Special Eduaction | Woodsmall Law Group Articles
New CA High School Graduation Law for Students with Special Needs
According to California Education Code Section 51225.3, if your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) requires them to take the California Alternate Assessments (CAAs) in grade eleven, then they will be eligible to participate in all graduation ceremonies provided that they complete the aligned coursework required by state law and their…
Equal Access to Education for Children with Diabetes
Diabetes is recognized as a disability under federal law in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Students with diabetes must have access to the resources they need at school for safe and consistent diabetes management.…
School Districts Are Obligated to Provide Special Education Services to Children Ages 3 to 5
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is federal legislation that regulates how special education services are provided to students. Under IDEA, states are required to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for every student with a disability through the age of 21.
Accessing Your Child’s Records Under FERPA
What Is FERPA? The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA applies to all public schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.
Transition Planning and Student Services for Secondary Students with Disabilities
Special education students face serious challenges when deciding what they want to do after completing their secondary education. Their options include vocational opportunities and higher education.
Researcher Challenges Assumptions About Emerging Verbal Students with Autism
According to Dr. Vikram Jaswal, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, emerging verbal students with autism face significant barriers because educators frequently underestimate their intelligence and ability to communicate.
Parents Have the Right to Challenge Special Ed Placement
All public schools in California are required by federal and state law to provide specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. Every child has the right to receive Fair and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) at no cost to the family. Parents must be consulted by…
Protecting Special Education Students from Bullying
Bullying in schools continues to be a problem. The unwelcome aggressive actions associated with bullying are known to affect the emotional health of the victim. Children attending special education classes may be the target of this behavior, leaving deep emotional scars.