News on Special Education
News stories of interest to parents of children receiving special education services, from the Parenting Special Needs blog and news sources around the Web. For the latest news, go to the Today's News folder.
Why Won't My Son's School Give Me Details of Inappropriate Behavior?
From Empowering Parents: "At my next meeting with the school, I am going to ask if there are any more incidents, I would like 'the who, what, when, where, and how.' It determines the how, when, where, and who I talk to about my child." (11/6/09)
From Empowering Parents: "At my next meeting with the school, I am going to ask if there are any more incidents, I would like 'the who, what, when, where, and how.' It determines the how, when, where, and who I talk to about my child." (11/6/09)
Principals Want More Special Education Teachers, Consistency In IDEA
From Disability Scoop: "Lawmakers should work to increase the number of special education teachers and establish consistency in the implementation of services when Congress meets next year to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a group of school principals says." (11/5/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Lawmakers should work to increase the number of special education teachers and establish consistency in the implementation of services when Congress meets next year to reauthorize the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a group of school principals says." (11/5/09)
What Is the Least Restrictive Environment?
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Some people insist that the least restrictive environment is always the regular classroom. Full inclusion in the regular classroom is always the best placement for every child. But is that necessarily true?" (11/3/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Some people insist that the least restrictive environment is always the regular classroom. Full inclusion in the regular classroom is always the best placement for every child. But is that necessarily true?" (11/3/09)
Tape-recording IEP Meetings: What Does the Law Say?
From Wrightslaw: "An IEP meeting should focus on how to provide appropriate education to a child with a disability. There should be no conversation at an IEP meeting that cannot be repeated or taped." (11/3/09)
From Wrightslaw: "An IEP meeting should focus on how to provide appropriate education to a child with a disability. There should be no conversation at an IEP meeting that cannot be repeated or taped." (11/3/09)
Teacher Fired For Reporting IDEA Violations Can Sue, Court Rules
From Disability Scoop: "A California educator who says she was fired for speaking out about the limited services provided to her special education students can sue for retaliation, an appeals court has ruled."(11/3/09)
From Disability Scoop: "A California educator who says she was fired for speaking out about the limited services provided to her special education students can sue for retaliation, an appeals court has ruled."(11/3/09)
Learn About Section 504
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "If your child has a learning disability, depending on the degree of severity, his school may consider serving him in a special education program or providing adaptations and accommodations under Section 504. Learn more about Section 504 and whether it may be appropriate for your child." (11/1/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "If your child has a learning disability, depending on the degree of severity, his school may consider serving him in a special education program or providing adaptations and accommodations under Section 504. Learn more about Section 504 and whether it may be appropriate for your child." (11/1/09)
Statement of Parental Concerns
A sample from Kristina Chew of We Go With Him. (10/28/09)
A sample from Kristina Chew of We Go With Him. (10/28/09)
Gearing up for our third IEP
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "IEP planning tips for preschool developmentally delayed children." (10/28/09)
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "IEP planning tips for preschool developmentally delayed children." (10/28/09)
Food Fight
From About.com Special Ed: School "zero tolerance" policies for candy and non-healthy food make it tough to reward kids with disabilities who might respond to an incentive of Skittles or soda. (10/27/09)
From About.com Special Ed: School "zero tolerance" policies for candy and non-healthy food make it tough to reward kids with disabilities who might respond to an incentive of Skittles or soda. (10/27/09)
Montana teacher's aides face felony abuse charges
From Disability News: "Witnesses have accused Julie Parish and Kristina Marie Kallies of abusing 14-year Garret Schilling, who has Fragile X syndrome and limited verbal skills, by holding his head under running water, making him eat his own vomit, and leaving him sitting in his own feces for prolonged periods." (10/27/09)
From Disability News: "Witnesses have accused Julie Parish and Kristina Marie Kallies of abusing 14-year Garret Schilling, who has Fragile X syndrome and limited verbal skills, by holding his head under running water, making him eat his own vomit, and leaving him sitting in his own feces for prolonged periods." (10/27/09)
'Waterboarding-Like Torture' Used On Special Ed Students, Parents Say
From Disability Scoop: "Witnesses say that students were subjected to water torture and forced to eat their own vomit. Further, parents say they suspect students were also confined to closets." (10/22/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Witnesses say that students were subjected to water torture and forced to eat their own vomit. Further, parents say they suspect students were also confined to closets." (10/22/09)
Math Remains Sore Subject For Students With Disabilities, Report Finds
From Disability Scoop: "Among fourth graders with disabilities, 59 percent scored at or above basic level compared to 84 percent of students without disabilities. Meanwhile, 36 percent of eighth graders with disabilities are at or above basic level compared to 76 percent of other students, the report card found." (10/21/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Among fourth graders with disabilities, 59 percent scored at or above basic level compared to 84 percent of students without disabilities. Meanwhile, 36 percent of eighth graders with disabilities are at or above basic level compared to 76 percent of other students, the report card found." (10/21/09)
Mission of NJIT Researcher Is to Improve Schools for Disabled Students
From Medical News Today: "NJIT Research Architect B. Lynn Hutchings believes that by making a few practical, effective and relatively inexpensive changes to school buildings, they can become better environments for students with severe physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities." (10/21/09)
From Medical News Today: "NJIT Research Architect B. Lynn Hutchings believes that by making a few practical, effective and relatively inexpensive changes to school buildings, they can become better environments for students with severe physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities." (10/21/09)
Interviews from educational leaders on how to make inclusion work
From The Joy of Autism: "While many schools and communities may be unable to argue with the idea of inclusion, and some have begun to include people with disabilities into the classroom, most have not been able to foster an accepting an accommodating environment that would make the classroom truly inclusive." (10/20/09)
From The Joy of Autism: "While many schools and communities may be unable to argue with the idea of inclusion, and some have begun to include people with disabilities into the classroom, most have not been able to foster an accepting an accommodating environment that would make the classroom truly inclusive." (10/20/09)
Is Your PLOP a Flop?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "e-News advises that in the panic to write the IEP, cover all the necessary goals, objectives, benchmarks (if applicable), and figure out how to accurately measure progress, the PLOP (present levels of performance) often gets neglected." (10/20/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "e-News advises that in the panic to write the IEP, cover all the necessary goals, objectives, benchmarks (if applicable), and figure out how to accurately measure progress, the PLOP (present levels of performance) often gets neglected." (10/20/09)
Cheers All Around For Special Needs Squad
From Disability Scoop: "When one Iowa high school football team takes to the field they have twice the cheering power. That's because the school's varsity cheerleaders are joined by the Spartan Sparkles, a sister cheer squad made up of girls with Down syndrome, autism and other special needs." (10/20/09)
From Disability Scoop: "When one Iowa high school football team takes to the field they have twice the cheering power. That's because the school's varsity cheerleaders are joined by the Spartan Sparkles, a sister cheer squad made up of girls with Down syndrome, autism and other special needs." (10/20/09)
Lack of Appropriate Interventions and Training Lead to Tragic Results
From Special Education Law Blog: "Two stories spotlight the need for better services for students and training for staff. In one, a special education student with autism was shot 5 times and killed by the on-campus officer after the student stabbed him with a knife. [In another,] a student in Texas with severe mental health needs stabbed and killed his special education teacher." (10/19/09)
From Special Education Law Blog: "Two stories spotlight the need for better services for students and training for staff. In one, a special education student with autism was shot 5 times and killed by the on-campus officer after the student stabbed him with a knife. [In another,] a student in Texas with severe mental health needs stabbed and killed his special education teacher." (10/19/09)
Education Secretary Won't Accept Status Quo For Special Ed
From Disability Scoop: "The federal government must do more than provide money to ensure the success of students with disabilities, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told state education leaders Friday." (10/17/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The federal government must do more than provide money to ensure the success of students with disabilities, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan told state education leaders Friday." (10/17/09)
Putting 'special interests' to work
From Easter Seals and Autism: "One characteristic we often hear about people with autism is an intense interest in a particular subject. Colloquially in the field of autism this is called a 'special interest,' and Specialisterne hires individuals with autism who have a special interest in internet technology." (10/16/09)
From Easter Seals and Autism: "One characteristic we often hear about people with autism is an intense interest in a particular subject. Colloquially in the field of autism this is called a 'special interest,' and Specialisterne hires individuals with autism who have a special interest in internet technology." (10/16/09)
School Uniforms and Students With Special Needs
Wardrobe freedom fighters are citing the needs of special-education students as a reason to oppose public school uniforms. (10/16/09)
Wardrobe freedom fighters are citing the needs of special-education students as a reason to oppose public school uniforms. (10/16/09)
Newspaper Helps Teen Secure Special Education Services
From Disability Scoop: "In June a court ordered Chicago Public Schools to provide Christopher Cruz a private placement for the coming school year, but September came and went with Cruz biding his time at home instead. When the Chicago Tribune got involved, however, it took the school district just half a day to sort things out." (10/16/09)
From Disability Scoop: "In June a court ordered Chicago Public Schools to provide Christopher Cruz a private placement for the coming school year, but September came and went with Cruz biding his time at home instead. When the Chicago Tribune got involved, however, it took the school district just half a day to sort things out." (10/16/09)
Teacher Furloughs Put IEPs In Jeopardy, Parents Say
From Disability Scoop: "The furloughs would pull teachers from the classroom for 17 days this school year and 24 days next year in an effort to save money and help close [Hawaii's] budget gap, which is nearly $1 billion. But parents say such teacher absences will prevent the proper implementation of special education students' individualized education plans." (10/15/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The furloughs would pull teachers from the classroom for 17 days this school year and 24 days next year in an effort to save money and help close [Hawaii's] budget gap, which is nearly $1 billion. But parents say such teacher absences will prevent the proper implementation of special education students' individualized education plans." (10/15/09)
ACLU: Teachers abuse kids with LD
From Great Schools: "'Impairing Education: Corporal Punishment of Students With Disabilities in U.S. Public Schools' found that students with disabilities are more likely to be paddled than others and that some children are hit for exhibiting behaviors directly resulting from their disabilities." (10/15/09)
From Great Schools: "'Impairing Education: Corporal Punishment of Students With Disabilities in U.S. Public Schools' found that students with disabilities are more likely to be paddled than others and that some children are hit for exhibiting behaviors directly resulting from their disabilities." (10/15/09)
All Parents with Kids in Special Ed Need to See This Video
From Wrightslaw: "The larger problem (and the basis for not evaluating kids for dyslexia) is that very few teachers know how to teach dyslexic kids to read. Most kids with disabilities have significant problems with reading. Yet, education schools don't focus on ensuring that special ed teachers know how to teach kids to read." (10/13/09)
From Wrightslaw: "The larger problem (and the basis for not evaluating kids for dyslexia) is that very few teachers know how to teach dyslexic kids to read. Most kids with disabilities have significant problems with reading. Yet, education schools don't focus on ensuring that special ed teachers know how to teach kids to read." (10/13/09)
Parents as Non-Authority: 5150s and Bathroom Privileges
From Silicon Valley Moms Blog: "So sure, I’m worried about “stranger danger” but I’m more concerned about the completely legal ways to hold someone against their will." (10/12/09)
From Silicon Valley Moms Blog: "So sure, I’m worried about “stranger danger” but I’m more concerned about the completely legal ways to hold someone against their will." (10/12/09)
School Cop Beats Student With Special Needs, Caught on Tape
From Special Education Law Blog: "At a school in Dolton, Illinois, an on campus police officer was caught on videotape beating a special education student for not having his shirt tucked. It would be great if such incidents were uncommon but they are not." (10/9/09)
From Special Education Law Blog: "At a school in Dolton, Illinois, an on campus police officer was caught on videotape beating a special education student for not having his shirt tucked. It would be great if such incidents were uncommon but they are not." (10/9/09)
IEP Meetings
From eSpeciallyBen: "I do not love the IEP meeting, but I do not dread them anymore either. I believe that this meeting can be successful -- meaning your child's educational goals are met with little stress and anxiety. These suggestions are based on what I've learned from researching and participating in IEP meetings for the past three years." (10/9/09)
From eSpeciallyBen: "I do not love the IEP meeting, but I do not dread them anymore either. I believe that this meeting can be successful -- meaning your child's educational goals are met with little stress and anxiety. These suggestions are based on what I've learned from researching and participating in IEP meetings for the past three years." (10/9/09)
Is Your Child's Special Education Placement Appropriate?
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "After your child's Individual Education Program is developed, you will be asked to help decide the best placement for her to be taught. It is a decision that is just as important as what goes on the IEP itself." (10/6/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "After your child's Individual Education Program is developed, you will be asked to help decide the best placement for her to be taught. It is a decision that is just as important as what goes on the IEP itself." (10/6/09)
Are you an Edu-Parent?
From Leading2Learning: "I have been struggling to find a name for parents who go that extra step to help their children learn. I want to differentiate between the teaching that goes on in school and the learning that happens in the home." (10/5/09)
From Leading2Learning: "I have been struggling to find a name for parents who go that extra step to help their children learn. I want to differentiate between the teaching that goes on in school and the learning that happens in the home." (10/5/09)
Gifted Programs Suck Funds From Students With Disabilities, Administra
From Disability Scoop: "A group of Louisiana special education administrators is asking the state to remove gifted and talented programs from special education, alleging that such programs are diverting funds from more needy students with disabilities." (10/1/09)
From Disability Scoop: "A group of Louisiana special education administrators is asking the state to remove gifted and talented programs from special education, alleging that such programs are diverting funds from more needy students with disabilities." (10/1/09)
Op-ed: Congress should keep promise, fund IDEA
From Disability News: "Minnesota Rep. John Kline writes in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that Congress should not create costly new programs until it fully funds the programs for students with disabilities that were authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act." (10/1/09)
From Disability News: "Minnesota Rep. John Kline writes in the Minneapolis Star Tribune that Congress should not create costly new programs until it fully funds the programs for students with disabilities that were authorized under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act." (10/1/09)
Do Kids with Disabilities Strain or Strengthen Our Schools?
From Business Week, an inclusion advocate addresses "myths and realities" about inclusion, including the "notion that taxpayers are throwing away money by educating kids with disabilities." (9/28/09)
From Business Week, an inclusion advocate addresses "myths and realities" about inclusion, including the "notion that taxpayers are throwing away money by educating kids with disabilities." (9/28/09)
What Was She Thinking?
From Autism Vox: As the mother of a boy with autism, I would expect his teacher to keep anything out of his reach that she didn%u2019t want him to have. It's sickening to think that a special education teacher planned to hurt a child." (9/26/09)
From Autism Vox: As the mother of a boy with autism, I would expect his teacher to keep anything out of his reach that she didn%u2019t want him to have. It's sickening to think that a special education teacher planned to hurt a child." (9/26/09)
Tips for students with disabilities applying to college
Disability News: "Theo Emery writes in the New York Times: The Choice Blog that applying to college can pose more hurdles for students with learning disabilities than for their nondisabled peers." (9/26/09)
Disability News: "Theo Emery writes in the New York Times: The Choice Blog that applying to college can pose more hurdles for students with learning disabilities than for their nondisabled peers." (9/26/09)
Helping Students Develop Self-Control
From Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day: "Studies show that the ability to have self-discipline (also known as self-regulation) can result in tremendous learning and life benefits." (9/26/09)
From Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day: "Studies show that the ability to have self-discipline (also known as self-regulation) can result in tremendous learning and life benefits." (9/26/09)
Teacher Abused Autistic Kid with Hot Sauce
From MomLogic: "A Florida jury has found a Miami-area special needs teacher guilty of abuse after police say she put hot sauce in an autistic student's soda. ... She allegedly gave the spiked soda to the student to 'teach him a lesson.' She says the boy grabbed the soda from her desk when she was with other students." (9/24/09)
From MomLogic: "A Florida jury has found a Miami-area special needs teacher guilty of abuse after police say she put hot sauce in an autistic student's soda. ... She allegedly gave the spiked soda to the student to 'teach him a lesson.' She says the boy grabbed the soda from her desk when she was with other students." (9/24/09)
Mom: Seclusion room felt like jail cell
From Disability News: "A judge has issued an emergency injunction against educators at a Tennessee elementary school following allegations that a student with developmental disabilities was stripped down to his underwear and locked in a seclusion room." (9/24/09)
From Disability News: "A judge has issued an emergency injunction against educators at a Tennessee elementary school following allegations that a student with developmental disabilities was stripped down to his underwear and locked in a seclusion room." (9/24/09)
Bill Will Help Reduce Classroom Noise
From About.com Deafness: "This is good news for deaf and hard of hearing children because classroom noise can interfere with their learning." (9/23/09)
From About.com Deafness: "This is good news for deaf and hard of hearing children because classroom noise can interfere with their learning." (9/23/09)
Summer's Over - and our ESY Services Never Happened!
