What is the purpose of the Meeting to Determine Manifestation (MDM)?

The purpose of the Meeting to Determine Manifestation (MDM) is to evaluate whether a student's behavior is directly connected to their disability. This meeting is crucial in special education as it examines whether a student's conduct, which may lead to disciplinary actions such as suspensions or expulsions, is a result of their disability. This is in line with federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates that schools consider the relationship between a student's disability and their behavior before imposing disciplinary actions. By determining the manifestation, the educational team can ensure that the student's rights are protected and provide appropriate interventions and support if the behavior is indeed linked to their disability.

The other options do not accurately reflect the specific purpose of an MDM. While assessing academic progress is an important part of educational evaluations, it is not the focus of the MDM. Curriculum changes and planning school events are related to different aspects of school administration and planning, but they do not pertain to the evaluation of a student's behavior in relation to their disability.