Special Eduaction | Woodsmall Law Group, PC. Articles
Sixth Circuit Court Rules in Favor of Dyslexic Student’s Right to Effective Reading Instruction
Understanding Education and Dyslexia By Rebecca O’Malley, Esq. Dyslexia impacts between 5-10% of the U.S. population. School districts are thus required to provide an appropriate education to students with this relatively common learning disorder. However, the particular type of instruction required to help many dyslexic students learn how to read…
Alternative Diploma Pathway for Students With Disabilities in California
The California Education Code (EC) Section 51225.31 offers an alternative diploma pathway for students with disabilities who face unique challenges in meeting the standard graduation requirements. This pathway provides flexibility for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to achieve a high school diploma through modified coursework or alternative assessments tailored…
Supreme Court’s Chevron Ruling May Affect Special Education
For over 40 years, the Chevron ruling granted federal agencies considerable leeway in interpreting ambiguous statutes, which often benefited the implementation of special education policies. However, the future of special education is entering a transformative era in light of the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron precedent. This…
Advancing Equity and Access to California’s Self-Determination Program: Senate Bill 1281
California’s Self-Determination Program (SDP) represents a transformative approach to empowering individuals with developmental disabilities, providing them with more control over their services, supports, and, ultimately, their lives. However, despite its promise, equitable access to the SDP has remained an issue, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities. To address these concerns…
Early Intervention Strategies for At-Risk Children
Early intervention strategies play a critical role in supporting parents of at-risk children in California, offering them the tools and knowledge to address early developmental delays and challenges. Identifying and understanding these early signs can significantly impact a child’s ability to thrive. California’s Early Start (ES) program and other local…
Ensuring Positive Discipline in Schools: Understanding the Impacts of Denying Recess and Physical Punishments for Students. Help Is on the Way – California’s SB291
Parents and teachers often face the challenging task of managing children’s behavior in school. While the primary goal is to create a conducive learning environment, the methods used to achieve this can significantly impact a child’s development. For children with IEPs or 504 plans, the question can be significantly more…
Inequitable School Discipline for Children with Disabilities
Students with IEPs are safeguarded by a robust legal framework, primarily through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal law ensures that children with disabilities have the right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), which includes special education and related services designed to meet their unique…
Adaptive Physical Education for Children with Disabilities
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) requires schools to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all students. Students with disabilities must receive educational services designed to meet their individual needs, and these services must be provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
LAUSD Sanctioned for Special Education Failures During COVID
LAUSD is the second-largest school district in the United States. The district is run by a large and unwieldy bureaucracy that has long been hampered by poor management and inefficient distribution of funds.
Tips for Hiring a Special Education Attorney
If you are looking for a special education attorney, you are probably experiencing a serious problem related to the services your child with special needs is receiving. It’s important to find an attorney who fully understands the legal and practical implications of federal legislation, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education…