From Wrightslaw: "My child's IEP said she was to receive ESY services - OT, PT, and Speech Therapy. ST was provided throughout the summer. There was no OT or PT. The district stated it was not able to find therapists." (9/22/09)
From Wrightslaw: "My child's IEP said she was to receive ESY services - OT, PT, and Speech Therapy. ST was provided throughout the summer. There was no OT or PT. The district stated it was not able to find therapists." (9/22/09)
The Best Online Resources To Teach About Plagiarism
From Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day: "Plagiarism, I think, can be a tricky concept to help students understand. I can understand how an English Language Learner in an academic setting might be tempted to copy-and-paste someone else's work." (9/21/09)
From Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day: "Plagiarism, I think, can be a tricky concept to help students understand. I can understand how an English Language Learner in an academic setting might be tempted to copy-and-paste someone else's work." (9/21/09)
How Many Days After Signing the IEP Can It Be Revised?
From Wrightslaw: "You have a right to request an IEP meeting to review and revise your child's IEP at any time. The federal law does not specify a 'time limit' for requesting a revision, but there are more questions." (9/18/09)
From Wrightslaw: "You have a right to request an IEP meeting to review and revise your child's IEP at any time. The federal law does not specify a 'time limit' for requesting a revision, but there are more questions." (9/18/09)
Lawsuit: Footage shows school abuse
From Fox Tampa Bay: Attorney representing 14-year-old autistic boy says video shows him being dragged down a hall and thrown into a dark room. (9/17/09)
From Fox Tampa Bay: Attorney representing 14-year-old autistic boy says video shows him being dragged down a hall and thrown into a dark room. (9/17/09)
More things to do with a switch
From Teaching Learners With Multiple Special Needs: "Battery operated items below can be adapted with a battery interrupter and electrical items with an environmental control box like a Power Link." (9/16/09)
From Teaching Learners With Multiple Special Needs: "Battery operated items below can be adapted with a battery interrupter and electrical items with an environmental control box like a Power Link." (9/16/09)
What does "swine flu" have to do with FAPE?
From Wrightslaw: "What happens if your child’s school must close for an extended period because of an outbreak of swine flu? Is this considered a loss of 'educational opportunities'?” (9/15/09)
From Wrightslaw: "What happens if your child’s school must close for an extended period because of an outbreak of swine flu? Is this considered a loss of 'educational opportunities'?” (9/15/09)
Column: Schools misusing special ed for remedial education
From Disability News: "University of Arkansas professor of education reform Jay P. Greene writes in the National Review that current procedures for identifying students with disabilities are fundamentally flawed and almost certainly result in inflated estimates of the number of students who are actually disabled." (9/15/09)
From Disability News: "University of Arkansas professor of education reform Jay P. Greene writes in the National Review that current procedures for identifying students with disabilities are fundamentally flawed and almost certainly result in inflated estimates of the number of students who are actually disabled." (9/15/09)
Restraints in the News
From Special Needs Rides: "The relevant reports did not focus at all on the use of restraints on school buses to respond to safety concerns regarding children with disabilities." (9/15/09)
From Special Needs Rides: "The relevant reports did not focus at all on the use of restraints on school buses to respond to safety concerns regarding children with disabilities." (9/15/09)
Have a Conflict with Your Child's Teacher?
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "To avoid getting locked into a cycle of conflict, parents can prepare themselves beforehand with these strategies to improve communication and resolve conflicts." (9/14/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "To avoid getting locked into a cycle of conflict, parents can prepare themselves beforehand with these strategies to improve communication and resolve conflicts." (9/14/09)
Educators weigh impact of high court special ed ruling
From Disability News: "The ruling allows the parents of students with disabilities to seek reimbursement from their districts for private school tuition, even if they did not first try their public school's special education programs." (9/10/09)
From Disability News: "The ruling allows the parents of students with disabilities to seek reimbursement from their districts for private school tuition, even if they did not first try their public school's special education programs." (9/10/09)
Students with disabilities languish after graduation
From Disability News: "Hundreds of people with developmental disabilities in Kansas are waiting years after completing high school to get a job or placement in a sheltered workshop." (9/10/09)
From Disability News: "Hundreds of people with developmental disabilities in Kansas are waiting years after completing high school to get a job or placement in a sheltered workshop." (9/10/09)
Educating Students with Disabilities in a Swine Flu Outbreak
From Special Needs Rides: "A prolonged school closure due to exceptional circumstances is a 'What if?' scenario that the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA do not specifically address." (9/10/09)
From Special Needs Rides: "A prolonged school closure due to exceptional circumstances is a 'What if?' scenario that the IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA do not specifically address." (9/10/09)
Is Your Child Struggling in College?
From About.com Depression: "Students who don't cope well with these new stressors may be more at risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, abusive relationships and depression." (9/9/09)
From About.com Depression: "Students who don't cope well with these new stressors may be more at risk for substance abuse, eating disorders, abusive relationships and depression." (9/9/09)
Denying Access to IEPs for Regular Ed Teachers
From Wrightslaw: "Students with IEPs and 504 plans do not have any right to confidentiality when it comes to their teacher knowing what that teacher is supposed to provide in services and/or accommodations." (9/9/09)
From Wrightslaw: "Students with IEPs and 504 plans do not have any right to confidentiality when it comes to their teacher knowing what that teacher is supposed to provide in services and/or accommodations." (9/9/09)
Is Diana O'Neil Autism's OJ? The Teacher Abuse Case in Sarasota.
From Age of Autism: "I understand standing up for animals. I understand hugging trees and saving the planet. I really do. What I can't understand is where are the voices of outraged people standing up and SCREAMING 'YOU CAN'T HIT DISABLED CHILDREN', YOU CAN'T CALL THEM NAMES, I don't care if you think they understand or not.'" (9/7/09)
From Age of Autism: "I understand standing up for animals. I understand hugging trees and saving the planet. I really do. What I can't understand is where are the voices of outraged people standing up and SCREAMING 'YOU CAN'T HIT DISABLED CHILDREN', YOU CAN'T CALL THEM NAMES, I don't care if you think they understand or not.'" (9/7/09)
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan Addresses Special Ed Conference
From JF Activist: "Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressed the participants of the Office of Special Education Programs annual leadership conference. The conference's theme was 'Leading Change in Challenging Times' and the Secretary carried that theme throughout his remarks, laying out his vision for improving the education of students with disabilities." (9/4/09)
From JF Activist: "Secretary of Education Arne Duncan addressed the participants of the Office of Special Education Programs annual leadership conference. The conference's theme was 'Leading Change in Challenging Times' and the Secretary carried that theme throughout his remarks, laying out his vision for improving the education of students with disabilities." (9/4/09)
School Days Give Some Kids a Headache
From HealthDay: "More than one-third of children experience recurrent headaches, involving pain that occurs more than once a month, according to pediatricians at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio." (9/4/09)
From HealthDay: "More than one-third of children experience recurrent headaches, involving pain that occurs more than once a month, according to pediatricians at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio." (9/4/09)
Teaching Tips: A New Classroom
Round-up of items on Autism Vox. (9/3/09)
Round-up of items on Autism Vox. (9/3/09)
Teacher Accused Of Abusing Disabled Students Returns to Classroom
From Disability Scoop: "A Sarasota, Fla. special education teacher who allegedly hit, kicked and pushed her students with disabilities will keep her job." (9/3/09)
From Disability Scoop: "A Sarasota, Fla. special education teacher who allegedly hit, kicked and pushed her students with disabilities will keep her job." (9/3/09)
Adding Parent Input to the IEP - Here's How!
Help from Wrightslaw. (8/31/09)
Help from Wrightslaw. (8/31/09)
Back to School Tips for Teachers
From Allergy Moms: "Here are the back to school tips that I wrote for our friends at Enjoy Life Foods!" (8/28/09)
From Allergy Moms: "Here are the back to school tips that I wrote for our friends at Enjoy Life Foods!" (8/28/09)
The School Won't Let Me Add Input to My Child's IEP
From Wrightslaw: "Nothing in the statute or regulations prevents you from adding input to your child's IEP. Just the opposite." (8/28/09)
From Wrightslaw: "Nothing in the statute or regulations prevents you from adding input to your child's IEP. Just the opposite." (8/28/09)
Police Intervention More Common For Students With Disabilities
From Disability Scoop: "Students with disabilities are arrested or referred to court by police officers stationed in their schools at higher rates than most other students, a report from the American Civil Liberties Union finds." (8/26/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Students with disabilities are arrested or referred to court by police officers stationed in their schools at higher rates than most other students, a report from the American Civil Liberties Union finds." (8/26/09)
Back to School Safety Issues
From Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Medical ID, Temporary Tattoo ID and Allergy Lunch Bags. (8/20/09)
From Teaching Learners with Multiple Special Needs: Medical ID, Temporary Tattoo ID and Allergy Lunch Bags. (8/20/09)
Duncan Breaks Silence on Special Ed
From Special Needs Truth '08: Addressing a group of state special education officials in Washington, he asked for their support in developing state standards to make sure the needs of students with disabilities are met. (8/20/09)
From Special Needs Truth '08: Addressing a group of state special education officials in Washington, he asked for their support in developing state standards to make sure the needs of students with disabilities are met. (8/20/09)
Just because you THINK you have your I's dotted and your T's crossed
...doesn't mean you actually DO, according to this post from 5 Minutes for Special Needs. (8/20/09)
...doesn't mean you actually DO, according to this post from 5 Minutes for Special Needs. (8/20/09)
Special Education Vouchers Could Cut Costs, Reduce Diagnoses
From Disability Scoop: "School districts tend to seek diagnoses for low performing students in order to place them in special education and receive extra funding. This financial incentive disappears, however, when voucher programs allow the public dollars to follow such a student to a private school." (8/20/09)
From Disability Scoop: "School districts tend to seek diagnoses for low performing students in order to place them in special education and receive extra funding. This financial incentive disappears, however, when voucher programs allow the public dollars to follow such a student to a private school." (8/20/09)
Back To School Basics
From Disability Scoop: "Believe it or not, school is here once again. And for students with an individualized education plan (IEP) that means more than putting fresh pencils in a backpack and getting new clothes. Starting off on the right foot is all about a smooth transition from summertime relaxation to school time structure." (8/20/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Believe it or not, school is here once again. And for students with an individualized education plan (IEP) that means more than putting fresh pencils in a backpack and getting new clothes. Starting off on the right foot is all about a smooth transition from summertime relaxation to school time structure." (8/20/09)
Physical Contact: Where's the Line?
Should therapists not be allowed to touch kids, even if it's therapeutic and positive and calming? (8/6/09)
Should therapists not be allowed to touch kids, even if it's therapeutic and positive and calming? (8/6/09)
"I Urge You to Ensure That Every Student in Every School is Safe"
From Wrightslaw: "In a July 31 letter, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described his reaction to testimony before Congress on the use of restraints and seclusion in public schools. He advised school officials to reform their seclusion and restraint procedures 'to ensure that every student in every school is safe and protected' before the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year." (8/5/09)
From Wrightslaw: "In a July 31 letter, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan described his reaction to testimony before Congress on the use of restraints and seclusion in public schools. He advised school officials to reform their seclusion and restraint procedures 'to ensure that every student in every school is safe and protected' before the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year." (8/5/09)
Secretary Duncan Asks Schools for Seclusion/Restraint Policies
From Special Needs Truth '08: "Disability Scoop reports that Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sent a letter to all state education heads to formally submit their policies on seclusion and restraint in schools." (8/4/09)
From Special Needs Truth '08: "Disability Scoop reports that Education Secretary Arne Duncan has sent a letter to all state education heads to formally submit their policies on seclusion and restraint in schools." (8/4/09)
Let's Add the "A" to "LRE"
From Special Ed Justice: "Sadly, the LRE provision has over the years developed from a shield for children with special education needs, to a sword for school districts who are trying to avoid the costs associated with providing more restrictive environments." (7/22/09)
From Special Ed Justice: "Sadly, the LRE provision has over the years developed from a shield for children with special education needs, to a sword for school districts who are trying to avoid the costs associated with providing more restrictive environments." (7/22/09)
Back To School: IEP Meetings
From Hartley's Life With 3 Boys: "When you think of school starting, do you get scared of the IEP Meeting? I do." (7/21/09)
From Hartley's Life With 3 Boys: "When you think of school starting, do you get scared of the IEP Meeting? I do." (7/21/09)
14 Tips: Reviewing Your Child's Educational Record
From Wrightslaw: "We've been posting about using time this summer to review your child's records and organize his special education file. Have you started yet?" (7/20/09)
From Wrightslaw: "We've been posting about using time this summer to review your child's records and organize his special education file. Have you started yet?" (7/20/09)
What Special Education Teachers Won't Tell You
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Special education teachers have secrets. It's true that special education teachers cannot or will not tell you everything you should know about your child's special education program. Learn ten of the top secrets your special education teacher wish you knew." (7/20/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Special education teachers have secrets. It's true that special education teachers cannot or will not tell you everything you should know about your child's special education program. Learn ten of the top secrets your special education teacher wish you knew." (7/20/09)
School Bus Driver Unions and the Need for Special Understanding
From Special Needs Rides: "We all know that drivers of students with special needs have to be special themselves. At a recent conference, one school transportation administrator bemoaned the fact that the union doesn't seem to recognize this, and it demands that seniority alone be the deciding factor in who can bid successfully for a special needs route." (7/20/09)
From Special Needs Rides: "We all know that drivers of students with special needs have to be special themselves. At a recent conference, one school transportation administrator bemoaned the fact that the union doesn't seem to recognize this, and it demands that seniority alone be the deciding factor in who can bid successfully for a special needs route." (7/20/09)
Inclusive preschool teaches compassion along with ABC's
From Disability News: "The Lighthouse International Child Development Center in New York teaches children lessons in simple camaraderie and confidence by instructing preschool students who are visually impaired alongside sighted students." (7/16/09)
From Disability News: "The Lighthouse International Child Development Center in New York teaches children lessons in simple camaraderie and confidence by instructing preschool students who are visually impaired alongside sighted students." (7/16/09)
Section 504 Updated: Greater Eligibility and Accommodations
From Great Schools: "Did you know that, effective January 2009, eligibility for protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act became broader? Some students who did not qualify for Section 504 in the past, or who were not eligible for services and supports under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may now qualify for Section 504 plans." (7/16/09)
From Great Schools: "Did you know that, effective January 2009, eligibility for protection under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act became broader? Some students who did not qualify for Section 504 in the past, or who were not eligible for services and supports under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), may now qualify for Section 504 plans." (7/16/09)
Quality Staff or Any Staff?
