What is the purpose of a Manifest Determination?

The purpose of a Manifest Determination is to assess whether a student's misbehavior is linked to their disability. This process is critical under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that if a student with a disability is facing disciplinary action that may lead to a change in their educational placement, a Manifestation Determination Review must be conducted. During this review, educators and relevant professionals examine the student's behavior in relation to the specific disability to ascertain if the conduct in question was a direct result of the disability itself. If it's determined that the misbehavior is indeed connected to the disability, the school must consider the necessary supports or interventions to address the behavior, rather than pursuing traditional disciplinary measures.

The other options focus on different areas of educational assessment and funding rather than addressing the behavioral considerations linked to disabilities. For instance, investigating the academic performance of gifted students pertains to a different educational context, while evaluating school funding needs and determining the curriculum for special education do not involve direct assessments of student behavior in relation to disabilities.