Special Education - Special Education - Parenting/Family

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About Tim Runner
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Questions concerning special education: IEP, assessments, Due Process, mediation, resolution conference, federal law, state law, qualifying for services, residential treatment, special day classes, resource specialists, procedures, having your child assessed, adaptive PE, speech & language, non-public school, FAPE, and tuition reimbursement.

Experience
I have been an education advocate representing students and parents for six years. My experience includes: representing my clients in IEPs, SSTs, Due Process, review assessment results for my clients, and mediations. I have represented clients with learning disabilities, autism, Downs Syndrome, cognitively challenged, emotional problems, learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD, and physical disabilities. I have also represented clients to County Mental Health Departments and Regional Centers. My clients range from pre-school to college students in many states.

Education/Credentials
I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of California with minors in Psychology and Physics. I also studied applied statistics in psychology at the graduate level. I have taught college classes, conducted seminars, written articles for various publications, and testified as an expert witness.

You are here: Experts > Parenting/Family > Special Education > Special Education

Questions Answered By Expert Tim Runner
In Category Special Education

Subject	Date Asked

Manifestation Determination and expulsion; emotionally disturbed student	11/18/2009
Q: My child is 16 yrs old and has IEP for emotional disturbance. In a special day class. Has hx of ... A: Based on what you stated in your question, you definitely need an experienced advocate. I work with ...
IEP manifestation	11/15/2009
Q: My son is 7 in the first grade and has had an IEP since he was 4 in pre-k. Originally there was a ... A: When a child has an IEP, he or she can only be suspended 10 days in any one school year before there ...
a parent's right to review data	11/12/2009
Q: I have two boys on the autism spectrum. Both attend public school in Texas. I have had a hard time ... A: The law says that when requested in writting, the school is to provide you with assessment results ...
speech services, etc	11/1/2009
Q: We had IEP for hearing impaired daughter in May last year. District could not offer more than twice ... A: You should attend the new IEP because the district has the right to call one. At this IEP, explain ...
SPED referrals	10/19/2009
Q: what is the time line for holding a ppt 1 when a parent makes a request for special education ... A: There is no timeline for holding a PPT-1 (also called an SST Meeting in some areas). The law says ...
Grading problem	10/17/2009
Q: My daughter is 14 and in the 8th grade. She was diagnosed with aspergers two years ago. I just found ... A: They should not be using these criteria for academic grades. They can use them for citizenship ...
IEP for PSAT	10/14/2009
Q: Good Morning, My daughter has an IEP for Dyslexia and goes to a public school... Her IEP state 2.5 ... A: It is up to the company that publishes the PSAT to set the rules. I suggest you contact them and ...
IEP	10/13/2009
Q: My son, who is 2 1/2 years old was recently diagnosed as autistic by the psychologist from Early ... A: I am very pleased that your son has been diagnosed early and is receiving the services he needs. ...
1:1 Aide in Non Public School	10/12/2009
Q: My 6 year old son has bipolar/ADHD we live in ny nassau county are we allowed to request an aide for ... A: Unfortunately, I can't give you a good answer to your questions because I don't have enough ...
Manifestation meeting and IEP meetings	10/5/2009
Q: A special education student on an IEP is having a Manifestation Meeing. The student is tuition-in ... A: Both LEA's should attend IEP's and Manifestation meetings since both are involved in the student's ...
IEP/PT/Homeschool	10/4/2009
Q: Ok, well Pat(My son) will graduate 8th grade this year. He has an IEP based on his physical ... A: Under the law, school districts are required to provide special education services to qualifying ...
Sp.Ed. Services for Privately-Educated Students	9/30/2009
Q: My son needs speech therapy for Apraxia of Speech, OT and PT. He is now 4 and will not attend ... A: You should have your son assessed by a speech pathologist. Many medical insurance programs will pay ...
Dismissal from special ed services	9/29/2009
Q: My son has been receiving spec ed serv since elementary school, and now is currently a senior. He is ... A: What you have been told does not conform to federal law. For a student to be dismissed from special ...
my son keeps getting pulled into "special help" classes without our knowledge	9/22/2009
Q: This is really a long question and I apologize. We have been dealing with this ever since we ... A: The law is clear in defining the approach that is supposed to be taken to place a student in special ...
Son on spectrum with GAD and IEP	9/17/2009
Q: My son is 6. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum - high functioning autism when he was 3. He is ... A: Disabilities qualifying for special education include a category of "Emotionally Disturbed (ED)." ...