From Autism - Change.org: "Is it better for a small number of well paid staff to provide services to a small number of individuals but at the expense of quantity? Or is it better for a large number of poorly paid staff to provide services to a larger number of individuals but at the expense of quality?" (7/15/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "Is it better for a small number of well paid staff to provide services to a small number of individuals but at the expense of quantity? Or is it better for a large number of poorly paid staff to provide services to a larger number of individuals but at the expense of quality?" (7/15/09)
Back on the Road to Find a School
From Autism - Change.org: "It's not just that people think of autism as something only children have, and that people overlook the fact that autistic adults are adults, not "large children." Autistic children like my son who is all of 12 years old---not even a teenager---are too often written off as 'too old' by the time they're, well, 3 or 4 years old." (7/15/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "It's not just that people think of autism as something only children have, and that people overlook the fact that autistic adults are adults, not "large children." Autistic children like my son who is all of 12 years old---not even a teenager---are too often written off as 'too old' by the time they're, well, 3 or 4 years old." (7/15/09)
An Open Letter -- and Homework -- for Secretary Duncan
From Special Needs Truth: "I'd REALLY like to find some good news -- even supportive statements -- coming from you and the Department of Education. I promise you, if you say something positive, I'll report it here and many people will read about it. But PLEASE. Give me something to work with." (7/15/09)
From Special Needs Truth: "I'd REALLY like to find some good news -- even supportive statements -- coming from you and the Department of Education. I promise you, if you say something positive, I'll report it here and many people will read about it. But PLEASE. Give me something to work with." (7/15/09)
In Boston, high rate of segregation for students with disabilities
From Disability News: "Nearly 41 percent of Boston’s students with disabilities are being educated in segregated settings, a rate that is almost three times higher than the state recommends, according to a school district report." (7/13/09)
From Disability News: "Nearly 41 percent of Boston’s students with disabilities are being educated in segregated settings, a rate that is almost three times higher than the state recommends, according to a school district report." (7/13/09)
IEP FAQs: Scribe on the IEP - for Math?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If a student has scribe on his IEP for all subjects, is he supposed to have a scribe in math also? I was told 'no' by a school administrator. I’m confused." (7/13/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If a student has scribe on his IEP for all subjects, is he supposed to have a scribe in math also? I was told 'no' by a school administrator. I’m confused." (7/13/09)
Summer schooler arrives with his own AED
From About.com Rare Diseases: "The child's IEP (Individualized Education Plan) requires that the school staff who work with him be trained in CPR and in how to use the AED. He also has a monitor who rides on the school bus with him who has this training as well. I hope we'll never need to use the training, but if so, we are prepared." (7/13/09)
From About.com Rare Diseases: "The child's IEP (Individualized Education Plan) requires that the school staff who work with him be trained in CPR and in how to use the AED. He also has a monitor who rides on the school bus with him who has this training as well. I hope we'll never need to use the training, but if so, we are prepared." (7/13/09)
You Can Help End Abusive Restraint and Seclusion
From AGE OF AUTISM: "Our federal lawmakers say they have not heard from us on harmful restraint and seclusion!!" (7/9/09)
From AGE OF AUTISM: "Our federal lawmakers say they have not heard from us on harmful restraint and seclusion!!" (7/9/09)
IEP FAQs: Do Nursing Services Belong in the IEP?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If a child is wheelchair-bound and needs a catheter, is this something that belongs in the IEP?" (7/7/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If a child is wheelchair-bound and needs a catheter, is this something that belongs in the IEP?" (7/7/09)
Advocates seek ban on school restraints, isolation
From Disability News: "The growing presence of students with disabilities in mainstream school settings has attracted greater attention to educators' use of restraint holds and isolation as methods for controlling students." (7/6/09)
From Disability News: "The growing presence of students with disabilities in mainstream school settings has attracted greater attention to educators' use of restraint holds and isolation as methods for controlling students." (7/6/09)
Exclusivity for Inclusion
From Autism - Change.org: "On one hand, I do not (obviously!) want to be discriminated against, denied an education, or denied any sort of opportunity I may want to seize. On the other hand, I frankly do not want to be included in most "community activities" and often resent the insistence of others that I be included." (7/3/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "On one hand, I do not (obviously!) want to be discriminated against, denied an education, or denied any sort of opportunity I may want to seize. On the other hand, I frankly do not want to be included in most "community activities" and often resent the insistence of others that I be included." (7/3/09)
Post-Secondary School Program for Students on the Spectrum
From Autism - Change.org: "State funding for educational programs for students over the age of 21?Sounds too good to be true, especially in light of general realizations about when everything isn't as shiny anymore when it comes to adult services." (7/2/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "State funding for educational programs for students over the age of 21?Sounds too good to be true, especially in light of general realizations about when everything isn't as shiny anymore when it comes to adult services." (7/2/09)
CMS relents in special ed case
From CharlotteObserver.com: "Advocates who have aided the Hawkinses say they're not sure which is more startling: that the family won against such a powerful adversary, or that CMS kept resisting. 'It was just simply amazing, the level of indifference exhibited by the school system,' says lawyer John Rittelmeyer of the Raleigh-based Disability Rights NC." (7/2/09)
From CharlotteObserver.com: "Advocates who have aided the Hawkinses say they're not sure which is more startling: that the family won against such a powerful adversary, or that CMS kept resisting. 'It was just simply amazing, the level of indifference exhibited by the school system,' says lawyer John Rittelmeyer of the Raleigh-based Disability Rights NC." (7/2/09)
Supreme Court Backs Reimbursement for Private Tuition
From Education Week: "Federal law authorizes reimbursements for private school tuition, even when a child has never received special education services from a public school, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today." (6/24/09)
From Education Week: "Federal law authorizes reimbursements for private school tuition, even when a child has never received special education services from a public school, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today." (6/24/09)
Supreme Court Issues Powerful Pro-Child Decision in Eligibility Case
From Wrightslaw: "On Monday, June 22, 2009, the Supreme Court issued a powerful pro-child decision in Forest Grove School District v. T.A. This is a case about tuition reimbursement for a disabled child who was not found eligible for special education and received no special education services from the public school district." (6/24/09)
From Wrightslaw: "On Monday, June 22, 2009, the Supreme Court issued a powerful pro-child decision in Forest Grove School District v. T.A. This is a case about tuition reimbursement for a disabled child who was not found eligible for special education and received no special education services from the public school district." (6/24/09)
High court rejects limits on public special ed funding
From Disability News: "In a 6-3 ruling decision today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a family who argued that their child's special education costs should be paid by their local school district even though he had not first received special ed services in public school." (6/23/09)
From Disability News: "In a 6-3 ruling decision today, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of a family who argued that their child's special education costs should be paid by their local school district even though he had not first received special ed services in public school." (6/23/09)
Reimbursement
From The FAPE Page: "IDEA authorizes reimbursement for private special-education services when a public school fails to provide FAPE and the private school placement is appropriate. regardless of whether the child previously received services through the public school." (6/23/09)
From The FAPE Page: "IDEA authorizes reimbursement for private special-education services when a public school fails to provide FAPE and the private school placement is appropriate. regardless of whether the child previously received services through the public school." (6/23/09)
Supreme Court Makes Important Special Education Ruling
From About.com Deafness: "The rulemaking in a nutshell: if parents find that public schools can not meet their child's special education needs, they can put the child directly in private school. They can then seek reimbursement from the public school system." (6/23/09)
From About.com Deafness: "The rulemaking in a nutshell: if parents find that public schools can not meet their child's special education needs, they can put the child directly in private school. They can then seek reimbursement from the public school system." (6/23/09)
Supreme Court Rules On Private School Reimbursement
From Disability Scoop: "The decision comes in the case of Forest Grove School District v. T.A. The case centers on an Oregon teen who attended public school for years, but was not diagnosed with a disability until his parents enrolled him in a private placement." (6/23/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The decision comes in the case of Forest Grove School District v. T.A. The case centers on an Oregon teen who attended public school for years, but was not diagnosed with a disability until his parents enrolled him in a private placement." (6/23/09)
Court Injunction Allows Teen To Attend Graduation
From Disability Scoop: When a Vermont teen with autism completed the academic requirements to graduate from high school, he assumed he would walk at graduation with his peers. But ... [he] had not met the social goals in his IEP. So, the school district said he would be unable to participate in the graduation ceremony unless he wanted to officially graduate and forfeit access to services." (6/19/09)
From Disability Scoop: When a Vermont teen with autism completed the academic requirements to graduate from high school, he assumed he would walk at graduation with his peers. But ... [he] had not met the social goals in his IEP. So, the school district said he would be unable to participate in the graduation ceremony unless he wanted to officially graduate and forfeit access to services." (6/19/09)
A Special Needs Mom Looks Back at First Year of School
From Mom Blog: "As I drove Amelia home from her last day yesterday, tears in my eyes, I realized how entirely naive I had been about her disability, and how I have reached another level of acceptance right then in that car ride." (6/19/09)
From Mom Blog: "As I drove Amelia home from her last day yesterday, tears in my eyes, I realized how entirely naive I had been about her disability, and how I have reached another level of acceptance right then in that car ride." (6/19/09)
Editorial urges equal access to charter schools
From Disability News: "A recent story found that only 6.9 percent of students enrolled in Colorado charters in 2007-08 had identified disabilities, as compared with 9.7 percent in all schools." (6/18/09)
From Disability News: "A recent story found that only 6.9 percent of students enrolled in Colorado charters in 2007-08 had identified disabilities, as compared with 9.7 percent in all schools." (6/18/09)
Is Child with Passing Grades Eligible for Special Ed Under IDEA?
From Wrightslaw: "According to IDEA regulation 300.101(c), the school must provide special education to a child with a disability -- even though the child has not failed or been retained in a course or grade, and is advancing from grade to grade." (6/17/09)
From Wrightslaw: "According to IDEA regulation 300.101(c), the school must provide special education to a child with a disability -- even though the child has not failed or been retained in a course or grade, and is advancing from grade to grade." (6/17/09)
Special ed bill would let parents visit classrooms
From Disability News: "A bill approved by the Illinois legislature would give parents of children with disabilities and their designees the right to visit their child's classroom to assure that their needs are being met." (6/17/09)
From Disability News: "A bill approved by the Illinois legislature would give parents of children with disabilities and their designees the right to visit their child's classroom to assure that their needs are being met." (6/17/09)
Action urged for 'kids in the middle'
From The Autism News: "Many kids ... aren’t disabled enough to receive funding support and special classrooms settings, particularly as they grow older. But at the same time, because of mild or moderate disabilities, they are unable to find success in a regular classroom setting." (6/16/09)
From The Autism News: "Many kids ... aren’t disabled enough to receive funding support and special classrooms settings, particularly as they grow older. But at the same time, because of mild or moderate disabilities, they are unable to find success in a regular classroom setting." (6/16/09)
Editorial: Teachers need training to help kids with disabilities
From Disability News: "Editorial writers at the Palm Beach [FL] Post say it was a mistake for the Port St. Lucie school district to allow Wendy Portillo to return to the classroom." (6/15/09)
From Disability News: "Editorial writers at the Palm Beach [FL] Post say it was a mistake for the Port St. Lucie school district to allow Wendy Portillo to return to the classroom." (6/15/09)
Service Dog Can't Go to School, but Can Go Everywhere Else?
From Keeping Up With the Tiny Titan: "The school will not honor the paperwork and add Morgan as a supplementary aid or even on her 'list of things Becca needs to be successful' through her IEP." (6/15/09)
From Keeping Up With the Tiny Titan: "The school will not honor the paperwork and add Morgan as a supplementary aid or even on her 'list of things Becca needs to be successful' through her IEP." (6/15/09)
School shut disabled kids in padded room
From azcentral: "Three weeks ago a Prescott parent alerted state officials about a 6-foot by 6-foot padded room a school used to discipline emotionally disabled students. The Arizona Department of Education sent officials to investigate." (6/15/09)
From azcentral: "Three weeks ago a Prescott parent alerted state officials about a 6-foot by 6-foot padded room a school used to discipline emotionally disabled students. The Arizona Department of Education sent officials to investigate." (6/15/09)
Another one of those IEP meetings
From Don't Bite the Dog: "Ideally, the IEP meeting would go smoothly. After all, we're all there for the same reason; to help Jaymes succeed. We're all supposedly equal members of the team, so everyone should leave satisfied. No one should leave feeling like they just got the proverbial snot kicked out of them." (6/14/09)
From Don't Bite the Dog: "Ideally, the IEP meeting would go smoothly. After all, we're all there for the same reason; to help Jaymes succeed. We're all supposedly equal members of the team, so everyone should leave satisfied. No one should leave feeling like they just got the proverbial snot kicked out of them." (6/14/09)
More college students report disabilities
From Disability News: "New technology, federal laws and increased awareness are helping colleges support students with such conditions as autism, Asperger's, attention deficit disorder, hearing deficits and other learning and behavioral disabilities." (6/14/09)
From Disability News: "New technology, federal laws and increased awareness are helping colleges support students with such conditions as autism, Asperger's, attention deficit disorder, hearing deficits and other learning and behavioral disabilities." (6/14/09)
Can the School be Forced to Evaluate a Child?
From Wrightslaw: "What can you do if the school team insists that an evaluation will not provide relevant information for educational planning?" (6/13/09)
From Wrightslaw: "What can you do if the school team insists that an evaluation will not provide relevant information for educational planning?" (6/13/09)
The Limitations of Public Schools
From Autism - Change.org: "There's some constraints that arise for public school autism programs. A rather obvious one is the potential objections of other residents of the town to see more dollars, classroom space, staffing, etc. devoted to a smaller number of children with greater needs." (6/12/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "There's some constraints that arise for public school autism programs. A rather obvious one is the potential objections of other residents of the town to see more dollars, classroom space, staffing, etc. devoted to a smaller number of children with greater needs." (6/12/09)
Scoop Essentials: IEPs Inside Out
From Disability Scoop: "In a frank interview with Disability Scoop, [a school associate superintendant] gives you the skinny on what the IEP process is like for those on the other side of the table. And she offers insider advice on what you can do to ensure the best results for the student you care about." (6/10/09)
From Disability Scoop: "In a frank interview with Disability Scoop, [a school associate superintendant] gives you the skinny on what the IEP process is like for those on the other side of the table. And she offers insider advice on what you can do to ensure the best results for the student you care about." (6/10/09)
Special Education Students Left Out Of High School Yearbook
From Disability Scoop: "School officials printed an insert with the 11 students' photos, but only gave the new page to the students whose photos were omitted." (6/10/09)
From Disability Scoop: "School officials printed an insert with the 11 students' photos, but only gave the new page to the students whose photos were omitted." (6/10/09)
Alternative testing expands beyond special ed
From Disability News: "Virginia schools are expanding the use of 'portfolio' testing, once used only for students with serious cognitive disabilities. Now they're being used for students with learning disabilities and those with emerging English language skills." (6/8/09)
From Disability News: "Virginia schools are expanding the use of 'portfolio' testing, once used only for students with serious cognitive disabilities. Now they're being used for students with learning disabilities and those with emerging English language skills." (6/8/09)
More Students on the Spectrum, More Lawsuits......
From Autism - Change.org: "The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that students with disabilities are provided with 'appropriate' educational services up till the age of 21 and it's precisely what is an 'appropriate education' that parents and school districts clash over." (6/8/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ensures that students with disabilities are provided with 'appropriate' educational services up till the age of 21 and it's precisely what is an 'appropriate education' that parents and school districts clash over." (6/8/09)
Eleven-year-old with disabilities handcuffed to school door
From Disability News: "The district is investigating the claim involving Antonio Hunt, 11. The boy’s mother, Charmaine Hunt, said her son was left handcuffed without a break for four hours at Sampson-Webber Elementary School." (6/6/09)
From Disability News: "The district is investigating the claim involving Antonio Hunt, 11. The boy’s mother, Charmaine Hunt, said her son was left handcuffed without a break for four hours at Sampson-Webber Elementary School." (6/6/09)
Principal Orders Special Education Grades Inflated, Teachers Say
From Disability Scoop: "The principal Osei Owusu-Afriye admits that some grades were changed. But, he says that's because the students were not taught in accordance with their individualized education plans (IEPs)." (6/5/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The principal Osei Owusu-Afriye admits that some grades were changed. But, he says that's because the students were not taught in accordance with their individualized education plans (IEPs)." (6/5/09)
Special Kids Get a Special Prom
From ParentDish: "Helen McCormick, president of a Virginia-based nonprofit called The House, Inc., believes that every kid, regardless of ability and social status, should experience the magic of prom night and she's doing something to make sure that they do. For the past four years, she has organized a prom night specifically for special needs kids." (6/4/09)
From ParentDish: "Helen McCormick, president of a Virginia-based nonprofit called The House, Inc., believes that every kid, regardless of ability and social status, should experience the magic of prom night and she's doing something to make sure that they do. For the past four years, she has organized a prom night specifically for special needs kids." (6/4/09)
The Launch of the Henry Winkler Award for Special Needs
From SEN: "Henry, who is dyslexic and currently on a UK-wide tour promoting reading, said: 'Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have the honour of a Teaching Award in my name. It fills me with gratitude and shock because I was my fourth grade teacher's worst nightmare.'" (6/4/09)
From SEN: "Henry, who is dyslexic and currently on a UK-wide tour promoting reading, said: 'Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would have the honour of a Teaching Award in my name. It fills me with gratitude and shock because I was my fourth grade teacher's worst nightmare.'" (6/4/09)
Federal investigation into 64 Florida school districts
From WINK News: "Sixty-four school districts across Florida are now under investigation for civil rights violations, including five southwest Florida districts. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights is looking into complaints that the districts may be denying rights to special needs students." (6/2/09)
From WINK News: "Sixty-four school districts across Florida are now under investigation for civil rights violations, including five southwest Florida districts. The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights is looking into complaints that the districts may be denying rights to special needs students." (6/2/09)
Editorial: Restraint of student reveals need for reform
From Disability News: "The routine restraint of an Arizona student with disabilities 'highlights a chasm in state and federal law and regulations' on restraints, says an editorial in the Arizona Daily Star. Arizona is among 19 states with no regulations or statutes governing restraining or secluding a child in school, according to a recent federal report." (6/1/09)
From Disability News: "The routine restraint of an Arizona student with disabilities 'highlights a chasm in state and federal law and regulations' on restraints, says an editorial in the Arizona Daily Star. Arizona is among 19 states with no regulations or statutes governing restraining or secluding a child in school, according to a recent federal report." (6/1/09)
Tucson special ed student routinely restrained to fence
From Disability News: "Bus monitor Thomas Giacoma said he regularly attached the student to the fence by his backpack when dropping him off at school so that he wouldn't fall over or wander away before someone came to get him. The practice came to light earlier this month, when an assistant principal obtained a photo that teachers had taken of the student restrained on the fence." (5/29/09)
From Disability News: "Bus monitor Thomas Giacoma said he regularly attached the student to the fence by his backpack when dropping him off at school so that he wouldn't fall over or wander away before someone came to get him. The practice came to light earlier this month, when an assistant principal obtained a photo that teachers had taken of the student restrained on the fence." (5/29/09)
Please Share Your Experiences: Parents of Children with IEPs
From The Wrightslaw Way: "How many times have you wanted to let someone know of your experiences with the IEP process? Here is your chance to be heard." (5/27/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "How many times have you wanted to let someone know of your experiences with the IEP process? Here is your chance to be heard." (5/27/09)
White House 'Very Concerned' About Seclusion, Restraint
From Disability Scoop: "On the heels of a government report exposing abusive restraint and seclusion practices used with students who have disabilities, White House officials met Tuesday with representatives of approximately 40 organizations to discuss the issue." (5/27/09)
From Disability Scoop: "On the heels of a government report exposing abusive restraint and seclusion practices used with students who have disabilities, White House officials met Tuesday with representatives of approximately 40 organizations to discuss the issue." (5/27/09)
Twitter Outings and Other Privacy Concerns
From Autism - Change.org: "Where do the lines get drawn between not restricting freedom of speech and not disclosing someone's diagnosis without consent? This is a more global issue of privacy in the age of information, but it's also a particularly sensitive issue when it comes to diagnosis disclosure." (5/24/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "Where do the lines get drawn between not restricting freedom of speech and not disclosing someone's diagnosis without consent? This is a more global issue of privacy in the age of information, but it's also a particularly sensitive issue when it comes to diagnosis disclosure." (5/24/09)
Georgia special ed teacher, aide charged with child cruelty
From Disability News: "Police say Laurie Peavy, 44, and Nancy Cheek, 49, duct-taped a boy with autism to a chair as a disciplinary action, and confined a blind girl under a desk for 'talking and being chatty.'" (5/22/09)
From Disability News: "Police say Laurie Peavy, 44, and Nancy Cheek, 49, duct-taped a boy with autism to a chair as a disciplinary action, and confined a blind girl under a desk for 'talking and being chatty.'" (5/22/09)
Can a Child be Punished for Not Meeting IEP Goals?
