Discipline Meetings & MDM Support
Protecting your child’s rights during school discipline proceedings.
When a student faces suspension, expulsion, or other disciplinary actions—especially if they have a disability—the process can be confusing and intimidating. We guide families through discipline meetings and Manifestation Determination Meetings (MDM) to ensure that decisions are fair, lawful, and support the student’s continued success.
What is a Manifestation Determination Meeting?
An MDM is required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) when a student with a disability is facing a disciplinary removal of more than 10 consecutive school days (or a pattern of removals). The meeting determines whether the behavior in question:
Was caused by, or had a direct and substantial relationship to, the student’s disability, or
Was the direct result of the school’s failure to implement the IEP.
If either is true, the disciplinary action may need to be modified, and additional supports put in place.
How We Help
1. Pre-Meeting Preparation
We review the incident report, your child’s IEP or 504 plan, behavioral data, and any relevant correspondence. We also help you gather supporting documentation that can impact the outcome.
2. Understanding Rights & Procedures
We explain your child’s legal protections under IDEA, Section 504, and state law—ensuring you know what the school can and cannot do.
3. Advocacy in the Meeting
We attend with you (virtually or in person) to:
Ensure proper procedures are followed
Present relevant data and context for your child’s behavior
Request additional supports, interventions, or evaluations when needed
Challenge unfair or unsupported disciplinary measures
4. Post-Meeting Support
We review the outcome with you, outline any follow-up steps, and help you address ongoing behavioral or academic supports to prevent future incidents.
Why This Matters
Disciplinary decisions can have long-term effects on a student’s education, mental health, and future opportunities. For students with disabilities, discipline should be fair, consistent with the law, and paired with effective supports—not just punishment.