Who makes up the Identification, Placement and Review Committee?

The members of an IPRC can be a combination of three (3) of the following people:

* Coordinator of Special Education for the Lambton Kent District School Board

* Principal or designate

* Resource or Special Education Teachers

* Classroom Teachers

Parent/guardians and/or students are important participants in the decision-making process but are not members of the committee itself.

What does an IPRC determine?

The primary task of an Identification, Placement and Review Committee is to decide whether or not you should be identified as an "exceptional student" and to determine the type of special education program and services that are necessary to meet your strengths and needs. Often this is simply access to the support of a learning resource teacher in your school but may result in a student’s placement into a special education program. Information is gathered by your school, and shared with the committee in consultation with you (if you are 16 years of age or older) and your parents (unless you are 18 years of age).

What information does the committee use to make its decisions?

A variety of information is used to make decisions about whether or not you are entitled to access special education supports and services.

The following may be used:

* Past and current grade reports

* Observational data gathered by school staff

* Educational tests results such as the Brigance or the Canadian Achievement Test

* Psychological assessments completed by Board or community personnel

* Other relevant reports (i.e., audiology or medical)

All information provided to the committee is shared with parents/guardians and the student (if 16 years of age or older) prior to the meeting.

What happens once (or if) I have been identified by the committee as "exceptional"?

* At the meeting of the IPRC, a "Statement of Decision" is prepared stating your exceptionality and recommended placement.

* If you are in agreement with the decision of the committee, the written signature of your parent/guardian (or your signature if you are 18 years of age or older) will be required for the placement (and recommended special education programs and services) to begin.

* Within 30 school days of this meeting, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed in consultation with you (if you are 16 years of age or older) and your parent/guardian. This IEP will outline your strengths and needs as identified by the IPRC and describe the program that has been developed to meet your needs. You will be provided with a copy of the IEP for your records.

* A copy of the IEP will also be provided to your teachers so that they can better meet your needs within the classroom setting.

* Each year, the IPRC will meet to formally review your identification and placement for the next school year and outline the special education programs and services that shall be put in place to meet your individual strengths and needs. Depending upon your age, you and/or your parent/guardian will be invited to attend.

What should I do if I still have questions about the IPRC process?

It is important to ask questions about the Identification, Placement and Review Committee process. The school principal, the learning resource teacher as well as the guidance and career education teacher (secondary) in your school are excellent sources of information regarding this process and would be happy to meet with you to discuss any questions you might have.

To find out more, refer to the parent information section.