From Wrightslaw: "If the teacher fails to meet the instructional objective, it makes no sense to punish the child. It is the teacher%u2019s failure. She has not taught your child what he needs to be able to do in order the reach the goal." (5/22/09)
From Wrightslaw: "If the teacher fails to meet the instructional objective, it makes no sense to punish the child. It is the teacher%u2019s failure. She has not taught your child what he needs to be able to do in order the reach the goal." (5/22/09)
NH school districts send special ed bill to feds
From Disability News: "Five school districts in New Hampshire have submitted invoices to the U.S. Department of Education seeking payment for more than $23 million in unfunded special education expenses since 1999." (5/22/09)
From Disability News: "Five school districts in New Hampshire have submitted invoices to the U.S. Department of Education seeking payment for more than $23 million in unfunded special education expenses since 1999." (5/22/09)
Loudoun teacher implicated in Cedric Napoleon’s death
From Disability News: "Federal authorities have identified Dawn Marie Hamilton, a special education teacher at Loudoun County's Park View High School, as the teacher who was implicated in the 2002 death of 14-year-old Cedric Napoleon in Texas." (5/21/09)
From Disability News: "Federal authorities have identified Dawn Marie Hamilton, a special education teacher at Loudoun County's Park View High School, as the teacher who was implicated in the 2002 death of 14-year-old Cedric Napoleon in Texas." (5/21/09)
GAO: Some Special Needs Students Abused by Their Teachers
From Special Needs Rides: "While there is no mention of any incidents on the school bus in the full report, some past incidents suggest this is something the school bus industry needs to consider, too." (5/21/09)
From Special Needs Rides: "While there is no mention of any incidents on the school bus in the full report, some past incidents suggest this is something the school bus industry needs to consider, too." (5/21/09)
House Hearing: Abusive and Deadly Seclusion and Restraint
From JF Activist: "GAO also found that, more often than not, teachers and staff who used seclusion and restraint in abusive ways had not been properly trained. These practices were often being used as a routine disciplinary tactic, rather than in response to an emergency." (5/21/09)
From JF Activist: "GAO also found that, more often than not, teachers and staff who used seclusion and restraint in abusive ways had not been properly trained. These practices were often being used as a routine disciplinary tactic, rather than in response to an emergency." (5/21/09)
Duncan wants to see state plans on use of restraints
From Disability News: "Saying that he was 'deeply disturbed' by recent testimony about the abuse of restraints and confinement of children in the nation's schools, education secretary Arne Duncan called on state school chiefs around the country to develop plans to assure student safety." (5/21/09)
From Disability News: "Saying that he was 'deeply disturbed' by recent testimony about the abuse of restraints and confinement of children in the nation's schools, education secretary Arne Duncan called on state school chiefs around the country to develop plans to assure student safety." (5/21/09)
Restraint--Destroyed Becca's Trust and Schooling
From Keeping Up With Tiny Titan: "For years my Becca has been home, long traumatized by her bout of misunderstanding and the trauma of being restrained by school personal her only offense, crying." (5/21/09)
From Keeping Up With Tiny Titan: "For years my Becca has been home, long traumatized by her bout of misunderstanding and the trauma of being restrained by school personal her only offense, crying." (5/21/09)
When the Teacher is the Bully
From Can Mom Be Calm?: "I am mad at the teachers for using these tactics on our kids but I'm even more mad at the school system for placing these students in such an inappropriate environment that the child's safety was at risk. Obviously, these teachers couldn't handle these children." (5/20/09)
From Can Mom Be Calm?: "I am mad at the teachers for using these tactics on our kids but I'm even more mad at the school system for placing these students in such an inappropriate environment that the child's safety was at risk. Obviously, these teachers couldn't handle these children." (5/20/09)
A mother’s testimony: Son died from school restraint
From Disability News: "A Texas mother testified about the fatal use of restraints on her foster son in a congressional hearing Tuesday, as legislators received a GAO report documenting widespread abuse of techniques to restrain or discipline students with disabilities." (5/20/09)
From Disability News: "A Texas mother testified about the fatal use of restraints on her foster son in a congressional hearing Tuesday, as legislators received a GAO report documenting widespread abuse of techniques to restrain or discipline students with disabilities." (5/20/09)
Cruel Treatment of Special Needs Kids Must Stop
From Momlogic: "What would you do if you found out your son was locked in a cellar for five hours and was denied any access to a restroom, all because he didn't want his hair brushed? How would you react if your daughter came home from school with marks on her wrists and back because she refused to complete an assignment?" (5/20/09)
From Momlogic: "What would you do if you found out your son was locked in a cellar for five hours and was denied any access to a restroom, all because he didn't want his hair brushed? How would you react if your daughter came home from school with marks on her wrists and back because she refused to complete an assignment?" (5/20/09)
Parent Involvement in Placement Decisions
From Wrightslaw: "Decisions about placement are to be made after the child's IEP is developed. Parents are members of any team that develops the IEP and decides on placement." (5/19/09)
From Wrightslaw: "Decisions about placement are to be made after the child's IEP is developed. Parents are members of any team that develops the IEP and decides on placement." (5/19/09)
20 Questions: 1st IEP-2nd Meeting
From Parent of a Child With Albinism: A detailed account of IEP issues and interactions. (5/17/09)
From Parent of a Child With Albinism: A detailed account of IEP issues and interactions. (5/17/09)
New Online College Offers Disability Scholarship
From Abledbody: "A new four-year college scholarship is available to a student with a disability. The scholarship is for Aspen University, a new online university based in Denver that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees, including MBAs." (5/16/09)
From Abledbody: "A new four-year college scholarship is available to a student with a disability. The scholarship is for Aspen University, a new online university based in Denver that provides undergraduate and graduate degrees, including MBAs." (5/16/09)
Teacher Credentials: Can I Request Them Without Insulting a Teacher?
From Wrightslaw: "There is no reason why a professional in any field should feel insulted if someone asks for their credentials. If they have the proper credentials, they should be happy to show them to you. If they get defensive or insulted, I have to wonder about their credentials." (5/15/09)
From Wrightslaw: "There is no reason why a professional in any field should feel insulted if someone asks for their credentials. If they have the proper credentials, they should be happy to show them to you. If they get defensive or insulted, I have to wonder about their credentials." (5/15/09)
1st IEP Meeting
Parent of a Child With Albinism shares IEP goals. (5/13/09)
Parent of a Child With Albinism shares IEP goals. (5/13/09)
Thanks for Special Education Moms
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Every mother is special in her own way, and moms of children with disabilities are uniquely special." (5/10/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Every mother is special in her own way, and moms of children with disabilities are uniquely special." (5/10/09)
Theater as a Form of Visual Support
From autism games: "Kids love to play within a space that supports play. Visually organizing our space into a little puppet theater brought out previously unseen language skills in many of my young friends this week at the clinic." (5/8/09)
From autism games: "Kids love to play within a space that supports play. Visually organizing our space into a little puppet theater brought out previously unseen language skills in many of my young friends this week at the clinic." (5/8/09)
10 Tips for Ending the School Year
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Here are some great tips for wrapping up the school year, reviewing your child's program and services, and steps you can take to plan for a successful year next fall." (5/8/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Here are some great tips for wrapping up the school year, reviewing your child's program and services, and steps you can take to plan for a successful year next fall." (5/8/09)
There's No F in IEP
From Teen Autism: Getting a book at home to help with reinforcement doesn't work so well when they give you the wrong book. (5/8/09)
From Teen Autism: Getting a book at home to help with reinforcement doesn't work so well when they give you the wrong book. (5/8/09)
Special Education Teaching Positions Tough Sell
From Disability Scoop: "The number of special education teachers who leave the profession or move to other areas of teaching is higher than in nearly any other area of education. And that means students with disabilities are likely to experience inconsistency and learn from unqualified individuals as school districts across the country struggle to keep special education positions filled." (5/7/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The number of special education teachers who leave the profession or move to other areas of teaching is higher than in nearly any other area of education. And that means students with disabilities are likely to experience inconsistency and learn from unqualified individuals as school districts across the country struggle to keep special education positions filled." (5/7/09)
Duncan sees problems with exams for kids with disabilities
From Disability News: "Visiting West Virginia on the first stop of a 15-state 'listening tour,' Education Secretary Arne Duncan heard from a special education teacher who said mandated standardized tests are hurtful to students who don't have the ability to pass them. Duncan later said the teacher was right." (5/7/09)
From Disability News: "Visiting West Virginia on the first stop of a 15-state 'listening tour,' Education Secretary Arne Duncan heard from a special education teacher who said mandated standardized tests are hurtful to students who don't have the ability to pass them. Duncan later said the teacher was right." (5/7/09)
Flu school closures pose extra challenge for kids in special ed
From Disability News: "As some schools close during the swine flu scare, parents of students with disabilities have been working to help their kids adapt to unexpected changes in routine. It's a struggle they handle with humor and grace." (5/7/09)
From Disability News: "As some schools close during the swine flu scare, parents of students with disabilities have been working to help their kids adapt to unexpected changes in routine. It's a struggle they handle with humor and grace." (5/7/09)
It Isn't OK Just to Teach the Easy Kids
From The Wrightslaw Way: "With no warning, the school changed my son from Spanish to Computers because the Spanish teacher decided he didn't want to deal with Josh. He didn't like his attitude." (5/7/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "With no warning, the school changed my son from Spanish to Computers because the Spanish teacher decided he didn't want to deal with Josh. He didn't like his attitude." (5/7/09)
Amendment To Fully Fund IDEA Introduced
From Disability Scoop: "When Congress initially passed legislation mandating such educational services for students with disabilities in 1975, the federal government committed to provide 40 percent of its cost, with states and school districts covering the rest. That has never come to fruition, however, with federal funding for IDEA traditionally accounting for less than 20 percent." (5/7/09)
From Disability Scoop: "When Congress initially passed legislation mandating such educational services for students with disabilities in 1975, the federal government committed to provide 40 percent of its cost, with states and school districts covering the rest. That has never come to fruition, however, with federal funding for IDEA traditionally accounting for less than 20 percent." (5/7/09)
Kids With Disabilities Bullied More Often, Study Says
From Disability Scoop: "Researchers looked at individuals ages eight to 17 with autism, cystic fibrosis, learning disabilities and other behavioral and mental health diagnoses. ... The findings indicate that those with disabilities were ostracized or purposely ignored more often than their typically developing peers." (5/6/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Researchers looked at individuals ages eight to 17 with autism, cystic fibrosis, learning disabilities and other behavioral and mental health diagnoses. ... The findings indicate that those with disabilities were ostracized or purposely ignored more often than their typically developing peers." (5/6/09)
Macaroni
From Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords: "The word that I'm getting is that these kids aren't doing well on these tests, modified or not, and that they are being demoralized by the experience. I'm not sure what we're hoping to gain from compelling special education students to take a test that many of them are simply unable to complete." (5/6/09)
From Fighting Monsters with Rubber Swords: "The word that I'm getting is that these kids aren't doing well on these tests, modified or not, and that they are being demoralized by the experience. I'm not sure what we're hoping to gain from compelling special education students to take a test that many of them are simply unable to complete." (5/6/09)
Rising debate over restraints in schools
From Disability News: "A controversy is growing over the use of physical restraints in schools, triggered by a surge in the number of students of who have behavioral issues and a teacher population that is nervous about increasing school violence." (5/5/09)
From Disability News: "A controversy is growing over the use of physical restraints in schools, triggered by a surge in the number of students of who have behavioral issues and a teacher population that is nervous about increasing school violence." (5/5/09)
A Guide to Special Education Advocacy
From About.com ADHD: "A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know written by Matthew Cohen, a disability rights lawyer, is a wonderful how-to manual for parents in the midst of obtaining and securing educational and support services for their child." (5/5/09)
From About.com ADHD: "A Guide to Special Education Advocacy: What Parents, Clinicians and Advocates Need to Know written by Matthew Cohen, a disability rights lawyer, is a wonderful how-to manual for parents in the midst of obtaining and securing educational and support services for their child." (5/5/09)
Try This Tuesday #42: Know Who To Call For (IEP) Help
Trish from 5 Minutes for Special Needs recommends some resources. (5/5/09)
Trish from 5 Minutes for Special Needs recommends some resources. (5/5/09)
Justice Dept. Sues Private Schools For Excluding Disabled Students
From Disability Scoop: "In the suit, the government cites incidents of children with disabilities who were denied admission or removed from schools run by Nobel Learning Communities Inc. Such actions are a violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act." (5/2/09)
From Disability Scoop: "In the suit, the government cites incidents of children with disabilities who were denied admission or removed from schools run by Nobel Learning Communities Inc. Such actions are a violation of Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act." (5/2/09)
Special ed teacher honored as National Teacher of the Year
From Disability News: "President Obama honored special education teacher Tony Mullen as the National Teacher of the Year for his work at the ARCH School, an alternative education branch for at-risk students at Greenwich High School in Connecticut. The school serves teens with emotional and behavioral issues." (4/30/09)
From Disability News: "President Obama honored special education teacher Tony Mullen as the National Teacher of the Year for his work at the ARCH School, an alternative education branch for at-risk students at Greenwich High School in Connecticut. The school serves teens with emotional and behavioral issues." (4/30/09)
The best IEP meeting ever
From Basically FX, a good IEP story for a change. (4/29/09)
From Basically FX, a good IEP story for a change. (4/29/09)
Forced to Take a Stand
From The Wrightslaw Way: "I am a special education teacher. I resigned from a public school because they ordered me to do something that was against special ed law. I contacted the State Board of Education but could not get help at the state level." (4/28/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "I am a special education teacher. I resigned from a public school because they ordered me to do something that was against special ed law. I contacted the State Board of Education but could not get help at the state level." (4/28/09)
High court to weigh special ed funding case
From Disability News: "The Supreme Court will consider a case this week which aims to define when public school officials must pay for private schooling to educate children with disabilities -- a question that pits beleaguered parents against cash-strapped school districts." (4/27/09)
From Disability News: "The Supreme Court will consider a case this week which aims to define when public school officials must pay for private schooling to educate children with disabilities -- a question that pits beleaguered parents against cash-strapped school districts." (4/27/09)
School Nurses Keep Kids In Class
From About.com Asthma: "Nurses actively identified asthma patients and worked with primary care doctors to achieve good control and keep kids in school." (4/22/09)
From About.com Asthma: "Nurses actively identified asthma patients and worked with primary care doctors to achieve good control and keep kids in school." (4/22/09)
Because IEP Season Is Upon Us
From Autism - Change.org: "A friend who's an advocate for parents just send me a link to About Autism Law.com and (mindful of Charlie's IEP, which will be in May), I've been going through each section." (4/22/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "A friend who's an advocate for parents just send me a link to About Autism Law.com and (mindful of Charlie's IEP, which will be in May), I've been going through each section." (4/22/09)
Sleep Disorders, Truancy and Student Needs: A Complicated Mix
From The Wrightslaw Way: "I have a student with a sleep disorder and emotional issues. How do the compulsory attendance laws and the student's needs intertwine?" (4/22/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "I have a student with a sleep disorder and emotional issues. How do the compulsory attendance laws and the student's needs intertwine?" (4/22/09)
What Parents Need to Know About School-Based Occupational Therapy
From AOTA: "For children and youth in schools, occupational therapy works to ensure that a student can participate in the full breadth of school activities--from paying attention in class; concentrating on the task at hand; holding a pencil, musical instrument, or book in the easiest way; or just behaving appropriately in class." (4/22/09)
From AOTA: "For children and youth in schools, occupational therapy works to ensure that a student can participate in the full breadth of school activities--from paying attention in class; concentrating on the task at hand; holding a pencil, musical instrument, or book in the easiest way; or just behaving appropriately in class." (4/22/09)
What Special Ed Says About Our Society
From Autism - Change.org: "The fact that Charlie is being educated in a public school says to us that at some part of our society thinks it's worth it to teach him." (4/19/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "The fact that Charlie is being educated in a public school says to us that at some part of our society thinks it's worth it to teach him." (4/19/09)
Why We Need to Fully Fund IDEA
From Autism - Change.org: "If I could point to one individual who has made the difference, it's Charlie's teacher as well as the four aides/instructors in her class, and the behavior consultant. And the reason that they're all working at teaching Charlie and in a public middle school with 1000 students is because of IDEA." (4/17/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "If I could point to one individual who has made the difference, it's Charlie's teacher as well as the four aides/instructors in her class, and the behavior consultant. And the reason that they're all working at teaching Charlie and in a public middle school with 1000 students is because of IDEA." (4/17/09)
Google Lime Scholarship for Students with Disabilities
From Google: "Access to knowledge is our thing. When it comes to higher education for promising scholars, we don't want anything to stand in the way. ... Google is committed to helping the innovators of the future make the most of their talents by providing scholarships and networking retreats for computer science students with disabilities." (4/16/09)
From Google: "Access to knowledge is our thing. When it comes to higher education for promising scholars, we don't want anything to stand in the way. ... Google is committed to helping the innovators of the future make the most of their talents by providing scholarships and networking retreats for computer science students with disabilities." (4/16/09)
Collaborate with Teachers To Develop Multi-Sensory Lessons
From Your Therapy Source: "By employing multi-sensory strategies in the classroom, information is delivered to the brain from several sensory systems. This spreads the load on the brain over several systems which may result in improved memory." (4/16/09)
From Your Therapy Source: "By employing multi-sensory strategies in the classroom, information is delivered to the brain from several sensory systems. This spreads the load on the brain over several systems which may result in improved memory." (4/16/09)
Keep It At the Local Level: School Placements
From Autism - Change.org: "The thought of an executive county superintendent---who's not even an administrator in our own local school district---intervening in the IEP process does not sit well with me. Such an official would not, I believe, be able to make an informed decision about an appropriate placement for my son." (4/14/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "The thought of an executive county superintendent---who's not even an administrator in our own local school district---intervening in the IEP process does not sit well with me. Such an official would not, I believe, be able to make an informed decision about an appropriate placement for my son." (4/14/09)
Advice for Parents Who Are Getting Started
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The most important advice I can give parents is to document and make a record of EVERYTHING." (4/13/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The most important advice I can give parents is to document and make a record of EVERYTHING." (4/13/09)
Teaching, the Underestimated Profession
From Autism - Change.org: "Here's a call for more people---with 'shiny young minds' and with those that are a bit older and weather-worn---to consider careers teaching children (and, in particular, older children) with disabilities and to be job coaches and support staff for adults with disabilities. You are needed." (4/13/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "Here's a call for more people---with 'shiny young minds' and with those that are a bit older and weather-worn---to consider careers teaching children (and, in particular, older children) with disabilities and to be job coaches and support staff for adults with disabilities. You are needed." (4/13/09)
Best and Worsts
From Autism Vox: "Recent I joined a sped educators' board over on LinkedIn recently, 'Special Education Innovators.' I'm not a special educator but I like to think some of them would like to have a parent's perspective now and then." (4/13/09)
From Autism Vox: "Recent I joined a sped educators' board over on LinkedIn recently, 'Special Education Innovators.' I'm not a special educator but I like to think some of them would like to have a parent's perspective now and then." (4/13/09)
Special-Needs Business Profile - Organized4Kids
Profile of an online business, started by a parent of a child with special needs, that offers organizers for IEP materials.
