board may implement the IPRC’s placement decision.^78 The student does have
some participatory rights if aged 16 or older, as discussed above.^79 Children
aged less than 16 years may be invited to attend an IPRC meeting by Committee
members, with parental consent.^80
It is often the case that IPRC’s are conducted when children have been in school
for several years; however, it ultimately depends on the support needs of each
individual child. It is important to remember that a school is still required to
provide services, programming and accommodations regardless of whether an
IPRC has been conducted. IPRC’s may be appropriate in certain situations and
not in others. The Ministry reported that in 2010/2011 school year, “more than
191,600 students were identified by an IPRC as exceptional pupils. A further 127,
600 students who were not formally identified were provided with special
education programs and services”.^81
Every school board must develop a ‘Parent Guide’, and make it accessible to
parents. The Guide should include information concerning the school board’s
Special Education Plan, the IPRC, and how to appeal IPRC decisions.^82
- Key Terms
Exceptionality
Children who are identified by an IPRC as having a need for accommodation in
their education are called ‘exceptional’. An “exceptional” student is defined in the
Education Act as:
a pupil whose behavioural, communicational, intellectual, physical or
multiple exceptionalities are such that he or she is considered to need
placement in a special education program by a committee, established
under subparagraph iii of paragraph 5 of subsection 11 (1), of the board,
(^78) IPRC Reg., supra note 9, s. 20, 25.
(^79) IPRC Reg., supra note 9.
(^80) IPRC Reg., supra note 9, s. 15(4).
(^81) Ontario Ministry of Education, An Introduction to Special Education in Ontario
online:<www.edu.gov.ca/eng/general/elemsec/speced/ontario.html> 82.
IPRC Reg., supra note 9 , s13.