Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Exposing and Addressing Informal Removals in Special Education

This presentation explores how informal removals of students with disabilities, unrecorded exclusions that bypass IDEA safeguards, perpetuate inequities. Drawing on legal frameworks, federal guidance, and pilot survey data from educators, administrators, and parents, we highlight disproportionate impacts, implementation challenges, and the urgent need for policy clarity and practice reform.Participants will be able to: 1. Define informal removals and distinguish them from formal disciplinary actions in the context of IDEA, FAPE, and LRE requirements, drawing on current federal guidance and legal frameworks. 2. Understand how and why informal removals occur through the pilot survey data collected from teachers, administrators, and parents. 3. Implement actionable, legally sound strategies to reduce reliance on informal removals and promoting inclusive practices, including: Implementing or improving documentation and internal tracking systems; providing targeted professional development on IDEA proceduralsafeguards and exclusionary discipline; enhancing school-family communication and collaboration to ensure transparency and understanding; and leveraging Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to proactively intervene.