Profile of an online business, started by a parent of a child with special needs, that offers organizers for IEP materials.
IEP FAQs: Can an IEP Meeting be Postponed?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The IEP Team can convene, and agree to re-convene after receiving the new testing results. There is no limit to the number of IEP meetings that may be needed to create an IEP that meets your child's needs." (4/11/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The IEP Team can convene, and agree to re-convene after receiving the new testing results. There is no limit to the number of IEP meetings that may be needed to create an IEP that meets your child's needs." (4/11/09)
Individualized Instruction is Not One-Size-Fits All
From The Wrightslaw Way: "A program the school considers 'good' may not be adequate for every child, depending on the child's needs. The bottom line is the child has a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). If she did not learn and make progress in the district's program, the district did not provide her with FAPE." (4/6/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "A program the school considers 'good' may not be adequate for every child, depending on the child's needs. The bottom line is the child has a right to a free appropriate public education (FAPE). If she did not learn and make progress in the district's program, the district did not provide her with FAPE." (4/6/09)
Strings attached to federal stimulus funds for special education
From Disability News: "Since the additional funds will only be available for two years, and a provision of the IDEA legislation requires districts to avoid making large cuts in programs from year to year, ... 'it's unwise for districts to use the added funding to start new programs or hire new teachers.'" (4/2/09)
From Disability News: "Since the additional funds will only be available for two years, and a provision of the IDEA legislation requires districts to avoid making large cuts in programs from year to year, ... 'it's unwise for districts to use the added funding to start new programs or hire new teachers.'" (4/2/09)
Appeal Denied For Teacher Whose Class Voted Out Boy With Autism
From Disability Scoop: "Last May Wendy Portillo allowed her kindergarten students to vote on whether or not a boy with autism should stay in the class after he exhibited some behavior problems. Subsequently Portillo was suspended from teaching for one year without pay and her tenure was revoked." (4/1/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Last May Wendy Portillo allowed her kindergarten students to vote on whether or not a boy with autism should stay in the class after he exhibited some behavior problems. Subsequently Portillo was suspended from teaching for one year without pay and her tenure was revoked." (4/1/09)
Judge upholds Alex Barton teacher's suspension, loss of tenure
From TC Palm: "The judge sided with the district's assertion that Portillo exposed Alex and the other students to 'unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement' and used an inappropriate method of discipline." (4/1/09)
From TC Palm: "The judge sided with the district's assertion that Portillo exposed Alex and the other students to 'unnecessary embarrassment or disparagement' and used an inappropriate method of discipline." (4/1/09)
When Teachers Won't Provide Accommodations in the IEP
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If regular education teachers are not implementing the accommodations in your child's IEP, you need to document this. A good strategy is to write short polite letters to people in authority." (3/31/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If regular education teachers are not implementing the accommodations in your child's IEP, you need to document this. A good strategy is to write short polite letters to people in authority." (3/31/09)
Special Education Vouchers Illegal, Court Says
From Disability Scoop: "The program provided checks made payable to parents, which they then endorsed over to the school of their choice. Supporters of the program say they may now seek to amend the state constitution." (3/27/09)
From Disability Scoop: "The program provided checks made payable to parents, which they then endorsed over to the school of their choice. Supporters of the program say they may now seek to amend the state constitution." (3/27/09)
Accommodations and "Special Treatment"
From Autism - Change.org: "One excuse for not providing disability accommodations is that they somehow don't exist in the "real world", which is a misinformed perspective on the way disability accommodations function in society (e.g. handicapped parking spaces and closed captioning are undeniably part of the "real world")." (3/22/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "One excuse for not providing disability accommodations is that they somehow don't exist in the "real world", which is a misinformed perspective on the way disability accommodations function in society (e.g. handicapped parking spaces and closed captioning are undeniably part of the "real world")." (3/22/09)
What is a Special Education Referral Form?
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "The special education referral process involves several important steps. As with any government process, there are forms involved." (3/22/09)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "The special education referral process involves several important steps. As with any government process, there are forms involved." (3/22/09)
My Favorite IEP Resources
From The Special Needs Parent Coach: "I've been getting lots of calls and emails over the past few weeks from moms and dads looking for information on IEPs, so I thought I'd put together my favorite IEP resources in one article for easy reference. These 5 are all you need to make sure you've got the best IEP possible for your child." (3/19/09)
From The Special Needs Parent Coach: "I've been getting lots of calls and emails over the past few weeks from moms and dads looking for information on IEPs, so I thought I'd put together my favorite IEP resources in one article for easy reference. These 5 are all you need to make sure you've got the best IEP possible for your child." (3/19/09)
Changing the Dynamics of IEP Team Meetings
From The Wrightslaw Way: "IEP online software has changed the way the school system and parents interact. At this time, school system employees have not built up keyboarding skills sufficiently to be able to talk, run a meeting, and keyboard at the same time. It makes the IEP team meetings appear de-personalized with all eyes on the laptop or the wall projection." (3/12/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "IEP online software has changed the way the school system and parents interact. At this time, school system employees have not built up keyboarding skills sufficiently to be able to talk, run a meeting, and keyboard at the same time. It makes the IEP team meetings appear de-personalized with all eyes on the laptop or the wall projection." (3/12/09)
Early Intervention Programs and Your Rights
From Special Needs Bliss: "It's important for all parents to know our rights and our children's rights, but for those of us who have special needs children, it can mean the difference between receiving services or not receiving services for our children."
From Special Needs Bliss: "It's important for all parents to know our rights and our children's rights, but for those of us who have special needs children, it can mean the difference between receiving services or not receiving services for our children."
How Do You Prepare the School for Your Child?
What resources and explanations have you found useful when helping a teacher understand what your child's condition will look like in the classroom? I've set up "Readers Respond" pages for all those same disorders, and invite you to share your own strategies. (3/16/09)
What resources and explanations have you found useful when helping a teacher understand what your child's condition will look like in the classroom? I've set up "Readers Respond" pages for all those same disorders, and invite you to share your own strategies. (3/16/09)
Truancy policies bully students with disabilities, parents say
From Disability News: "They say the districts are using truancy charges in an effort to force children with disabilities out of their schools. The districts have denied the charges." (3/16/09)
From Disability News: "They say the districts are using truancy charges in an effort to force children with disabilities out of their schools. The districts have denied the charges." (3/16/09)
Pete Answers Questions About Special Ed Litigation & Attorneys Fees
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Before initiating litigation, parents need to spend time learning how the legal system works." (3/16/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Before initiating litigation, parents need to spend time learning how the legal system works." (3/16/09)
Transition planning still difficult for families, educators
From Disability News: "With about half of students with disabilities planning to pursue postsecondary education, many are finding it tough to navigate without the active IDEA-mandated support that was provided in high school." (3/17/09)
From Disability News: "With about half of students with disabilities planning to pursue postsecondary education, many are finding it tough to navigate without the active IDEA-mandated support that was provided in high school." (3/17/09)
Scoop Essentials: Transition And The Road Ahead
From Disability Scoop: Transition specialist Mary Korpi in Long Island, N.Y. ... answers your questions on everything from obtaining Supplemental Security Income benefits to preparing for the work world. And she tells you why you should stay in school as long as possible." (3/17/09)
From Disability Scoop: Transition specialist Mary Korpi in Long Island, N.Y. ... answers your questions on everything from obtaining Supplemental Security Income benefits to preparing for the work world. And she tells you why you should stay in school as long as possible." (3/17/09)
My own IEP letter
From Albinism, Parenting and Boston Area Kids' Activities: The parent of a child with albinism shares what she wants for her son. (3/17/09)
From Albinism, Parenting and Boston Area Kids' Activities: The parent of a child with albinism shares what she wants for her son. (3/17/09)
Special-ed teachers suspended for refusing to give tests
From Disability News: "Parents said the teachers were honoring their wishes; teachers said the test was inappropriate for the students. 'My kid is basically the equivalent of a toddler,' said one mother. 'You wouldn't ask a toddler these questions when they can't do it. ... You wouldn't give a kid a test that is years beyond what they can do.'" (3/7/09)
From Disability News: "Parents said the teachers were honoring their wishes; teachers said the test was inappropriate for the students. 'My kid is basically the equivalent of a toddler,' said one mother. 'You wouldn't ask a toddler these questions when they can't do it. ... You wouldn't give a kid a test that is years beyond what they can do.'" (3/7/09)
Who’s “Entitled” to Services, Without “Wasting” Time and Money?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The IDEA <b>does not</b> say that schools are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities except children who have more severe disabilities - like those who have low IQs, cognitive impairments, multiple disabilities, etc." (3/6/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The IDEA <b>does not</b> say that schools are required to provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all children with disabilities except children who have more severe disabilities - like those who have low IQs, cognitive impairments, multiple disabilities, etc." (3/6/09)
Students Failing Despite Inclusion, Report Says
From Disability Scoop: "Two years after a Maryland school district began closing down segregated programs for special education students in favor of inclusion, a report shows that students are fairing poorly in regular classrooms and that teachers lack proper training." (3/3/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Two years after a Maryland school district began closing down segregated programs for special education students in favor of inclusion, a report shows that students are fairing poorly in regular classrooms and that teachers lack proper training." (3/3/09)
‘Program pairs special education, gifted students’
From Disability News: "An elementary school program in Westbury, NY, brings students with different learning profiles together to learn how to build and program robots." (3/2/09)
From Disability News: "An elementary school program in Westbury, NY, brings students with different learning profiles together to learn how to build and program robots." (3/2/09)
Special Ed vs. Gifted
From Autism - Change.org: "There is no 'government mandate' for gifted education, Lindsley writes. So what children are really being left behind in our schools?" (3/1/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "There is no 'government mandate' for gifted education, Lindsley writes. So what children are really being left behind in our schools?" (3/1/09)
DIR/Floortime, ABA......How Best to Teach?
From Autism - Change.org: "At the end of the day, it's not the methodology or teaching philosophy that matters, but the efforts and attitudes of the people doing the teaching, and the satisfaction in my son." (2/23/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "At the end of the day, it's not the methodology or teaching philosophy that matters, but the efforts and attitudes of the people doing the teaching, and the satisfaction in my son." (2/23/09)
Fun And Games Aside, iPods Have Classroom Benefit
From Disability Scoop: "Since Smith introduced iPods to his fifth grade students earlier this school year, the students have improved their word recognition skills and they%u2019re learning to read quicker. He uses the devices to provide students with books on tape and to teach vocabulary, math and writing skills." (2/23/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Since Smith introduced iPods to his fifth grade students earlier this school year, the students have improved their word recognition skills and they%u2019re learning to read quicker. He uses the devices to provide students with books on tape and to teach vocabulary, math and writing skills." (2/23/09)
Special ed parents band together to gain strength
From San Jose Mercury News: "Parents of autistic children and those with other special education needs have joined forces to establish a special PTA in North County to share resources and advocate for better services." (2/23/09)
From San Jose Mercury News: "Parents of autistic children and those with other special education needs have joined forces to establish a special PTA in North County to share resources and advocate for better services." (2/23/09)
IEP Kindergarten autistic student
From Autism and The World Around Me: A look at the IEP program for a kindergartener and a second-grader with autism. (2/22/09)
From Autism and The World Around Me: A look at the IEP program for a kindergartener and a second-grader with autism. (2/22/09)
Should Poor Organizational Skills be Accommodated in an IEP?
The Wrightslaw Way answers a parent's question. (2/21/09)
The Wrightslaw Way answers a parent's question. (2/21/09)
School Is Not Supposed to Hurt 3
From Autism - Change.org: "A padded room seems hardly the "only" way to educate a child and especially a child with disabilities who may not be able to readily explain themselves, or who may not be able to speak at all." (2/20/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "A padded room seems hardly the "only" way to educate a child and especially a child with disabilities who may not be able to readily explain themselves, or who may not be able to speak at all." (2/20/09)
Police called in two Florida elementary school incidents
Disability News reports on two cases of police power being brought against children with disabilities. (2/18/09)
Disability News reports on two cases of police power being brought against children with disabilities. (2/18/09)
This week's Action Plan: get ready for your IEP meeting
From The Special Needs Parent Coach: "In keeping with our IEP preparedness theme, this week I want to encourage you to prepare in advance for your next IEP meeting, even if it's not until May or even June. Here are some simple steps you can take this week." (2/17/09)
From The Special Needs Parent Coach: "In keeping with our IEP preparedness theme, this week I want to encourage you to prepare in advance for your next IEP meeting, even if it's not until May or even June. Here are some simple steps you can take this week." (2/17/09)
FL special ed teacher acquitted of abuse
From Disability News: "A Sarasota jury has acquitted special education teacher Diana O'Neill of four child abuse charges after hearing testimony that O'Neill had hit, kicked and ridiculed four severely developmentally disabled students in her care." (2/16/09)
From Disability News: "A Sarasota jury has acquitted special education teacher Diana O'Neill of four child abuse charges after hearing testimony that O'Neill had hit, kicked and ridiculed four severely developmentally disabled students in her care." (2/16/09)
Have a Conflict with Your Child's School?
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has some advice on how to get free mediation services. (2/16/09)
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has some advice on how to get free mediation services. (2/16/09)
College chances growing for those with intellectual disabilities
From Disability News: "Thanks to changes in the Higher Education Opportunity Act and two multimillion-dollar federal grants awarded in December 2008, experts say, the number of post-secondary programs for students with intellectual abilities is expected to expand dramatically from its current roster of about 150 programs." (2/14/09)
From Disability News: "Thanks to changes in the Higher Education Opportunity Act and two multimillion-dollar federal grants awarded in December 2008, experts say, the number of post-secondary programs for students with intellectual abilities is expected to expand dramatically from its current roster of about 150 programs." (2/14/09)
What Diploma Path is Your Child On?
