November
16
2020
Are you moving in New Jersey with an IEP? Moving gives rise to a lot of questions and uncertainty. What happens when you transfer from one New Jersey school to another, or from out-of-state? What are your rights? What if your child is in an out-of-district placement, do you have “stay put” rights? Is the … Continue reading MOVING IN NEW JERSEY WITH AN IEP →
September
22
2019
Parents often ask about amending an IEP without a meeting, and whether it is legal for the school to change their child’s Individualized Education Program without a meeting of the IEP Team. Under both the Federal and New Jersey regulations, the short answer is yes. While an IEP must be developed by the IEP Team, … Continue reading AMENDING AN IEP WITHOUT A MEETING →
April
18
2019
The question of whether and under what circumstances parents may use an audio recording device at an IEP meeting comes up a lot. I often see well meaning parents in special needs Facebook groups posting misinformation about the law on recording IEP meetings in New Jersey. This is understandable considering I’ve seen board attorneys tell … Continue reading Recording IEP Meetings in New Jersey →
August
19
2018
What are “Stay Put” Rights in Special Education? “Stay Put” rights in Special Education are something every parent whose child is receiving special education services should know about. If you disagree with changes the school wants to make to your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), you can stop the changes from going into effect by … Continue reading “Stay Put” Rights in Special Education →
February
28
2018
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires that a full continuum of placements be available to meet the needs of students eligible for special education and related services. The continuum of placements includes private schools for students with disabilities. Below is a list private schools for students with disabilities that are approved by the … Continue reading Private Schools for Students with Disabilities →
February
17
2018
School shootings have become part of our culture. There is much debate over how to prevent such horrific events from occurring, and most center around politics and gun control laws. While my personal view is that no civilian citizen needs an assault rifle, or any other weapon of mass destruction for that matter, the focus … Continue reading The Root Cause of School Shootings →
September
10
2017
The ABCs of IEPs – special education acronyms, initialisms, & abbreviations Acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations . . . it can all be a bit confusing. In the world of special education there are a lot of acronyms, initialisms, and abbreviations that are important to know, if for no other reason than to keep up with … Continue reading Special Education Acronyms, Initialisms & Abbreviations →
December
02
2016
Special education is governed by both federal and state Law. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that promises qualified children with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Accurate and appropriate evaluations are a driving force behind the IDEA. Children receive public evaluations and reevaluations to determine eligibility and their … Continue reading Independent Educational Evaluation →
September
02
2016
School Districts bear the Burden of Proof & Production in Special Education Disputes in New Jersey. Special education is governed by both federal and state law. In Schaffer v. Weast, 546 U.S. 49 (2005) the US Supreme Court held that, because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) did not mention the burden of proof, … Continue reading The Burden of Proof & Production in NJ →
Special Education Attorney & Advocate
