The Wrightslaw Way

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

On Thursday, September 18, Pete and Pam presented a special education law and advocacy training program in Chapel Hill, NC. After checking in, we picked up an email from an old friend who advised that  Disability Rights of North Carolina (DRNC) had just filed a lawsuit in federal court against the Wake County Board of […]

A few days ago, a parent asked how she could prove that her child was receiving instruction from the aide, not the teacher. Another parent suggested that she put a video camera or recording device in her child’s backpack so the child could gather evidence to support the parent’s claim. What??? We NEVER recommend that […]