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The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) recently published a report suggesting was for states and school district to increase opportunities for children with disabilities to participate in PE and athletics. The report is called Creating Equal Opportunities for Children and Youth with Disabilities to Participate in Physical Education and Extracurricular Athletics.
By the time you decide to hire a special education attorney, the stakes are high. You are frustrated with the school and worried about your child. Not only can retaining the wrong lawyer waste your time and money, it can permanently damage your child's education. So how do you choose the right law firm? Start by assessing these nine requirements. If you haven't already, read Part 1 and Part 2 of this three-part series first.
I frequently recommend that my clients read this book and often refer to it myself. The summaries of special education law are understandable, but not overly simplistic. The section about understanding tests scores is the most valuable part of the entire book. The sample letters provide a good starting point for parents, although as the book points out, it is important to also consider the effect of state special education law. Parents should remember that this book is not state-specific and that state laws may provide additional protections for their children.
Just because your child receives testing accommodations on their IEP doesn't mean your child will receive accommodations for the PSAT, SAT, AP Tests, or ACTs. Most colleges and universities require some of these tests, so it is very important that your child's scores accurately reflect their potential.
I feel like my child is being treated unfairly by his 2nd grade teacher what more can I do? I have made it clear to the principal and teacher that I'm not happy with the situation. I have asked for a classroom change, sat in class with my son and I am at a point where I just have to tell him to grin and bare it. He is ADHD and has had no efforts by the teacher to facilitate his needs.
I recently came across this article in my copy of Parenting magazine. While I applaud the magazine for addressing learning disabilities, I was disappointed with the advice. In the article, a mother of a child with learning disabilities asked the magazine financial expert, "My son has been diagnosed with learning disorders. A special school could help him -- but it costs $7,000 a year. That's about what we have budgeted for savings and chipping away at our debt. Should we do it?" While the expert did indicate that public funding for the school may be available, that was not the main focus of her answer.
Case summary: School district indefinitely suspended Student with a disability, alleging Student had inappropriately touched others, attempting to give them "wedgies." School proposed a substantially separate placement. Attorney Wong, on behalf of Parents, argued for Student's return to the general education setting with a comprehensive behavior plan in place. Hearing Officer agreed with Parents that the general education classroom was the least restrictive environment and ordered that Student be allowed to return to his regular education classroom.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and its Massachusetts equivalent provide children receiving special education numerous rights and protections. These and other statutes, regulations, and decisions constitute special education law. But the law is only effective if it is enforced.
Wong & Boscarine LLC
P: (857) 529-8494
F: (617) 334-7306
info@wongboscarine.com
Cambridge Office
One Mifflin Place, Suite 400
Cambridge, MA 02138
Topsfield Office
15 Morningside Drive
Topsfield, MA 01983
