by Vaughn Lauer An interesting title, isn’t it? But the truths are these: Data (aka behavioral and measurable information, including test scores) are necessary for making good educational decisions. and Test scores do not define our child; they simply help to understand our child’s strengths and needs, so that we can make informed decisions. I think we can all agree on the first statement, that is: Information (data) in behavioral and measurable terms is essential to […]
MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION DISPUTE RESOLUTION BY WILLIAM BLACKWELL, ED.D. Planning special education services is a collaborative process involving parents, children, and school personnel. While the majority of individualized education programs (IEPs) are developed collaboratively, there are situations in which disagreements arise that are not easily resolved. Parents are sometimes left asking themselves, “Where do we go from here?” following an unsuccessful attempt at resolving differences with school personnel. Our federal special education […]
STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES BY DIANE WISCARSON, WISCARSON LAW As a parent of a child with special needs, you may be particularly anxious about sending your child to elementary school. After all, you want to make sure that your incoming kindergartner gets the full benefit of a public school education, and has a positive experience in the process. Prior to your differently-abled child reaching kindergarten age, they will have likely been getting services through […]
Families should carefully weigh the pros and cons of charter schools and vouchers, and speak with their Parent Training and Information Center about their state laws, regulations, and policies regarding special education and charters or vouchers, before making a decision. BY MARIA DOCHERTY AND LAUREN AGORATUS, M.A. With the increased focus in the United States on charter schools and the use of vouchers to support student attendance at private schools, more and more parents of […]
by Jessica Ebersole Back to school can be an exciting time for many students as they look forward to seeing their friends and learning many new things. For children with disabilities, back to school can be a stressful time. Some students with disabilities have an Individualized Education plan (IEP) which helps them get the accommodations that they need to succeed in school. I have been out of school for 2 years now but I wanted to […]
