What is generally required before a student can be expelled from school?

Before a student can be expelled from school, particularly if they have a disability, a manifestation determination is generally required. This process involves assessing whether the behavior that led to the disciplinary action was a manifestation of the student's disability. The purpose of this determination is to ensure that students are provided with appropriate safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If the behavior is found to be a result of the disability, the school must consider alternative disciplinary actions rather than expulsion.

In contrast, while a recommendation from the classroom teacher, a review by the school board, and a parental consent form may all play roles in the broader disciplinary process, they are not specifically mandated steps that must occur before expulsion. The manifestation determination directly addresses the intersection of disability rights and disciplinary measures, making it a crucial step in ensuring fair treatment of students with disabilities.