Level Systems and the Law: Are They Compatible?

Level systems are a common tool used to manage students with emotional and behavioral disorders. To date, we have little research to support the efficacy of using level systems, and further, certain components of level systems may be in violation of laws protecting children and youth with disabilities. This article addresses three areas of legal concerns regarding the use of level systems, all of which pertain to a failure to individualize the program: restricted access to the least restrictive environment, curricular concerns, and procedural concerns. In addition, a decision-making model is described that will guide school personnel in designing individualized level systems which will most likely meet the mandates of the law.

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