Son on spectrum with GAD and IEP	9/16/2009
Q: My son is 6. He was diagnosed with autism spectrum - high functioning autism when he was 3. He is ... A: The school is required to assess students in "all areas of suspected disability." This means they ...
nys child iep	9/13/2009
Q: I am hoping that you will be able to answer this question.On a child nys Iep it states realted ... A: Your child's IEP obligates the school district to providing a 1 to 1 paraprofessional 6 hours per ...
10th GradeIEP- referred to a school that does not offer any Sped services	9/12/2009
Q: Runner, My sons story is a long one. I will do my best to give you the short version. We moved to a ... A: You have really been through the education mill. Every time you ask them to assess your son, they ...
Manifest Determination	9/9/2009
Q: it is clear that a Manifest Determination (MD) is required before a sp.ed. student can be suspended ... A: They have to hold a meeting to determine if the student needs a change in placement and/or services ...
Manifest Determination	9/9/2009
Q: it is clear that a Manifest Determination (MD) is required before a sp.ed. student can be suspended ... A: A Manifestation Determination Hearing is required to suspend a special education student a total of ...
Parent request in writing for testing	8/11/2009
Q: Regarding your response to a"Federal Law requires that school districts assess students for special ... A: School districts can refuse to conduct testing for special education even after the parents have ...
Discontinued ABA Services (in home)	6/21/2009
Q: The school district administrator is taking away in-home ABA services they agreed to pay for until ... A: Ed, You did the right thing by not signing for the ABA being discontinued. Now you need to write ...
Violation of IEP	6/16/2009
Q: My son was sent to an alternative placement for special education. His IEP stated that he was ... A: Roseann, The simple answer is yes your son should receive "comp-ed" for the services not provided ...
Curtis Age 8	6/11/2009
Q: My son is 8 and passing to the third grade he was diagnosed with Asperger and ADHD two years ago. He ... A: School psychologists are not allowed to make medical diagnoses. Only clinical psychologists and ...
Addendum page	6/9/2009
Q: Can one use an addendum page to exit a student from special education? Situation: Parent and ... A: You can use an IEP Addendum to exit your son from special education, but I would suggest you hold a ...
Retention and Down Syndrome	6/8/2009
Q: I'll make this as succint as possible. I have a son who will be 7 in August. He is currently in a ... A: Jeanne, Why is it so important to you to have your son designated as a first grader given that he ...
IEP	6/6/2009
Q: My son has an IEP meeting on Tuesday June 9. After reviewing the IEP asssessment (draft) it appears ... A: Jann, School districts usually claim that a student has to be significantly below his grade level ...
Dislexia / Medical Proof	5/31/2009
Q: I am interested in specific clarification with regard to a response you wrote to a previous ... A: Judy, It's good to know that someone is reading my answers. You obviously have a very complicated ...
Resource Room	5/27/2009
Q: My son just had his annual iep meeting last week; after the meeting when looking at the matrix i ... A: Parents are members of the IEP Team and they are to be included in the development of the IEP as ...
Resource Room	5/22/2009
Q: My son just had his annual iep meeting last week; after the meeting when looking at the matrix i ... A: Lissa, Each IEP is supposed to address the unique needs of the student. RSP is not "last resort" ...
Dismissal	5/22/2009
Q: If the parent and both general education teachers refuse to sign a dismissal of services ... A: Danna, I assume from your question that the school wants to exit your som from special education. ...
Asperger's in Catholic school	5/22/2009
Q: Our son has Asperger's. We've been advised by our doctors to develop a 504 plan before he starts ... A: Kim, You can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights because they must "do 504 Plans." Or ...
CSE meeting	5/21/2009
Q: I am hoping that you can give me some direction on what to do, my son is 8 yrs old and will be going ... A: Lisa, You should tell them just what you wrote in your question to me. Your son should be assessed ...
ca school dx child as autism	5/21/2009
Q: I have a great concern with my six year old in kinder. His teacher, school psychologist and the ... A: Erica, I don't know who the "expert" was in the main testing site, but they are wrong! I have ...
Termination of an IEP Program	5/20/2009
Q: I have a 11 year old and he is been on the IEP Program since he was 4 they told me he had a speach ... A: Norma, Most parents retain my services to get their children in special education, not out of it. ...
ADHD rights in a private christian academy	5/19/2009
Q: My 7 year old was dignosed with ADHD the summer before kindergarden. She has has some challenges, ... A: Private religious schools can decide which students they will allow to attend. There is really ...
IQ too low for special ed	5/14/2009
Q: I am looking for anyone who can explain to me how a student's IQ can be too low for special ... A: Kris Ann, There is no such thing as an IQ being too low to qualify for special education. If the ...
collage	5/8/2009
Q: I was in special Education classes all through high school and remember them saying about ... A: I suggest that you do an Internet search and talk with advisors at each college you are considering. ...
