Identification and Placement of Exceptional Pupils

At an IPRC, the identification of an exceptionality is the result of an extensive and varied compilation of data on the student's academic, physical, and/or social/emotional development over an extended period of time. This data collection process involves not only the gathering of information on a student's background, learning profile, and level of achievement, but also involves information about all efforts to assist the student. The IPRC meets and decides if a student should be identified as an exceptional pupil and, if so, the placement that will best meet the student's needs. As IPRC is composed of at least three persons, one of who must be a principal or supervisory officer of the Board.

All the details pertaining to the IPRC are contained in the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board Special Education Plan.

The Role of the IPRC

The IPRC will:

	Invite the parents and the student (if 16 years of age or older) to attend the meeting
	Review relevant information about the student
	Describe the student's strengths and needs
	Decide whether or not the student should be identified as an exceptional pupil
	Identify the area(s) of the student's exceptionality(ies), according to the categories and definitions of exceptionality provided by the Ministry of Education
	Decide an appropriate placement for the student
	Provide reasons for placement if deciding for placement in a special class
	Discuss proposals for placement, special education programs and services
	Review the identification and placement at least once in each school year, unless the parent gives written notice dispensing with the review

Any student enrolled at a school has the right to an IPRC, irrespective of the grade the
child is in (including Junior Kindergarten and Senior Kindergarten). Once the child is enrolled, the parents have the right to request a meeting with the IPRC.

The Identification, Placement, and Review Process: A Guide for Parents

This guide outlines the steps taken by an Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) during the process of identifying a student as exceptional and, deciding the student's placement. It also outlines the procedures for appealing decisions, sets out the regulatory requirements for the IPRC, and provides advice that is intended to help staff and parents during the IPRC process.

Needs Statements

Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) documentation includes recommendation for each exceptional student. These Needs Statements reflect general objectives of the Individual Education Plan and determine the expectations and strategies which provide the link between the recommendations of the IPRC and the program. The suggested Needs Statements correspond to the Special Education/Learning Support Services database, the Special Education Tracking System (SPTS). Parents are invited to participate in the selection of needs statements and are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the IPRC process.