The Wrightslaw Way

Can the IEP team refuse to place a child in special education due to excessive absences, even though an evaluation points to the need for placement? No, the opposite is true. “Excessive” absences should trigger the team’s Child Find legal responsibilities. The school district should be concerned about the reasons for the student’s absences and […]

I need information about compulsory school attendance laws and students with special education needs. I have a student with a sleep disorder and emotional issues. How do the compulsory attendance laws and the student’s needs intertwine? Good question. All states have compulsory attendance laws. I am not aware of exceptions for children with disabilities, but […]

(Moved from Community Helpline) My child has an IEP. She has chronic health problems documented by three medical specialists and she has a Health Plan. Chronic health problems and medical appointments forced her to miss many school days this year. She made up all her work and has no incomplete assignments. Her grades are A’s […]