Missouri Disability Empowerment Foundation

Legislative

2023 Session

This year brings about some changes for MoDE Foundation in Jefferson City. We welcome our new Director of Legislative Advocacy, Tracey Bloch, to the team.

Tracey will post updates below, so watch this space throughout session.

2023 Legislative Priorities

Young boy dragging his backpack to the school bus with the caption: Burden of Proof - 2023 Legislative Priority "The burden can be heavy; it should not be on our students and families to shoulder it all." -Missouri mother going through due process

Burden of Proof

When parents or guardians and the IEP team cannot come to an agreement on the IEP, the parents or guardians may choose to file due process. In the state of Missouri, the burden of proof that IDEA (federal special education law) requirements have not been met is on the parents. Many states rightfully place the burden of proof on the school districts, since the school is required by law to meet the IDEA requirement of providing FAPE (free and appropriate public education) for the student.

The Supreme Court ruled that while the burden of proof lies on the parents or guardian, states may pass laws to change this. Currently nine states and Washington, DC, have laws that place the Burden of Proof on the school system. 

Parental Consent to Implement IEPs

When a student has disabilities, a team consisting of the parents or guardians, teachers, administrators, specialists, and school psychologists work together to develop an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for the student. Parents or guardians are asked to sign the IEP so that it can go into effect. While developing the IEP should be a collaborative effort, there are times the parents or guardians do not agree with what the school decides. While they may choose not to sign it, it still goes into effect after ten days. Parents or guardians have only ten days to file due process to stop the IEP from being implemented. Some states have passed laws requiring parental consent for changes made to the IEP. By making sure all parties are in agreement, this law encourages collaboration by the IEP team.

No Suspensions for K-3rd grade

Children in grades kindergarten through third grade are routinely suspended and/or expelled from school. This is often the case with children with undiagnosed disabilities, and children that need support. Behavior is communication, and when children act out, then the reason should be investigated.

Update

Watch this space for updates on the 2023 Legislation. Tracey will provide updates along with Calls to Action.