SpEd evaluation	5/6/2009
Q: My friend has a due process hearing in May, his child is ADD(inattention)and suffers from ... A: Yes, I make my living as an education advocate, therefore I have to charge for my services. My fees ...
Speech, Behavior, Education for my son	5/5/2009
Q: My son is 8 yrs. old and has a diagnosis of Autism and has a current IEP. For the past several ... A: Contact your state's insurance commissioner's office for help. You did not tell me what state you ...
Speech, Behavior, Education for my son	5/4/2009
Q: My son is 8 yrs. old and has a diagnosis of Autism and has a current IEP. For the past several ... A: Brenda, Most school districts will assess students for additional services, such as the ones you ...
SpEd evaluation	5/4/2009
Q: My friend has a due process hearing in May, his child is ADD(inattention)and suffers from ... A: Kriss, From what you say in your question, the school did not conduct the legally required ...
All Inclusive Classrooms	4/30/2009
Q: My son is currently attending a special education center in Texas. He was placed in the ... A: Valerie, The federal law calls for students to be placed in "the least restrictive environment." ...
daughter gifted and PTSD	4/28/2009
Q: SHe has a 504 that was not followed and I am looking into how we may qualify her for an IEP. Can ... A: If the school has not implemented the 504 Plan, then you can file a complaint with the Office of ...
Special Education	4/25/2009
Q: My son is in an inclusion classroom with a regular teacher and special education teacher. Its a ... A: Parents can get a "reputation." This is why some hire an advocate so we can take the heat. I always ...
Special Education	4/24/2009
Q: My son is in an inclusion classroom with a regular teacher and special education teacher. Its a ... A: In writing, you need to call for an IEP Team Meeting and express your concerns. Make sure they put ...
which tests for evaluation for IEP for child with aspergers?	4/24/2009
Q: Can I request a specific test or type of test? I know what is usually done, but I want to be sure ... A: I changed your question to a "public" question from a "private" one. I don't answer "private" ...
Preschool Placement	4/24/2009
Q: I have a preschool daughter with developmental delays, and we live in Shanghai where she attends ... A: All of your answers are correct. Federal law states that if the IEP team finds the student eligible ...
Question on IEP and placement	4/22/2009
Q: I have a 14 yo stepdaughter that has been diagnosed with Bi-polar, NPD, BPD and hoarding. Further to ... A: I am located in Southern California, but I practice in Northern California as well as many other ...
Question on IEP and placement	4/22/2009
Q: I have a 14 yo stepdaughter that has been diagnosed with Bi-polar, NPD, BPD and hoarding. Further to ... A: Janet, I don't know what state you are located in. This can make some difference in your approach. ...
Ca law for IEP services	4/18/2009
Q: my almost 5 year old son has an IEP currently providing him with speech and OT. He is bright, but ... A: Sharon, Most school districts have a policy allowing parents to choose when their child will begin ...
504	4/17/2009
Q: I have a son with convergence insufficiency which makes it difficult to aligin his eyes. He has a ... A: You can ask for a special education assessment in writing listing your son's areas of suspected ...
504 plan	4/17/2009
Q: I am trying to get my 14 year old daughter on a 504 plan because of attention issues. Under section ... A: Some schools require testing before placing a child on a 504 Plan. I encourage you to have your ...
504	4/16/2009
Q: I have a son with convergence insufficiency which makes it difficult to aligin his eyes. He has a ... A: All of the modifications and accommodations you have listed can be included in a 504 Plan. I ...
Question	4/2/2009
Q: Good Morning, I have a neighbor who has a child that has down syndrome and attends the local public ... A: Barbara, Your neighbor is probably going to have to file for Due Process in order to be able to get ...
Math--Spcial Education IEP	3/31/2009
Q: I have a question concerning the resources available for my 14 year old daughter who is in a 7th ... A: Margie, It certainly sounds like your child is not being served well in her special education math ...
Instant Speed Learning Methods	3/30/2009
Q: My name is Julian and I have a learning disability. I suffer from auditory dyslexia but despite ... A: Julian, You are great! Overcoming your disability and going beyond what the horrible nay-sayers ...
Removal of a Service from IEP	3/26/2009
Q: I am wondering about the legality of removing a current service from the IEP if the parent wishes to ... A: Lauri, School districts can not unilaterally change the placement and/or services in an IEP unless ...
questions IEP	3/25/2009
Q: My daughters IEP is written for a 35-40 hours of ABA therapy under a contract with Wisconsin early ... A: Jackie, The IEP is a legally binding agreement between the school district and the parents/student. ...