The Wrightslaw Way offers advice on making sure retention doesn't push your child off the chosen path. (2/13/09)
The Wrightslaw Way offers advice on making sure retention doesn't push your child off the chosen path. (2/13/09)
Setting Limits
From About.com Special Education: "There are times when you'll want to negotiate with your child or student and there are times where you won't. Know your negotiables." (2/11/09)
From About.com Special Education: "There are times when you'll want to negotiate with your child or student and there are times where you won't. Know your negotiables." (2/11/09)
Few Catholic schools offer special education
From Disability News: "Notre Dame High School for Boys in Niles, Illinois, will soon become the first parochial school in that state to offer classes for students with disabilities. Across the nation, only six other Catholic high schools offer such programs." (2/11/09)
From Disability News: "Notre Dame High School for Boys in Niles, Illinois, will soon become the first parochial school in that state to offer classes for students with disabilities. Across the nation, only six other Catholic high schools offer such programs." (2/11/09)
School improves literacy through brain fitness
From Salt Lake Tribune: "A Murray School District experiment at Longview Elementary involving 50 sixth-graders and a colorful computer program called FastForWord Language. Developed by Scientific Learning Corp. in Berkeley, Calif., the program applies neurological theory to language and reading problems." (2/10/09)
From Salt Lake Tribune: "A Murray School District experiment at Longview Elementary involving 50 sixth-graders and a colorful computer program called FastForWord Language. Developed by Scientific Learning Corp. in Berkeley, Calif., the program applies neurological theory to language and reading problems." (2/10/09)
Reading: What To Do When They Get Stuck
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "Miscue analysis is a process where one analyzes the strategies the reader uses when the reader gets stuck. It is what most educators use to support a struggling reader or a reader at risk." (2/8/09)
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "Miscue analysis is a process where one analyzes the strategies the reader uses when the reader gets stuck. It is what most educators use to support a struggling reader or a reader at risk." (2/8/09)
Advocacy Rule #1: Write Things Down When They Happen!
From The Wrightslaw Way: "You can't wait until the last minute to prepare documentation. Documenting events and conversations later is never as effective or accurate as writing things down, in detail, at the time they occur." (2/7/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "You can't wait until the last minute to prepare documentation. Documenting events and conversations later is never as effective or accurate as writing things down, in detail, at the time they occur." (2/7/09)
Employee Reportedly Stealing Medicine From Students
From the Chattanoogan: A student receiving medication for Asperger syndrome and OCD got empty capsules instead. (2/7/09)
From the Chattanoogan: A student receiving medication for Asperger syndrome and OCD got empty capsules instead. (2/7/09)
Many Florida teachers ill-equipped to handle special-needs students
From Palm Beach Post: "These were the tools kindergarten teacher Wendy Portillo had to handle an unruly student: 10 tokens to be taken away if he misbehaved, the occasional help of a volunteer and another teacher, and a trip to the principal's office. The choice she made ... have students vote on whether then 5-year-old Alex Barton should remain in class ... has been debated and reviled." (2/8/09)
From Palm Beach Post: "These were the tools kindergarten teacher Wendy Portillo had to handle an unruly student: 10 tokens to be taken away if he misbehaved, the occasional help of a volunteer and another teacher, and a trip to the principal's office. The choice she made ... have students vote on whether then 5-year-old Alex Barton should remain in class ... has been debated and reviled." (2/8/09)
Your IEP Action Plan
From Special Needs Parent Coach: "Who doesn't get nervous before an IEP meeting? Even under the best of circumstances, IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings can cause anxiety and worry." (2/6/09)
From Special Needs Parent Coach: "Who doesn't get nervous before an IEP meeting? Even under the best of circumstances, IEP (Individualized Education Program) meetings can cause anxiety and worry." (2/6/09)
Accessing Academic Accommodations
From Autism - Change.org: "Why can it be so hard to get seemingly simple accommodations from teachers? Is this a problem with individual teachers, with teacher education, with the educational system, with--with what?" (2/6/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "Why can it be so hard to get seemingly simple accommodations from teachers? Is this a problem with individual teachers, with teacher education, with the educational system, with--with what?" (2/6/09)
Parents can Sue School Officials under Discrimination Law
Wrightslaw follows the case of a kindergartner who was sexually harrassed on the school bus. (2/5/09)
Wrightslaw follows the case of a kindergartner who was sexually harrassed on the school bus. (2/5/09)
Communicating with Teachers and Paraprofessionals
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "How do you create and maintain a good relationship with your child's team? What methods seem to work best for you?" (2/3/09)
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "How do you create and maintain a good relationship with your child's team? What methods seem to work best for you?" (2/3/09)
Should Your Child's IEP Include Extended Year Services (ESY)?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Decisions about whether your child will receive ESY services and what services he will receive will be made by your child's IEP team. You are a member of the IEP team." (2/3/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Decisions about whether your child will receive ESY services and what services he will receive will be made by your child's IEP team. You are a member of the IEP team." (2/3/09)
The IEP Meeting, Be Prepared.
From About.com Special Education: "If this is your first time going to an Individual Education Program IEP meeting, I have two words of advice: Be prepared!" (2/2/09)
From About.com Special Education: "If this is your first time going to an Individual Education Program IEP meeting, I have two words of advice: Be prepared!" (2/2/09)
Missouri parents sue to close 35 schools
From Disability News: "Parents of St. Louis students with severe disabilities are suing the state of Missouri, asking a federal judge to close 35 state-run schools because of a 'continued and persistent failure' to properly educate students." (2/2/09)
From Disability News: "Parents of St. Louis students with severe disabilities are suing the state of Missouri, asking a federal judge to close 35 state-run schools because of a 'continued and persistent failure' to properly educate students." (2/2/09)
Do You Know Who is Providing Your Child's Speech Language Therapy?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If your child's IEP says speech language services will be provided by 'SLP/Staff,' your child may receive speech therapy from an untrained, unlicensed individual." (1/30/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "If your child's IEP says speech language services will be provided by 'SLP/Staff,' your child may receive speech therapy from an untrained, unlicensed individual." (1/30/09)
$17 Billion For Special Education
From Autism - Change.org: "$150 billion in new federal spending on education over the next two years----$17 billion in spending on special education, up from $11 billion: These figures are from President Obama's Stimulus Plan, which passed the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 244-to-188." (1/30/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "$150 billion in new federal spending on education over the next two years----$17 billion in spending on special education, up from $11 billion: These figures are from President Obama's Stimulus Plan, which passed the House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 244-to-188." (1/30/09)
Parents should get allowance to spend on their children's education
From Telegraph.co.uk: "Parents in Scotland should be handed an allowance worth up to £10,000 to send their children to the school of their choice, a think tank has concluded." (1/30/09)
From Telegraph.co.uk: "Parents in Scotland should be handed an allowance worth up to £10,000 to send their children to the school of their choice, a think tank has concluded." (1/30/09)
School versus "the Real World" in Accommodations
From Autism - Change.org: "The fact is, disability accommodations ARE a major part of 'the real world' for all of us who have aged out of primary education." (1/30/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "The fact is, disability accommodations ARE a major part of 'the real world' for all of us who have aged out of primary education." (1/30/09)
Spec Ed Teacher Charged With Intentional Cruelty
From Autism - Change.org: "When a 6-year-old autistic girl was 'fixating' on her striped shirt and scratching herself, her special education teacher had her take off her shirt. As reported in the January 25th Connecticut Post, the girl then 'sat in the classroom naked from the waist up' for about 15 minutes, after which a paraprofessional told the principal what was going on." (1/28/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "When a 6-year-old autistic girl was 'fixating' on her striped shirt and scratching herself, her special education teacher had her take off her shirt. As reported in the January 25th Connecticut Post, the girl then 'sat in the classroom naked from the waist up' for about 15 minutes, after which a paraprofessional told the principal what was going on." (1/28/09)
School Vouchers for Special Ed Students
From Autism - Change.org: "Students could use public funds to attend accredited private schools best suited to their educational needs, or that seemed to provide such. But would public schools then have less of a motivation to create quality special education programs?" (1/27/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "Students could use public funds to attend accredited private schools best suited to their educational needs, or that seemed to provide such. But would public schools then have less of a motivation to create quality special education programs?" (1/27/09)
Your IEP Questions Answered
From Disability Scoop: "Marcy Tiffany of the law firm Wyner & Tiffany in Torrance, Calif. ... answers your questions on everything from requesting remediation and reevaluations to transition and placement." (1/27/09)
From Disability Scoop: "Marcy Tiffany of the law firm Wyner & Tiffany in Torrance, Calif. ... answers your questions on everything from requesting remediation and reevaluations to transition and placement." (1/27/09)
Getting Help for a Child with a Behavior Disorder
A parent writes to Wrightslaw: "My son is in the 10th grade. He has a behavior disorder and he can't control himself at times. The school does not understand when he gets agitated and angry. They just suspend him and deprive him of his education." (1/26/09)
A parent writes to Wrightslaw: "My son is in the 10th grade. He has a behavior disorder and he can't control himself at times. The school does not understand when he gets agitated and angry. They just suspend him and deprive him of his education." (1/26/09)
Lack of common sense or lack of interest?
From Fearless Females: "I could so easily be talking about a lot of the headline news; sometimes it's just enough for me to suck down my morning coffee without chocking on the latest heartbreaking news. But, today, I'm primarily focusing on the backlash of last weeks story of the 8-year-old girl with Asperger syndrome (AS) who was arresting and sent off to be charged with battery." (1/24/09)
From Fearless Females: "I could so easily be talking about a lot of the headline news; sometimes it's just enough for me to suck down my morning coffee without chocking on the latest heartbreaking news. But, today, I'm primarily focusing on the backlash of last weeks story of the 8-year-old girl with Asperger syndrome (AS) who was arresting and sent off to be charged with battery." (1/24/09)
Just Say No Way to Restraints
From Autism - Change.org: "While the holds stopped the head-banging, eventually, they ultimately led to Charlie's head-banging increasing and worsening, and in November of 2005 we took Charlie out of that classroom and out of that school district, forever." (1/24/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "While the holds stopped the head-banging, eventually, they ultimately led to Charlie's head-banging increasing and worsening, and in November of 2005 we took Charlie out of that classroom and out of that school district, forever." (1/24/09)
Beware of Bullying
From About.com Special Education: "Bullyhelp.org reports that: 1 out of 4 kids is bullied and that 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully." (1/25/09)
From About.com Special Education: "Bullyhelp.org reports that: 1 out of 4 kids is bullied and that 1 out of 5 kids admits to being a bully." (1/25/09)
Integrating Social Skills
From About.com Special Education: "Social skill development helps to build good character and not all students develop them by osmosis! Many students will benefit from the ongoing teaching, role modeling and the fostering of good social skills." (1/20/09)
From About.com Special Education: "Social skill development helps to build good character and not all students develop them by osmosis! Many students will benefit from the ongoing teaching, role modeling and the fostering of good social skills." (1/20/09)
Time for CHANGE and diligence!
From Special Education Advocates For Learn: "While we excitedly await the many changes that will be occurring in Washington, and changes in our daily lives, we need to remain ever-diligent about how those changes will affect our special needs children and the fulfillment of our child's IEP in the school." (1/20/09)
From Special Education Advocates For Learn: "While we excitedly await the many changes that will be occurring in Washington, and changes in our daily lives, we need to remain ever-diligent about how those changes will affect our special needs children and the fulfillment of our child's IEP in the school." (1/20/09)
IEP FAQs: Can More than one Disability Be Listed in an IEP?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The IEP is an individualized program based on your child's unique needs. The special ed statute (IDEA) and regulations do not say that a child's IEP can be limited to only one disability or need. In the law it is clear that a child does not even have to have a label to be eligible for services." (1/17/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "The IEP is an individualized program based on your child's unique needs. The special ed statute (IDEA) and regulations do not say that a child's IEP can be limited to only one disability or need. In the law it is clear that a child does not even have to have a label to be eligible for services." (1/17/09)
School Is Not Supposed to Hurt
From Autism - Change.org: "On January 13th on Capitol Hill, the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) unveiled a national report on the use of seclusion and restraint in U.S. schools and called on the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress to introduce a national ban on seclusion and prone restraint practices in schools throughout the US." (1/16/09)
From Autism - Change.org: "On January 13th on Capitol Hill, the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN) unveiled a national report on the use of seclusion and restraint in U.S. schools and called on the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress to introduce a national ban on seclusion and prone restraint practices in schools throughout the US." (1/16/09)
Worksheets With a Purpose
From About.com Special Education: "Not all worksheets are created equally. Worksheets need a focus with promise of learning. I've listed a few here that have specific goals for some of the more common areas of need found in students with learning difficulties or disabilities." (1/15/09)
From About.com Special Education: "Not all worksheets are created equally. Worksheets need a focus with promise of learning. I've listed a few here that have specific goals for some of the more common areas of need found in students with learning difficulties or disabilities." (1/15/09)
Community-Based Instruction
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "Some of my friends with children receiving special education services call this CBI concept the Mall Curriculum or the Bowling Curriculum. Personally, I am tired of it and want my children to have an EDUCATIONAL curriculum." (1/15/09)
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "Some of my friends with children receiving special education services call this CBI concept the Mall Curriculum or the Bowling Curriculum. Personally, I am tired of it and want my children to have an EDUCATIONAL curriculum." (1/15/09)
Handcuffed at School
From Autism - Change.org: An 8-year-old girl with Asperger syndrome is handcuffed and taken away in a police car for the offense of wanting to wear a cow sweatshirt to a Christmas party. (1/14/09)
From Autism - Change.org: An 8-year-old girl with Asperger syndrome is handcuffed and taken away in a police car for the offense of wanting to wear a cow sweatshirt to a Christmas party. (1/14/09)
Advocates press for end to school seclusion, prone restraint
From Disability News: "A disability rights group released a report yesterday saying that children across the country, many with disabilities, have been injured or killed when they were restrained or secluded at school." (1/14/09)
From Disability News: "A disability rights group released a report yesterday saying that children across the country, many with disabilities, have been injured or killed when they were restrained or secluded at school." (1/14/09)
Seclusion, Restraint and the Public School System
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "What have been your experiences with discipline within the public school system? What is working? What isn't? How do you think a child with disabilities can best be attended to in a situation where the child may become a threat to himself or others?" (1/14/09)
From 5 Minutes for Special Needs: "What have been your experiences with discipline within the public school system? What is working? What isn't? How do you think a child with disabilities can best be attended to in a situation where the child may become a threat to himself or others?" (1/14/09)
Self Monitoring for Behavior Concerns
From About.com Special Education: "Children can be taught to determine when they're anxiety is escalating or when they're in jeopardy of escalating with a negative behavior. Provide a focus station and a cue for the child to remove themself from the situation. You will also find these daily reports helpful once the child is able to take ownership of them." (1/12/09)
From About.com Special Education: "Children can be taught to determine when they're anxiety is escalating or when they're in jeopardy of escalating with a negative behavior. Provide a focus station and a cue for the child to remove themself from the situation. You will also find these daily reports helpful once the child is able to take ownership of them." (1/12/09)
Accommodations in IEPs
From About.com Special Education: "If you have a child with special needs and an IEP has been developed, then you are probably quite familar with the term accommodations. In fact, accommodations are a large part of the 'action' in an IEP. Accommodations usually occur in 3 areas: Instruction, assessment and in the environment." (1/10/09)
From About.com Special Education: "If you have a child with special needs and an IEP has been developed, then you are probably quite familar with the term accommodations. In fact, accommodations are a large part of the 'action' in an IEP. Accommodations usually occur in 3 areas: Instruction, assessment and in the environment." (1/10/09)
How Can I Know if My Child's Teacher is Highly Qualified?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Do I have a right to know the qualifications of my child's teachers? ... The answer is 'yes' if your child attends a school that receives Title I funding, and 'maybe' if the school does not receive Title I funds." (1/3/09)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "Do I have a right to know the qualifications of my child's teachers? ... The answer is 'yes' if your child attends a school that receives Title I funding, and 'maybe' if the school does not receive Title I funds." (1/3/09)
Have Students Set New Goals for 2009
From About.com Special Ed: "One activity I love to do with my own children is to have them right down their goals along with the strategies they need to implement in order to achieve those goals. It's a great way to start the New Year at school too! Here are some great goal setting worksheets to get you started." (1/2/09)
From About.com Special Ed: "One activity I love to do with my own children is to have them right down their goals along with the strategies they need to implement in order to achieve those goals. It's a great way to start the New Year at school too! Here are some great goal setting worksheets to get you started." (1/2/09)
Vanderbilt starting program for students with disabilities
From Disability News: "Current plans call for an opening class of eight young adults who will take a mix of undergraduate, life-skills and technical courses, and will also participate in campus extracurricular activities with Vanderbilt undergraduates. Tuition will be about $10,000 a year, with some scholarships available." (12/30/08)
From Disability News: "Current plans call for an opening class of eight young adults who will take a mix of undergraduate, life-skills and technical courses, and will also participate in campus extracurricular activities with Vanderbilt undergraduates. Tuition will be about $10,000 a year, with some scholarships available." (12/30/08)
School disputes: Helping unhappy parents make headway
From Telegraph.co.uk: "Two solicitors who specialise in school disputes tell James Vaughan why it's time the education establishment stopped getting away with questionable decisions." (12/30/08)
From Telegraph.co.uk: "Two solicitors who specialise in school disputes tell James Vaughan why it's time the education establishment stopped getting away with questionable decisions." (12/30/08)
Twelve Weeks of Special Ed
Some humor to get you through winter break, from the Special Education Law Blog. (12/26/08)
Some humor to get you through winter break, from the Special Education Law Blog. (12/26/08)
Child Behaving Badly: Parent's Unable to Say No?
