The Wrightslaw Way

My daughter has pulmonary hypertension. Her cardiologist’s orders say no physical activity – “must be excused from PE.” The principal informed me that she would HAVE to participate in PE. When I disagreed, the principal accused me of being argumentative. What should I do? First, you need to document what happened in the meeting by […]

Although I read your newsletter, I am at a loss about how to get my child the services he needs. He is is 9 years old and is diagnosed with ADHD, Tourette Syndrome and Bipolar Depression. I am fighting a losing battle with the special educators about providing my son with the services he needs […]

I attended the first IEP meeting for my child.  I don’t agree with the school’s proposed IEP.  What should I do? Before the school can place your child in a special education program for the first time, you must give your informed consent. Check the statute and regulations about consent: 20 U.S.C. 1414(a)(1)(D); 34 C.F.R. […]

2011 Summer School Short Course Assignment #1: QUIZ Directions: Type the number of the question and your answer (TRUE or FALSE) in the message box below. How much do you know about writing effective letters? Are the statements below true or false? 1. When you write a letter to someone at school, you want them […]

In our training programs, we tell parents, “Unless you are prepared to remove your child from public school forever, you need to view your relationship with the school as a marriage without the possibility of divorce.” As a parent, it’s important to understand that you will be negotiating for special education services with the school […]

I am a teacher and always spend time on your website. I have a problem with a parent who is always saying untrue and defamatory statements about my teaching effort. The parent claimed in a public forum that I was incompetent and not helping her child with anything. For the sake of the child (and […]

I’m hopping mad!  I have 6-year-old twins, one is autistic & verbal, the other bi-polar.  The bus driver uses regular seat belts for them unless (on rare occasions) they act out – with my permission to use the safety harness vests at her discretion. Now, the bus driver has been chastised by her supervisor and […]