Services and State Approved programs	3/22/2009
Q: Would a school district have to provide an assistance communicative device to a student If he or she ... A: LaQuane, The school district is required to provide special education services to students ...
504 plan	3/19/2009
Q: my granddaughter qualifies for a 504 plan at public school. she is now home schooled as grades were ... A: Joni, If your daughter was receiving any services, such as speech, under her 504 Plan, then the ...
going to school out of district	3/16/2009
Q: I live in Michigan. Am not happy with the education that my cognitively impaired daughter is ... A: Cindy, Both your school district and the other school district must agree with the change in ...
Selective Mutism	3/15/2009
Q: I have a son with selective mutism who will be 5 in May and is starting Kinder next year. He is ... A: Becky, Under the special education law, school districts must implement "Child Find" programs for ...
IDEA clarrification of my rights as a parent	3/15/2009
Q: My son has had an IEP since he was 2.5 years old. He has recently made the transition to ... A: Heather, They can't just remove your child from special education. You have to sign the IEP ...
re-evaluation	3/13/2009
Q: My 7yr old son is in 1st grade and is on a iep. He qualified for services in ... A: Lissa, I you did not sign an IEP stating the reduction in your son's services, then they can not ...
Resource Specialist Services	3/13/2009
Q: I live in California. My administrator is directing us to limit the students we recommend for RSP ... A: Cyndi, Your administrator is wrong! There are no specific special education qualifying conditions ...
Selective Mutism	3/12/2009
Q: I have a son with selective mutism who will be 5 in May and is starting Kinder next year. He is ... A: Becky, Selective mutism is considered a speech and language disorder and qualifies for special ...
Private Special Ed School Funding	3/12/2009
Q: My son is 8 and has a diagnosis of Autism (high functioning) and pretty severe ADHD. He is in 2nd ... A: Brenda, The school district should be providing speech therapy, behaviorist and any other services ...
Dismissal from Special Education	3/11/2009
Q: May a student(Texas High School Senior), currently in SPED and extremely close to graduation, be ... A: Larry, Any changes in ARD (IEP) must be signed by you indicating you have accepted all the changes. ...
LRE	3/5/2009
Q: Is it legal or appropriate for a school system to change a student from a separate private day ... A: Mark, Student placement must be decided by the full IEP Team, not by a district person acting on ...
Repatriating to US with Special Needs Child	2/26/2009
Q: We have lived overseas for a number of years, and are returning to the US this fall, as we have a ... A: Daisy, You will need to contact the school district in the area in which you settle. They should ...
reading specialist and special education	2/25/2009
Q: My K4 and K5 boys have heredity issues and been tested as likely to have dyslexia and ADHD. They ... A: Joanna, The special education law does not specifically address reading specialists. What it says ...
How do I get an class aide for my son?	2/24/2009
Q: I have a 6yr old son who is high functioning autistic. We have held him back in kindergarten the ... A: Misty, The principal is really saying he won't provide a 1 to 1 aide. The education law says that ...
My son's IEP	2/21/2009
Q: I have a 6yr old son who is high functioning autistic. We have held him back in kindergarten the ... A: Misty, Holding a child in Kindergarten for a third year is not a solution. Unfortunately, I can't ...
Dismissal of related/instructional services	2/18/2009
Q: If a child is showing no improvement, goals have been adjusted and lowered ,progress is just not ... A: Anthony, The short answer is "no!" The law calls for children qualifying for special education are ...
therapuetic listening	2/16/2009
Q: my 4 year old son is in a 4-k program, and has a speech delay. He is getting help with his speech ... A: Julie, I am familiar with listening programs that play classical music in the background through ...
California law as regards provision of accommodations specified in student IEPs	2/11/2009
Q: I am currently a Special Education teacher in San Jose, CA. It has recently come to my attention ... A: Students are supposed to receive the services and accommodations included in their IEP. The parents ...
IEP for future Home Schooled child	2/4/2009
Q: My son needs speech therapy for Apraxia of Speech. He is now 4 and will not attend public school, ... A: Frank, School districts are required to provide qualifying home schooled students special education ...
Manifestation Determination (sp)	2/3/2009
Q: My 17 year old son is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and has an IQ of 88. We have recently ... A: I am going to have to make this the final follow-up I can answer from you. My goal is to help as ...
The IEP team refuse to allow my son in the regular class for Reading, Language Arts and Math	2/3/2009
Q: The IEP team refuse to allow my son in the regular class for Reading, Language Arts and Math. For ... A: Ava, The law says that special education students should be placed in the least restrictive ...