From About.com Special Education: "Is some of the bad behavior many teachers are seeing and dealing with a direct result of over indulgent parents who have great difficulty saying no? That's what research is indicating from a Cambridge University Study. Interviews with over 200 families revealed that families are definitely struggling to control their children." (12/26/08)
From About.com Special Education: "Is some of the bad behavior many teachers are seeing and dealing with a direct result of over indulgent parents who have great difficulty saying no? That's what research is indicating from a Cambridge University Study. Interviews with over 200 families revealed that families are definitely struggling to control their children." (12/26/08)
What You Need to Know about FBA (Functional Behavior Assessment)
From About.com Special Education: "An FBA is really just a defined process of understanding the root or reason for the child's behavior." (12/21/08)
From About.com Special Education: "An FBA is really just a defined process of understanding the root or reason for the child's behavior." (12/21/08)
New System Of Scoring IQ Tests Benefits Children With Disabilities
From Science Daily: "Parents of children with intellectual disabilities have long been frustrated by IQ testing that tells them little to nothing about their children's long-term learning potential." (12/16/08)
From Science Daily: "Parents of children with intellectual disabilities have long been frustrated by IQ testing that tells them little to nothing about their children's long-term learning potential." (12/16/08)
Parent Checklist for IEPs
From About.com Special Education: "The checklist is designed to ensure that the child has the most appropriate IEP possible,one that includes parent contributions. The checklist helps parents determine if the IEP puts the child's needs and strengths first." (12/12/08)
From About.com Special Education: "The checklist is designed to ensure that the child has the most appropriate IEP possible,one that includes parent contributions. The checklist helps parents determine if the IEP puts the child's needs and strengths first." (12/12/08)
Parents made to 'fight' for special needs help
From Telegraph.co.uk: "Major concerns include lack of care for pupils with disabilities, poor information for parents and failure to address children's needs in mainstream schools." (12/11/08)
From Telegraph.co.uk: "Major concerns include lack of care for pupils with disabilities, poor information for parents and failure to address children's needs in mainstream schools." (12/11/08)
IEP FAQs: Can We Write our Parapro's Name in the IEP?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "No, the law doesn%u2019t say anything about a parent's right to select a specific teacher or paraprofessional. Your child has a right to a teacher (or para), but does not have a right to the BEST teacher or para." (12/11/08)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "No, the law doesn%u2019t say anything about a parent's right to select a specific teacher or paraprofessional. Your child has a right to a teacher (or para), but does not have a right to the BEST teacher or para." (12/11/08)
Christmas Books for the Special Educator
From About.com Special Ed: "Teachers and special education teachers are sure to enjoy some of the great books listed here. For those tough to buy for individuals, you can't go wrong with a great teaching resource." (12/9/08)
From About.com Special Ed: "Teachers and special education teachers are sure to enjoy some of the great books listed here. For those tough to buy for individuals, you can't go wrong with a great teaching resource." (12/9/08)
Worldwide Attention for Deaf Extreme Home Makeover Family
From About.com Deafness: "A deaf family, the Vardons, that had been on Extreme Home Makeover now in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. The family was hit by medical costs, layoffs (and fear of another layoff), rising mortgage costs from a refinancing of the mortgage." (12/9/08)
From About.com Deafness: "A deaf family, the Vardons, that had been on Extreme Home Makeover now in danger of losing their home to foreclosure. The family was hit by medical costs, layoffs (and fear of another layoff), rising mortgage costs from a refinancing of the mortgage." (12/9/08)
New rule lets parents pull kids out of special ed
From Disability News: "Writing in Education Week, Christina A. Samuels says the U.S. Department of Education has released new regulations that allow parents to remove children from special education after making a request in writing. Previous policies did not allow parents to make such decisions without the agreement of their school district." (12/8/08)
From Disability News: "Writing in Education Week, Christina A. Samuels says the U.S. Department of Education has released new regulations that allow parents to remove children from special education after making a request in writing. Previous policies did not allow parents to make such decisions without the agreement of their school district." (12/8/08)
Gobsmacked (in an IEP meeting)
From An Acorn Dreaming: "Gobsmacked. That is how I felt yesterday morning when, during the last 5 minutes of an IEP meeting that was clearly going to end up at 'We don't see enough negative academic impact from your son's difficulties to warrant further testing,' the school psychologist suddenly said (I'm paraphrasing, but this was the jist,) 'Yeah, ok. I'll do the testing.'" (12/5/08)
From An Acorn Dreaming: "Gobsmacked. That is how I felt yesterday morning when, during the last 5 minutes of an IEP meeting that was clearly going to end up at 'We don't see enough negative academic impact from your son's difficulties to warrant further testing,' the school psychologist suddenly said (I'm paraphrasing, but this was the jist,) 'Yeah, ok. I'll do the testing.'" (12/5/08)
Does a Child Need an IEP AND a 504 Plan?
From The Wrightslaw Way: "There is nothing in the law that says a child with a disability should have an IEP for some needs and a 504 plan for others. It's confusing, it's more work, and it's unnecessary." (12/1/08)
From The Wrightslaw Way: "There is nothing in the law that says a child with a disability should have an IEP for some needs and a 504 plan for others. It's confusing, it's more work, and it's unnecessary." (12/1/08)
Non Fiction to Motivate
From About.com Special Education: "There is some emerging research supporting improved student engagement and performance by using non fiction in both reading and writing. Not only that, we're in an information age where it's important to prepare our students for real life and ongoing education." (11/26/08)
From About.com Special Education: "There is some emerging research supporting improved student engagement and performance by using non fiction in both reading and writing. Not only that, we're in an information age where it's important to prepare our students for real life and ongoing education." (11/26/08)
How to Discipline Without Stress, Punishment or Rewards
On the About.com Special Education site, Marvin Marshall, Ed.D., gives a synopsis of his book on effective discipline. (11/24/08)
On the About.com Special Education site, Marvin Marshall, Ed.D., gives a synopsis of his book on effective discipline. (11/24/08)
Inclusive Schools Week
From About.com Special Ed: "December 1-5, 2008 marks the 8th annual Inclusive Schools Week. The theme for 2008 is: 'Together We Learn Better.'" (11/18/08)
From About.com Special Ed: "December 1-5, 2008 marks the 8th annual Inclusive Schools Week. The theme for 2008 is: 'Together We Learn Better.'" (11/18/08)
What a Good IEP Meeting Looks Like
From Fearless Females: "I have a new oxymoron for you: Good IEP meeting." (11/10/08)
From Fearless Females: "I have a new oxymoron for you: Good IEP meeting." (11/10/08)
IDEA and progress toward full inclusion
From Early Childhood Family Support: "If one of the goals of special education is to prepare the student for life after school, we must ask how well those segregated environments prepare the student to work, learn, live, and play in the community." (11/9/08)
From Early Childhood Family Support: "If one of the goals of special education is to prepare the student for life after school, we must ask how well those segregated environments prepare the student to work, learn, live, and play in the community." (11/9/08)
Reverse Due Process: When the School Sues the Parent
From Wrightslaw: "If a parent won't sign an IEP, does the school system have the right and ability to sue the parent on behalf of the student?" (11/6/08)
From Wrightslaw: "If a parent won't sign an IEP, does the school system have the right and ability to sue the parent on behalf of the student?" (11/6/08)
When Evaluation Shows a Disability, School Says Child is "Lazy"
From Wrightslaw: "The school system evaluated Shannon when she was in the sixth grade. This evaluation clearly showed that Shannon had learning disabilities in reading and math. The school told the parents that Shannon was lazy, unmotivated. Her parents were advised to pressure her to work harder." (10/31/08)
From Wrightslaw: "The school system evaluated Shannon when she was in the sixth grade. This evaluation clearly showed that Shannon had learning disabilities in reading and math. The school told the parents that Shannon was lazy, unmotivated. Her parents were advised to pressure her to work harder." (10/31/08)
When IEP Team Meetings Fail
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "The important thing to remember though is that, as a parent, you have rights and recourse in dealing with problems like this. Advocating for your child may not be easy, but it is one of the most important roles you will fulfill as a parent." (10/30/08)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "The important thing to remember though is that, as a parent, you have rights and recourse in dealing with problems like this. Advocating for your child may not be easy, but it is one of the most important roles you will fulfill as a parent." (10/30/08)
Providing Support to Sick Children
From About.com Parenting Preschoolers: "From financial support to video games, two major corporations are doing their best to make the stay for young patients at children's hospitals a little easier." (10/25/08)
From About.com Parenting Preschoolers: "From financial support to video games, two major corporations are doing their best to make the stay for young patients at children's hospitals a little easier." (10/25/08)
Bumps Abound When Students Become Their Own Advocates
From the Washington Post: "A generation of students accustomed to receiving help for special learning needs is entering college. The percentage of students identified with learning disabilities who graduate from high school and go on to four-year colleges jumped from one in 100 in 1987 to about one in nine last year. ... But some are finding that the transition isn't easy." (10/25/08)
From the Washington Post: "A generation of students accustomed to receiving help for special learning needs is entering college. The percentage of students identified with learning disabilities who graduate from high school and go on to four-year colleges jumped from one in 100 in 1987 to about one in nine last year. ... But some are finding that the transition isn't easy." (10/25/08)
Heroes - Super Teacher to the Rescue!
From Amazed By His Grace: "Ms Z possessed the right balance of love and discipline, she was creative in her approach, had a 'never give up' attitude. She would often share with me a 'golden nugget' about his day, something she found cute or endearing, that let me know she genuinely enjoyed my son." (10/17/08)
From Amazed By His Grace: "Ms Z possessed the right balance of love and discipline, she was creative in her approach, had a 'never give up' attitude. She would often share with me a 'golden nugget' about his day, something she found cute or endearing, that let me know she genuinely enjoyed my son." (10/17/08)
Students with disabilities want "safe areas" at school
From Disability News: "The students also said they wanted representation in student-run government organizations. The report said it was 'noticeable' that students with disabilities were not included in such groups, and sometimes did not even know they existed." (10/16/08)
From Disability News: "The students also said they wanted representation in student-run government organizations. The report said it was 'noticeable' that students with disabilities were not included in such groups, and sometimes did not even know they existed." (10/16/08)
"No child" rule penalizes school for kids with disabilities
From Disability News: "A school in suburban Maryland that serves medically fragile students with severe physical and cognitive disabilities has been put on a state watch list of underperforming schools, even though its reading and math scores were on target. The problem: poor attendance." (10/15/08)
From Disability News: "A school in suburban Maryland that serves medically fragile students with severe physical and cognitive disabilities has been put on a state watch list of underperforming schools, even though its reading and math scores were on target. The problem: poor attendance." (10/15/08)
New York pushing to create special-needs schools
From Disability News: "Intense lobbying by parents has prompted the creation of Westbrook Preparatory School, a $2.5 million institution that will be New York State's first residential school for students with high-functioning autism." (10/13/08)
From Disability News: "Intense lobbying by parents has prompted the creation of Westbrook Preparatory School, a $2.5 million institution that will be New York State's first residential school for students with high-functioning autism." (10/13/08)
High Turnover Rate in Special Ed
From Autism Vox: "Have you ever visited your child's classroom and noted that the aide your child most liked is long gone, and that there's at least one new aide, if not two?" (10/10/08)
From Autism Vox: "Have you ever visited your child's classroom and noted that the aide your child most liked is long gone, and that there's at least one new aide, if not two?" (10/10/08)
Does Attending Private School Mean No 504?
The About.com guide to Deafness seeks advice for a forum poster whose child's private school does not get any federal funds. (10/9/08)
The About.com guide to Deafness seeks advice for a forum poster whose child's private school does not get any federal funds. (10/9/08)
Understanding Due Process Hearings
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Are you having a serious disagreement with your learning disabled child's individual education program? If so, you may be unsure of options available to you to resolve the problem. The special education due process hearing is just one of several administrative remedies available to you." (10/6/08)
From About.com Learning Disabilities: "Are you having a serious disagreement with your learning disabled child's individual education program? If so, you may be unsure of options available to you to resolve the problem. The special education due process hearing is just one of several administrative remedies available to you." (10/6/08)
Discipline and Behavior: Top 5 IDEA Myths
From Early Childhod Family Support: "There are a lot of myths out there about discipline or punishment and the individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA). Most of the myths suggest that the IDEA prevents schools from disciplining or punishing students with disabilities." (10/3/08)
From Early Childhod Family Support: "There are a lot of myths out there about discipline or punishment and the individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA). Most of the myths suggest that the IDEA prevents schools from disciplining or punishing students with disabilities." (10/3/08)
Special Needs Tragedy Near Indianapolis
From Winter Ramblings: "The crash involved two garbage trucks and left four kids with special needs dead, and their bus driver seriously injured." (9/27/08)
From Winter Ramblings: "The crash involved two garbage trucks and left four kids with special needs dead, and their bus driver seriously injured." (9/27/08)
Teacher makes disabled child sit in a closet all day
From Silicon Valley Moms Blog: "How could they get away with such a thing? They knew he couldn't go home and speak for himself because Garrison has Down syndrome." (9/27/08)
From Silicon Valley Moms Blog: "How could they get away with such a thing? They knew he couldn't go home and speak for himself because Garrison has Down syndrome." (9/27/08)
IFSP Goals Updated
From Parent of a Child With Albinism: Check out the vision, cognitive, gross motor, and fine motor skills for a two-year-old with albinism. (9/28/08)
From Parent of a Child With Albinism: Check out the vision, cognitive, gross motor, and fine motor skills for a two-year-old with albinism. (9/28/08)
The Special-Needs Kindergarten Crunch
From the New York Times: "All this is not to say that there are no good public kindergartens in New York City, or no good public kindergarten programs for special needs children. ... But such placements are few and far between. Even in the coveted districts, I’ve rarely seen an appropriate special-needs kindergarten placement come without a parent struggle." (9/26/08)
From the New York Times: "All this is not to say that there are no good public kindergartens in New York City, or no good public kindergarten programs for special needs children. ... But such placements are few and far between. Even in the coveted districts, I’ve rarely seen an appropriate special-needs kindergarten placement come without a parent struggle." (9/26/08)
Nominate Your Favorite Special Educator
Have a teacher who deserves some professional recognition? About.com's guide to Special Education has information on one possibility. (9/23/08)
Have a teacher who deserves some professional recognition? About.com's guide to Special Education has information on one possibility. (9/23/08)
Teacher interactions with parents of children with disabilities
Advice for teachers from the blog Disabled Christianity: "In your interactions with parents ... your standard should be to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly." (9/21/08)
Advice for teachers from the blog Disabled Christianity: "In your interactions with parents ... your standard should be to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly." (9/21/08)
Finding a college for students with special needs
From Disability News: "While federal law has led to standardized jargon and services in K-12 education, the law for colleges simply requires them to make 'reasonable accommodations' for students with disabilities." (9/17/08)
From Disability News: "While federal law has led to standardized jargon and services in K-12 education, the law for colleges simply requires them to make 'reasonable accommodations' for students with disabilities." (9/17/08)
Build a Positive Relationship with Your Child's School
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has some tips on working with your child's teachers. (9/16/08)
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has some tips on working with your child's teachers. (9/16/08)
Testing of special-ed students should be re-examined
From the L.A. Times: "Almost half of children with special needs failed their high school exit exam this year. Legislation calls for identifying new ways to assess performance and devising new methods." (9/15/08)
From the L.A. Times: "Almost half of children with special needs failed their high school exit exam this year. Legislation calls for identifying new ways to assess performance and devising new methods." (9/15/08)
Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS)
From Early Childhood Family Support: A look at IDEA requirements for handling challenging behavior. (9/14/08)
From Early Childhood Family Support: A look at IDEA requirements for handling challenging behavior. (9/14/08)
What Teachers and Parents Want Each Other to Know
I made a list, and so did the About.com guide to Special Education. Read our contributions, then make your own. (9/13/08)
I made a list, and so did the About.com guide to Special Education. Read our contributions, then make your own. (9/13/08)
Parents opt to teach kids at home for growing list of reasons
From the Detroit News: "Homeschooling has emerged as a growing option for families of children like Noah who have special learning needs; are academically or athletically gifted; suffer from health problems; or just don't fit the mold of traditional public schools, experts say." (9/11/08)
From the Detroit News: "Homeschooling has emerged as a growing option for families of children like Noah who have special learning needs; are academically or athletically gifted; suffer from health problems; or just don't fit the mold of traditional public schools, experts say." (9/11/08)
CA says students with disabilities bring down exit exam scores
Disability News links to an L.A. Times story on what happened when students in special education were required to pass a standardized test to graduate. (9/10/08)
Disability News links to an L.A. Times story on what happened when students in special education were required to pass a standardized test to graduate. (9/10/08)
A Letter to My Teacher - 15 Things About Me
Thinking of preparing a Positive Student Profile for your child? The Greatness of Autism site has a neat one to check out. (9/9/08)
Thinking of preparing a Positive Student Profile for your child? The Greatness of Autism site has a neat one to check out. (9/9/08)
Painful Failure of the Special Education System
The Special Education Law Blog presents the transcript of a speech by the parent of a young man with autism who did not receive a diagnosis or services that could have helped him. (9/8/08)
The Special Education Law Blog presents the transcript of a speech by the parent of a young man with autism who did not receive a diagnosis or services that could have helped him. (9/8/08)
Assertive Discipline Plans
From the About.com guide to Special Education: "Every teacher needs them! Assertive discipline plans are worth their weight in gold. Essentially, the plan should be developed democratically between the teacher and the students." (9/7/08)
From the About.com guide to Special Education: "Every teacher needs them! Assertive discipline plans are worth their weight in gold. Essentially, the plan should be developed democratically between the teacher and the students." (9/7/08)
Discussion on how to live, learn, and work using Cued Speech
From We Cue: As school starts, it wouldn't hurt for your kid to see you reading sometimes, too. (9/4/08)
From We Cue: As school starts, it wouldn't hurt for your kid to see you reading sometimes, too. (9/4/08)
School Stress Relief
The About.com guide to Stress Management has some tips we all can certainly use. (9/1/08)
The About.com guide to Stress Management has some tips we all can certainly use. (9/1/08)
These moms couldn't find a school, so they started their own
From the Disability News blog: An innovative way to foster inclusion. (8/29/08)
From the Disability News blog: An innovative way to foster inclusion. (8/29/08)
Back-to-School Resources from RIF
About.com's guide to Children's Books mentions some new reading resources for kids. (8/27/08)
About.com's guide to Children's Books mentions some new reading resources for kids. (8/27/08)
Special-Needs Business Profile: Organized4Kids
A mom and an educator got together to create a notebook system for organizing all those IEP papers. (8/27/08)
A mom and an educator got together to create a notebook system for organizing all those IEP papers. (8/27/08)
IEP FAQs: How Can I Correct Errors in the Record?
