Students with IEPs and who are 14 years old must have transition services addressed. At age 14, transition planning focuses primarily on course of study activities and as needed transition services. At age 16, the transition planning should indicate the needed transition services and interagency linkages as well as responsibilities. At every student's annual review meeting, the MDT must address and consider the student's eligibility for ESY and must document its consideration and decision. ESY services are not summer school.
Parents can exercise their rights by making a written request for such mediation or hearing.
The school must contact the Department of Special Education, if a parent make a verbal request to any member of the school staff for mediation or hearing. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires that State and Local School Systems involve parents in decisions regarding their student's special education needs. In these cases, Maryland State law requires that the Superintendent of the Local School System be responsible for providing educational services to students with disabilities and to appoint a parent surrogate. The term parent does not include a social worker. A social worker may not sign for any purpose related to the identification, evaluation, placement or appeal regarding a student with disabilities.