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Every six years the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education investigates Districts' compliance with education regulations, including federal and state special education law. Districts receive ""Commendable," "Implemented" (meaning at least substantially implemented), "Partially Implemented," "Not Implemented" (meaning at least substantially not implemented), and "Not Applicable" ratings for each compliance criterion.
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.
Check out this great New York times article and video about APD and Rosie O'Donnell's personal experience with her son's disorder. It is inspiring to hear that with proper diagnosis and intervention children with this challenge can make such amazing progress.
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.
Federal law provides for expedited hearings in certain situations. In Massachusetts, The Bureau of Special Education Appeals determines whether expedited status should be granted to all or some of the issues. If there are any remaining issues, those will be processed on a non-expedited track. Whenever possible, both cases will be heard by the same Hearing Officer
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.
My son has an autism spectrum disorder. He has problems, and is not in the appropriate special ed class, despite a request to change. He has had CPS called because of issues that are related to his problems, more than once. He has trouble with appropriate urination, which is common in autism, and he has had times where he has been told he stinks even though he has showered and his clothes directly from the dryer. They say it is cat pee, and while we have cats, this isn't the problem. I do everything I can to make sure he doesn't "smell" before he leaves.
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
