ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the law of special education placement as it applies to all eligible students, and presents the special applications and issues that arise with students who have emotional or behavioral disorders. The legal requirements governing placement of students who have emotional or behavioral disorders are the same as for all students who are eligible for benefits and protection under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and §504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Documentation of why a separate placement is necessary has been required by agency interpretations. The absolute mandates are that placements must be individualized and individualized education program based, reviewed annually, and selected from the full continuum of alternative placements. The district wanted to place Chris in an isolated room in a separated district building and the parents sought residential placement. Finding an appropriate placement for a student who has a serious emotional or behavioral disorder may be extremely difficult.
