The Wrightslaw Way

My son is in 9th grade and is ADHD.  He has very poor executive functions causing problems in math and writing. He has been evaluated twice with the school deciding that he has normal IQ. I know of many other cases where poor executive function has not been recognized as a reason to give IEPs, […]

My daughter is in the 6th grade. She has sensory processing disorders, executive functioning problems, and severe anxiety. She had an IEP for emotional problems. When she takes medication, her anxiety is manageable. Because her medication is working, the  school says she is no longer eligible for special education services. Does effective medication disqualify a […]

Sue Goudreau, a fourth grade teacher, is suing her principal and other school officials after the principal ordered teachers to alter grades so no child received a failing grade. Ms. Goudreau claims that principal Sholanda Shamlin “adamantly directed … teachers to assign a D to students who were not going to pass 4th grade and […]

Does having an IEP guarantee my son will not fail? The answer to this particular question is No. An IEP does not guarantee that a child will not fail.

My child has struggled in school for years. He hasn’t failed because we provide private tutoring and work with him at home. We asked the school for special ed services. They say he is not eligible because he does not have failing grades. Is this correct? Nope. The law says just the opposite . . […]