student with an IEP has been suspended for five days, having already been suspended for eight days earlier. What should the teacher do to comply with legal requirements?

• A. Develop an alternative disciplinary plan for the next incident
• B. Start the student on small-group instruction when they return
• C. Arrange for services to be delivered in the student's home
• D. Revise the IEP to include more intensive goals for behavior

Answer: (C)

When a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) faces suspension and has reached a total of more than ten days of suspension in a school year, additional legal requirements come into play due to the implications of special education law. In such cases, the school must ensure that the student continues to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) despite the disciplinary action.

Thus, arranging for services to be delivered in the student’s home is crucial. This approach helps maintain the continuity of education, ensuring that the student does not fall behind academically as a result of their suspension. It adheres to the stipulations in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that students with disabilities must have access to educational services even during disciplinary removals.

This requirement underscores the importance of not only following disciplinary protocols but also protecting the educational rights of students with disabilities. The idea is to reach a solution that is less about punitive measures and more about ensuring that the student's educational needs continue to be met.