Wrightslaw has some advice. Personally, I've had some child-study personnel be very collaborative about fixing errors and refining language, and I've had others refusing to even fix obvious typos. (8/27/08)
Wrightslaw has some advice. Personally, I've had some child-study personnel be very collaborative about fixing errors and refining language, and I've had others refusing to even fix obvious typos. (8/27/08)
In the Forum: Zero Tolerance
A reader revives an old conversation about Zero Tolerance, and the way it affects kids whose behavior may be problematic for a reason. (8/26/08)
A reader revives an old conversation about Zero Tolerance, and the way it affects kids whose behavior may be problematic for a reason. (8/26/08)
School Refusal - Kids Who Don't Want to go to School
The About.com guide to Pediatrics looks at the reasons some kids can't bring themselves to go to school, and what parents can do about it. (8/26/08)
The About.com guide to Pediatrics looks at the reasons some kids can't bring themselves to go to school, and what parents can do about it. (8/26/08)
Back to School Is Like a Volleyball Aimed at Your Head
And I'm not as talented as those Olympic athletes. Ow. (8/26/08)
And I'm not as talented as those Olympic athletes. Ow. (8/26/08)
Long-Term Planning, Limits on IEP Goals
From Wrightslaw: Thinking ahead about IEP Goals and Longterm Planning. (8/26/08)
From Wrightslaw: Thinking ahead about IEP Goals and Longterm Planning. (8/26/08)
Manifestation Determinations
From the Early Childhood Family Support blog: How do schools determine whether behavior is a manifestation of a child's disability or not? There's an official procedure for doing just that. (8/25/08)
From the Early Childhood Family Support blog: How do schools determine whether behavior is a manifestation of a child's disability or not? There's an official procedure for doing just that. (8/25/08)
This Just In: IEP Edition
A 5 Minutes for Special Needs blogger shares links, books, and tips readers have sent in regarding IEPs and special education. (8/25/08)
A 5 Minutes for Special Needs blogger shares links, books, and tips readers have sent in regarding IEPs and special education. (8/25/08)
Obama pledges full funding for special education
The Disability News blog has excerpts from a YouTube video in which the presidential candidate makes that pledge, and says the word "retardation" is bad. (8/23/08)
The Disability News blog has excerpts from a YouTube video in which the presidential candidate makes that pledge, and says the word "retardation" is bad. (8/23/08)
From the Department of Depressing Statistics
Turning the spotlight on stories about financial hardships and corporal punishment. (8/22/08)
Turning the spotlight on stories about financial hardships and corporal punishment. (8/22/08)
Federal judge dismisses lawsuit over restraints, timeout room
From the Disability News blog: Do physical restraints and locking a kid in a time-out room sound like reasonable and accepted practices to you? (8/22/08)
From the Disability News blog: Do physical restraints and locking a kid in a time-out room sound like reasonable and accepted practices to you? (8/22/08)
When Schools Don't Meet Your Child's Needs
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has some ideas on what parents can do. (8/22/08)
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has some ideas on what parents can do. (8/22/08)
RTFM
You'd think after ten years in a school district, people might know your kid is deaf, right? (8/20/08)
You'd think after ten years in a school district, people might know your kid is deaf, right? (8/20/08)
Minorities, kids with disabilities more likely to be paddled
Disturbing statistics from Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. (8/20/08)
Disturbing statistics from Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union. (8/20/08)
When it Comes to Medication.....
... the About.com guide to Special Education recommends going slowly and being well-informed. (8/18/08)
... the About.com guide to Special Education recommends going slowly and being well-informed. (8/18/08)
Learning To Make Sense Of An IEP
And to value your own authority to be part of the team. (8/15/08)
And to value your own authority to be part of the team. (8/15/08)
Section 504 or Special Education - Which Should You Choose and Why?
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities makes some distinctions between the two. (8/15/09)
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities makes some distinctions between the two. (8/15/09)
How To Support the Impulsive Child
Some tips from the About.com guide to Special Education. (8/12/08)
Some tips from the About.com guide to Special Education. (8/12/08)
Evaluating a Child Who is Blind and Language Impaired
Wrightslaw recommends an independent evaluator to check on the school district's assessment. (8/11/08)
Wrightslaw recommends an independent evaluator to check on the school district's assessment. (8/11/08)
Illinois Loop: Education Buzzwords
Does it sometimes feel like educators are speaking a language that sounds like yours but means something completely different? Turns out, you're right. (8/8/08)
Does it sometimes feel like educators are speaking a language that sounds like yours but means something completely different? Turns out, you're right. (8/8/08)
IEP FAQs: Tapes are "Best Evidence" in Litigation
They're easier to use for some than computer transcripts, and tell a more complete tale. {8/8/08)
They're easier to use for some than computer transcripts, and tell a more complete tale. {8/8/08)
Milwaukee Public Schools Cited for Excessive Use of Suspensions
When will schools realize that proper behavioral support is both easier and more effective for students with special needs? (8/7/08)
When will schools realize that proper behavioral support is both easier and more effective for students with special needs? (8/7/08)
Teaching Your Special Needs Child
"Whether you have decided to homeschool your special needs child, utilize public, or private school, you will still need to teach your child." (8/6/08)
"Whether you have decided to homeschool your special needs child, utilize public, or private school, you will still need to teach your child." (8/6/08)
New York eying changes in IEP diplomas
The change is aimed at making parents aware that what their children are getting is not a proper diploma. Parents call it an embarrassment. (8/6/08)
The change is aimed at making parents aware that what their children are getting is not a proper diploma. Parents call it an embarrassment. (8/6/08)
Assistive Technology in Schools
Tips on reviewing your child's needs as the new school year begins. (8/4/08)
Tips on reviewing your child's needs as the new school year begins. (8/4/08)
Majority of Due Process Cases Resolved Without Hearing
From the Special Education Law Blog: "The simple reality is that parents file due process in incredibly small numbers relative to the violations of the law that occur systematically and frequently. ... Schools need to stop complaining of parents' imaginary abuses of the due process system and stick to the facts." (8/3/08)
From the Special Education Law Blog: "The simple reality is that parents file due process in incredibly small numbers relative to the violations of the law that occur systematically and frequently. ... Schools need to stop complaining of parents' imaginary abuses of the due process system and stick to the facts." (8/3/08)
Can an ADHD and LD Child Have a Section 504 Plan and an IEP?
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities explains why the IEP probably trumps the 504. (8/3/08)
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities explains why the IEP probably trumps the 504. (8/3/08)
Parents of boy left locked on school bus file lawsuit
Aides failed to remove the autistic 4-year-old from the bus when it go to his summer program, and instead he was left restrained in his seat for 4.5 hours. (8/2/08)
Aides failed to remove the autistic 4-year-old from the bus when it go to his summer program, and instead he was left restrained in his seat for 4.5 hours. (8/2/08)
IEP FAQs: What should be the"Effective Date" on IEPs?
Our school district changed policy about this too somewhere along the line, so I was interested to read Wrightslaw's answer. (8/2/08)
Our school district changed policy about this too somewhere along the line, so I was interested to read Wrightslaw's answer. (8/2/08)
Many 'failing' schools aren't failing when measured on impact
This seems like perhaps a fairer standard for special-education students, too. I'm less interested in whether they can perform at a grade level they're not even being taught at, than whether they're making marked and consistent progress. (8/1/08)
This seems like perhaps a fairer standard for special-education students, too. I'm less interested in whether they can perform at a grade level they're not even being taught at, than whether they're making marked and consistent progress. (8/1/08)
What is a Life Skills Portfolio
Something that takes up a whole lot of special education teachers' time these days, as far as I can tell. (7/31/08)
Something that takes up a whole lot of special education teachers' time these days, as far as I can tell. (7/31/08)
Qualities of a good teacher
Sue Watson, the About.com guide to Special Education, lists her top ten qualities. Do you agree? (7/27/08)
Sue Watson, the About.com guide to Special Education, lists her top ten qualities. Do you agree? (7/27/08)
IEP FAQs: Can I write on the IEP?
Wrightslaw says, "Sure." (7/26/08)
Wrightslaw says, "Sure." (7/26/08)
But What if Your Kid Can Pass?
Keeping quiet about your child's needs may seem like a way to help him blend in the mainstream, but it doesn't really promote inclusion. (7/24/08)
Keeping quiet about your child's needs may seem like a way to help him blend in the mainstream, but it doesn't really promote inclusion. (7/24/08)
Help Your LD Teen Get Ready for College
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has the tips and resources you need. (7/24/08)
The About.com guide to Learning Disabilities has the tips and resources you need. (7/24/08)
Literacy on the Roll!
The About.com guide to Special Education offers ideas for educational games and activities for car trips. (7/23/08)
The About.com guide to Special Education offers ideas for educational games and activities for car trips. (7/23/08)
Individualized Therapeutic Approach Helps
The Special Education Law Blog mentions a promising development for students with severe behavioral and emotional problems. (7/21/08)
The Special Education Law Blog mentions a promising development for students with severe behavioral and emotional problems. (7/21/08)
Classroom Management: The Teacher's Voice
This post was recommended by About.com's Special Education Guide, who mentioned that the advice on keeping a calm low tone is appropriate for parents, too. (7/21/08)
This post was recommended by About.com's Special Education Guide, who mentioned that the advice on keeping a calm low tone is appropriate for parents, too. (7/21/08)
Long-term or short-term suspensions: what's the difference?
The Early Childhood Family Support blog has the details. (7/18/08)
The Early Childhood Family Support blog has the details. (7/18/08)
Teacher gets probation for taping special ed student to chair
Remember that story from a while back about a teacher using tape restraints on an eight-year-old? According to Disability News, the teacher was "convicted of aggravated battery and unlawful restraint," but got a sentence of probation, a fine, and community service. Maybe they should have taped him to a chair instead. (7/17/08)
Remember that story from a while back about a teacher using tape restraints on an eight-year-old? According to Disability News, the teacher was "convicted of aggravated battery and unlawful restraint," but got a sentence of probation, a fine, and community service. Maybe they should have taped him to a chair instead. (7/17/08)
Discipline: That Delicate Balance
School officials complain of confusion, but Charles Fox of the Special Education Law Blog argues, "Good training, planning and thoughtful staffing minimizes the risks and increases the potential for good and safe outcomes." You've got to want it, people. (7/16/08)
School officials complain of confusion, but Charles Fox of the Special Education Law Blog argues, "Good training, planning and thoughtful staffing minimizes the risks and increases the potential for good and safe outcomes." You've got to want it, people. (7/16/08)
Teacher Removed for Whistleblowing
In case you wonder why teachers sometimes seem so afraid to speak up about problems in special education. (7/16/08)
In case you wonder why teachers sometimes seem so afraid to speak up about problems in special education. (7/16/08)
Use of Restraints Increasing in Public Schools?
Autism Vox has a disturbing post on the use of restraints in schools, and the possibility that inclusion increases it. (7/15/08)
Autism Vox has a disturbing post on the use of restraints in schools, and the possibility that inclusion increases it. (7/15/08)
Bridges4Kids News Digest
The latest edition of the digest is up with more articles of interest to parents of children with special needs. (7/14/08)
The latest edition of the digest is up with more articles of interest to parents of children with special needs. (7/14/08)
San Francisco Newspaper Lacks Coherent View of Special Education
The Special Education Law Blog takes on a newspaper article that complains "regular education is a virtual ATM card for special education." (7/14/08)
The Special Education Law Blog takes on a newspaper article that complains "regular education is a virtual ATM card for special education." (7/14/08)
Co-Teaching an Effective Stratgey to Support Inclusion
The Special Education Law Blog has a link to download materials on co-teaching to promote inclusion. Bet you know some clueless schools and teachers who could use that information. (7/13/08)
The Special Education Law Blog has a link to download materials on co-teaching to promote inclusion. Bet you know some clueless schools and teachers who could use that information. (7/13/08)
Failing Children in Special Education
In a comment on my post, Christine writes that "We have learned the hard way that there is more to managing this process than going with the flow. Parents have to be prepared, do their homework and educate themselves on what is available for children and what their rights are." (7/13/08)
In a comment on my post, Christine writes that "We have learned the hard way that there is more to managing this process than going with the flow. Parents have to be prepared, do their homework and educate themselves on what is available for children and what their rights are." (7/13/08)
Developing an Individual Education Program
About.com's Guide to Learning Disabilities shares some advice on the IEP process. (7/12/08)
About.com's Guide to Learning Disabilities shares some advice on the IEP process. (7/12/08)
Advocating for a Child with Communication Problems
The Wrightslaw Blog answers the question of the parent of a child with Rett Syndrome. {7/12/08)
The Wrightslaw Blog answers the question of the parent of a child with Rett Syndrome. {7/12/08)
New Jersey Plaintiffs Win Major LRE Court Battle
The Special Education Law Blog celebrates the progress of a suit saying the New Jersey Department of Education hasn't pursuing inclusion enough. But knowing how well my Jersey boy does in one of those "segregated" classes, and how badly our district does inclusion, it makes my heart sink. (7/11/08)
The Special Education Law Blog celebrates the progress of a suit saying the New Jersey Department of Education hasn't pursuing inclusion enough. But knowing how well my Jersey boy does in one of those "segregated" classes, and how badly our district does inclusion, it makes my heart sink. (7/11/08)
Does an IEP make a child ineligible for sports?
The Wrightslaw Way blog says no -- unless your kid's missing an organ. My daughter isn't, and has been a member of the bowling team for two years now. (7/8/08)
The Wrightslaw Way blog says no -- unless your kid's missing an organ. My daughter isn't, and has been a member of the bowling team for two years now. (7/8/08)
The Special Education Law Blog Earns 5 Stars!
The new Wrightslaw blog pays tribute to the Special Education Law Blog, and I couldn't agree more, having also appreciated the mix of information and humor the Foxes present there. (7/8/08)
The new Wrightslaw blog pays tribute to the Special Education Law Blog, and I couldn't agree more, having also appreciated the mix of information and humor the Foxes present there. (7/8/08)
SEAKing Education Appropriate 4 Kids
In a YouTube video, parents of children in special education share their outrage at the treatment they have received from educators and administrators.
In a YouTube video, parents of children in special education share their outrage at the treatment they have received from educators and administrators.
Supreme Court Supports Parents' Rights Under IDEA
Good news for parents from the Supreme Court: You don't need a lawyer to take your school district to trial! You can do all that legal work yourself! (5/23/07)
Good news for parents from the Supreme Court: You don't need a lawyer to take your school district to trial! You can do all that legal work yourself! (5/23/07)
"Special needs" kids often the target of bullies
"Children with special health care needs are at increased risk of being bullied at school, while children with behavioral, emotional or developmental problems have an increased likelihood of bullying other children and of being a bully/victim." (10/6/06)
"Children with special health care needs are at increased risk of being bullied at school, while children with behavioral, emotional or developmental problems have an increased likelihood of bullying other children and of being a bully/victim." (10/6/06)
More encouraging commentary on Shaffer v. Weast
The Special Education Law Blog has weighed in on the Supreme Court's decision in Shaffer v. Weast, which determined that the party bringing a special education dispute into court should bear the burden of proof. (11/24/05)
The Special Education Law Blog has weighed in on the Supreme Court's decision in Shaffer v. Weast, which determined that the party bringing a special education dispute into court should bear the burden of proof. (11/24/05)
More on the Supreme Court's special-ed decision
More on Weast v. Schaffer. (11/19/05)
More on Weast v. Schaffer. (11/19/05)
Special education dispute decided in Supreme Court
Is Weast v. Schaffer as bad as it sounds? (11/15/05)
Is Weast v. Schaffer as bad as it sounds? (11/15/05)