What considerations should the ARD committee give to “harmful effects”?
Consideration should be given to any potential harmful effects on the student or quality of services that he/she needs when placement is determined (34 CFR ยง300.552). Consideration should be given to both of the following criteria: (a) any potential harmful effects on the student with disabilities if the student is removed from general education classes; (b) any potential harmful effects on the quality of services provided to the student with disabilities if the student is removed from general education classes. Consideration of potential harmful effects could be documented in a variety of ways, including documentation of potential harmful effects included in a checklist, narrative, or other evidence that describes one of the situations above. A statement that “the ARD committee reviewed potential harmful effects” is not sufficient documentation unless the ARD committee has described the specific potential harmful effects that were discussed.
