Edmonton Public Schools
Board Policies and Regulations

1. Decisions regarding placement within the school and within the district shall involve the parents, and student when appropriate, and shall consider, but not be limited to, the following:
   1. schooling needs of the student,
   2. programming options available, and
   3. student and parent preferences.

2. If parents request an alternative placement, the principal shall assist them to find a suitable alternative within the district.

3. If the principal is considering a change of placement for a student which involves a change of school or program, the principal shall ensure:
   1. that discussions are held with the parents, and student where appropriate, regarding the rationale for the change and the placement options which are available, prior to making a decision; and

   2. that when a change of placement is being considered for the subsequent school year, these discussions shall be held as soon as possible, but no later than the second Friday in May.

4. Relevant educational, psychological and medical documentation will be used in a determination of the schooling needs of the student. The school may, with the parents' approval, obtain an independent assessment of a student's medical, psychiatric or psychological status; and will consider any additional relevant educational, psychological and medical documentation obtained by the parent.

5. The principal shall locate an alternative placement if the student cannot be provided with programming in the school, and shall provide the student with access to schooling while placement alternatives are being considered.

6. If there is disagreement among school staff and parents regarding the suitability of placement, the principal or parent may request a review by an individual external to the school to identify suitable options and assist in resolving the dispute.

7. If unable to resolve the dispute, the principal shall direct the student to a placement; advise the parents, in writing, of the placement and of their right to appeal the placement and provide information on the process to be followed; and furnish the superintendent with a written record of information pertinent to the decision and the disagreement.

8. If the district does not offer programming which the district deems necessary to meet a student's learning requirements, the district shall sponsor the student in an out-of-district placement.
   1. Prior to a decision for out-of-district placement there shall be a review of:

      i) the student's schooling needs, and

      ii) placement options available in the district.

   2. The principal of the school who is responsible for the student shall be responsible for approving an out-of-district placement which involves sponsorship by Edmonton Public Schools. Requests for out-of-district placement initiated by the parent shall be directed, in writing, to the school principal.

   3. Decisions relating to a request will be made as soon as possible but within forty school days of receipt of the request.

   4. Out-of-district placements shall be reviewed and approved on an annual basis. Programming and placement decisions for the subsequent school year for a student placed out-of-district shall be communicated to parents by the principal no later than May 31.

9. Where a requested out-of-district placement is not approved, the principal shall direct the student to a placement in a district school, and advise the parents of appeal procedures.