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November 6, 2018

Preparing for Parent Teacher Conferences

It’s that time of year!  Depending on the age of your child, you could be sitting with your child’s teacher in very small chairs and wondering what it is you are supposed to ask in the very short amount of time you have.  Here are some general, guiding questions to […]
March 27, 2018

New Guidance from Maryland State Department of Education

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) issued a new Technical Assistance Bulletin outlining expectations and processes for improving outcomes for students with disabilities. This bulletin provides explanations of what specially designed instruction is and is not, development of IEP goals and objectives in connection with the general education curriculum, and expectations […]
January 13, 2018

Parent Consent Part 2: Alternative Assessments and Alternative Education Programs

The Maryland Parent Consent Bill passed in April of 2017 provides parents the right to consent or refuse consent for their child to be assessed using an alternative assessment and to being placed in an alternative education program. Alternative Assessments: The Maryland alternative assessment, previously called ALT-MSA, is now referred […]
December 7, 2017

Just Released: USDE Q&A on U. S. Supreme Court Case Decision Endrew F.

The U.S. Department of Education provided guidance on Endrew F. and the impact of the Court’s decision on the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Check it out using the link below.  There are 16 references to “challenging” including challenging objectives, challenging level of progress, and challenging academic content and achievement standards. […]
November 12, 2017

Parental Consent in the IEP Process. Part 1: The Basics

What The Law Says: Parents in Maryland now have the right to consent or refuse to consent if the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team proposes to: 1) enroll their child in an alternative education program that does not issue or provide credits towards a Maryland High School Diploma; 2) identify […]
November 6, 2018

Preparing for Parent Teacher Conferences

It’s that time of year!  Depending on the age of your child, you could be sitting with your child’s teacher in very small chairs and wondering what it is you are supposed to ask in the very short amount of time you have.  Here are some general, guiding questions to […]
January 13, 2018

Parent Consent Part 2: Alternative Assessments and Alternative Education Programs

The Maryland Parent Consent Bill passed in April of 2017 provides parents the right to consent or refuse consent for their child to be assessed using an alternative assessment and to being placed in an alternative education program. Alternative Assessments: The Maryland alternative assessment, previously called ALT-MSA, is now referred […]
July 3, 2017

Updates to IDEA Regulations

On June 30, 2017, technical amendments were made to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in order to align to the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.  These amendments include updating terms such as limited English proficient, regular high school diploma, scientifically based research, and defining charter schools.  The […]
March 24, 2017

Analysis of the Supreme Court Decision in Endrew F.

Endrew F. Case Analysis and Comments by Mark Gross The Supreme Court divides children into two groups – those who have the cognitive ability to achieve at grade level and those who simply cannot.  This may be a bit simplistic, as a lawyer told me yesterday, and that is true.  But […]
December 16, 2016

IDEA Amendments Address Discipline Disparities

USDE Addresses Disparities in Discipline of Students with Disabilities Based on Race or Ethnicity On December 13, 2016, the United States Department of Education (USDE), Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services amended regulations to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The amendments are aimed at promoting equity in […]
September 29, 2016

When Do I Need a Special Education Attorney?

If you are asking yourself this question, you probably have concerns with your child’s education or have questions as to the process.  Both are indicators it’s time to set up a consultation with an attorney in order to have your child’s educational program analyzed and receive the information you need […]
August 5, 2016

Are Your Child’s Suspensions Denying Them a Free Appropriate Public Education?

The United States Department of Education (USDE) released guidance this week through a Dear Colleague Letter indicating that short term suspensions or disciplinary removals may result in a denial of free appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.  The guidance serves as a reminder to school staff to consider the child’s […]
July 11, 2016
504 Accommodation Plans vs. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

504 Accommodation Plans vs. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

In the public education system, there are many ways to help a child succeed. If a student has a special need or is not succeeding in school, there are options available to parents which vary by states and school systems. If a child has a disability or you suspect the […]
June 16, 2016

ESY v. Summer School

Extended School Year Service vs. Summer School There are different options for summer programs offered by public schools. One of which is Extended School Year services (ESY), a special education program that is put in place by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Summer school is an option for […]
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