The Wrightslaw Way

I am a private psychologist. I completed an IEE, then turned in the report to the district and parents.  We held an IEP meeting to review the results. Can the district request that I release my raw test data, test protocols, and test materials to the school without parent consent? The parents have made it […]

Analysis of State Bullying Laws and Policies (2011) from the Office of Safe and Healthy Students (formerly OSDFS) This report reviews states’ bullying laws and model bullying policies and school districts’ bullying policies. As of April 2011, 46 states had bullying laws, 45 of which directed school districts to adopt bullying policies. Forty-one states had […]

I am the Assistant Coordinator of an Adult Learner Services program that assists adults who left high school before graduation. These students are now seeking a GED and often discuss the difficulty they had in school and their previous IEPs. The program’s new Special Education Director stated that I should not ask about the IEP. […]

We are about to go into mediation and have concerns and questions about the process. Q: Can parents tape record the meeting? If the district will have an attorney present at mediation, can one be appointed for the parent, at no charge? Mediation is a problem solving process that is confidential. Success depends on both […]

Can special ed students have their math/artwork displayed in the trophy case of a school? I posted the state standards that went with a math assignment, my name (as instructor), and displayed samples of work from 11 of my students.  Another sped teacher told me to take the work down, I was violating “confidentiality”.  If […]

I am a regular ed teacher. It’s been weeks since I started teaching at a new school, and I have no idea who is on an IEP or 504. I don’t even know who the special ed teacher is. I asked for a list of all the students who have IEPs and 504s. I was […]

A special education teacher asked a question about a student’s right to confidentiality after being disciplined by the school. It is a good example of how changing the facts in a particular situation can give you a clearer perspective on the issue. “…a child with disabilities was a victim of bullies. How much is too […]

Do I have a right to observe the class before agreeing (or not agreeing) to a placement for my child? The special ed director said I cannot observe the class because of confidentiality issues with the other children. Some schools take the position that parents and/or their representatives cannot observe a child in the classroom […]