Within how many school days must an MDR be conducted when there is a decision to change the placement of a child with a disability because of a code of student conduct?

• A. Five school days
• B. Twenty school days
• C. Ten school days
• D. Fifteen school days

Answer: (C)

The time frame being tested is the required deadline for the Manifestation Determination Review. When a decision is made to change the placement of a student with a disability because of a code of student conduct, the MDR must be conducted within 10 school days of that decision. This quick review ensures the team promptly determines whether the behavior was a manifestation of the disability, guiding whether the student’s placement should change or whether supports and services within the current IEP should be adjusted. If the behavior is a manifestation, the IEP team revises the plan and implements appropriate behavioral supports; if not, the disciplinary change can proceed under IDEA procedures while continuing to provide required services. The 10-day rule is the key point here.