The Wrightslaw Way

The school said, “I am not sure if you are aware, outside professionals are not considered a part of the IEP team. Your doctor really cannot participate. Parents use professionals to bounce ideas off of, however, the school will set up services based on the IEP we write.” Check the federal statute and federal regulation.  […]

My 4th grader with ADHD goes to resource for reading and math. His school wants to take him off an IEP and put him on a 504. His teacher feels he misses out when he goes to resource. She thinks he will do better if he stayed in class with a small group. What are […]

Things I have learned through the years that have helped me get a program to meet my children’s needs. 1.  Knowledge is power. I learned as much as I could about the law.  I used the internet, library and support groups.  There is a wealth of support groups online. Find one right for you. Use […]

Based on a doctor’s order, my daughter is receiving homebound instruction. The school district makes us provide transportation to the school for this instruction. Shouldn’t the school provide transportation or a teacher to come to our home? Transportation for Homebound Services If your child has an IEP, the IEP controls the services, regardless of where […]

Are there forms or examples available for 504 Plans and IEP’s? How do I get them? To provide guidance about how to implement IDEA 2004, the Education Department publishes topics briefs, model forms and other publications and documents. Model IEP Form When the IDEA 2004 Regulations were published in the Federal Register, the Education Deparment […]

Inclusion:  What does the research say? There is a strong research base to support the education of children with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers. Although separate classes, with lower student to teacher ratios, controlled environments, and specially trained staff would seem to offer benefits to a child with a disability, research fails to demonstrate the […]

My child’s doctor recommended homebound instruction. The school said they had the authority to override that recommendation. Why won’t the school provide homebound services? Issues of homebound are determined in part by state law and state regulations, if any, on the subject. IDEA 2004 and the federal regulations provide no guidance on this issue. However, […]

School has started. Your first IEP meeting is approaching.  Both parents and teachers are anxious about what this year will bring.  What will happen at the first IEP meeting? What can you do to ensure a productive meeting? Here are some Tested Tips for IEP Meetings from CADRE that parents and teachers can use. CADRE […]

My 6 year old daughter had her 3 year reevaluation. She has Childhood Apraxia of Speech and fine motor difficulty. She is doing well academically. At the IEP meeting, one month ago, it was decided that she no longer qualifies for an IEP.  The school suggested a 504 plan and said they would contact us […]

Thursday, July 26, 2012 Wrightslaw is live blogging all week. We hope you will join us for Day 4 from the Institute of Special Education Advocacy (ISEA). Day 1    Day 2 & 3     Day 4    Day 5 Agenda for Today Panel: Evidence Strategies by Parent Attorneys Experts as Fellow Advocates Preparing a Case […]