What does the manifestation determination process involve?

• A. Identifying whether a behavior resulted from a school's failure to implement an IEP or BIP
• B. Establishing consistent behavior patterns that qualify a student for additional services
• C. Choosing an appropriate curriculum for a student who has behavior struggles
• D. Administering a standardized assessment to establish a baseline

Answer: (A)

The manifestation determination process is a critical component of special education law, particularly under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It is conducted when a student with a disability faces disciplinary action for behavior that may be a result of their disability. This process involves assessing whether the behavior in question was a result of the school’s failure to implement the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).

If it is determined that the behavior was a direct manifestation of the student's disability, the school cannot proceed with the disciplinary action that would change the student’s placement, ensuring that the student's rights to appropriate educational services are protected. This reinforces the idea that disabilities can impact behavior, and educational interventions must be in place to support positive behaviors and address any issues stemming from the disability.

The other options, while they may relate to various aspects of special education, do not accurately capture the essence of the manifestation determination process. Establishing consistent behavior patterns, selecting curricula, and administering standardized assessments are not directly linked to the legal requirements for assessing the relationship between a student's behavior and their disability in the context of disciplinary actions.