Exceptional Pupil
a pupil whose behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or multiple exceptionalities are such that he or she is considered to need placement in a special education program.
Special Education Placement
- the place where the special education program will occur and/or the special education services will be provided
- placement may be in regular class with appropriate special education services (the most common placement and first to be considered) or in a special education class
The Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process determines if a student should be identified as an exceptional pupil and states the exceptionality and the appropriate special education placement that will best meet the student’s needs.
The principal of your child’s school may, with written notice to you, refer your child to an IPRC when the principal and the child’s teacher(s) believe that your child may benefit from a special education program. You can request an IPRC meeting for your child by making a written request to the principal of your child’s school.
The Committee is composed of at least three people. One member will be either a supervisory officer or principal who acts as chairperson. Two or more members could include another principal, a vice-principal, a Learning Resource Teacher (LRT), a classroom teacher, or a Special Education Consultant.
Parents are entitled and encouraged to attend the committee meeting. Students who are 16 years of age or older are also entitled to attend. Either you or the principal of your child’s school may make a request for the attendance of others at the meeting. These may include your child’s teacher, special education staff, representatives of an agency, or any person that you or the school believe will provide further information or clarification to the discussion. The services of an interpreter, if one is required, can be requested through the principal of your child’s school.
The IPRC will:
- decide whether or not your child should be identified as exceptional;
- identify the areas of your child’s exceptionality;
- decide an appropriate placement for your child; and
- review the identification and placement at least once in each school year.
If the IPRC has identified your child as an exceptional pupil and if you agree with the IPRC identification and placement decisions, then an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed for your child.
More information regarding this process is available in the Special Education Parent Handbook.