Manifestation Determination (sp)	1/28/2009
Q: My 17 year old son is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and has an IQ of 88. We have recently ... A: Jayne, Once a student graduates the school district does not have to provide any services to him. ...
IEP timelines for transfer students	1/27/2009
Q: I need to know where in IDEA to find the information on how long a school district can implement the ... A: Elizabeth, On my web site there is a link to the U.S. Department of Education that has a search ...
Special education resource	1/22/2009
Q: I was told that when our resource teacher in my daughters school will be out on personal days, their ... A: I have changed your question to a "public" question so that I can answer it. I do not see where your ...
Expulsion Senior Student	1/18/2009
Q: I would like to set up a consultation. I have a 17 1/2 year old son a senior in high school. He is ... A: Because it sounds like the expulsion hearing is related to the retaliation, you need to get your ...
Selective Mutism	1/18/2009
Q: His teachers have recommended I have his assessed for selective mutism. I requested an assessment ... A: Becky, Any "medical condition" that impacts the ability of a child to access an education, must be ...
Stay-provision after the school has expelled a student	1/16/2009
Q: A student with an IEP (emotional disorder) was charged with violations at school (not serious bodily ... A: Anna, Once you file for Due Process over this matter, you can file a motion for stay put. You need ...
Parents Rights and Placement	1/14/2009
Q: My son is a 5 year old boy who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder since the age of three. He ... A: Mer, The decision to change your son's placement must be made by the IEP Team that you are a part ...
IEP and IEE	1/13/2009
Q: Our son has had a LD,since the age of 3, beginning with Speech Therapy. He is currently in the 5th ... A: Tony, It is too bad that your son may have been misdiagnosed for all these years. It sounds like his ...
NPS teacher involvement in IEP	1/12/2009
Q: Our 7-year-old is diagnosed on the autistic spectrum. He has always been in private/non-public ... A: Anna, You are correct, the current teacher should be at the IEP to report on his levels of ...
Mistake in eval-504 failing	1/2/2009
Q: My son Dx ADHD from school system since 2nd grade and had eval. via school system 2nd grade. They ... A: Linda, You can file a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights -- they have a form to complete and ...
school failed to ID need for IEP	12/28/2008
Q: Tim, What are my rights against a public school district that failed to identify and therefore offer ... A: Lina, It sounds like the school has not served your son as required under the law. You have the ...
Dyslexia accommodations	12/14/2008
Q: I have a 14 year old son who will be starting high school next year. We live in Micigan and he is ... A: Cherie, If one of the accommodations in his 504 Plan involves having an aide for tests, then the ...
Hospital& Home School	12/12/2008
Q: SPED student in a SDC class was recommended by two physicians NOT to attend school because of ... A: Stephen, The nurse was wrong! The law requires that the school district provide home/hospital ...
re: determining eligibility for one to one aide	12/9/2008
Q: I have a three year old with a global developmental delay about to start preschool. We went to her ... A: Tina, Unfortunately there is not criteria established in the law for when a student should have a ...
transportation	12/3/2008
Q: My son is autistic, 17 years old and attends a BOCES program in NY state. We have been very flexible ... A: Jennifer, Transportation is a difficult area because the law only says the school district has to ...
Manifestation Determination (sp)	12/3/2008
Q: My 17 year old son is diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and has an IQ of 88. We have recently ... A: Jayne, It sounds like your son is not being served well by his new school. His case manager does ...
IEP	11/23/2008
Q: I have tried to get my son an IEP since middleschool, never qualified, we only have a 504..which is ... A: Liz, Just as every child is different, every IEP is different. Each IEP is supposed to present the ...
Special Ed Preschool Student-Teacher ratios (California)	11/21/2008
Q: What is the legal student to teacher ratio and/or class size limit for a special education preschool ... A: Jennifer, I did a quick look at the California Education Code and could not find any size ...
my daughters 504, and her rights	11/21/2008
Q: I just had a update meeting after my daughters neuropsychologist re-evaluation.He discovered she has ... A: Reena, Your daughter should be assessed for special education under an IEP (Independent Educational ...
Nevada Private School and IEP	11/20/2008
Q: My child is in the grade and diagnosed this year with Dysgraphia and was diagnosed three years ago ... A: Michelle, Private schools can expel a child at any time for almost any reason unless it involves ...
Transportation Laws	11/15/2008
Q: I have a twelve year old younger sister and she is having difficulties with another young man on the ... A: Douglas, If I understand your question, your sister is a special education student with an IEP. ...
iep	11/14/2008
Q: E.P. for a child if they miss school due to a family vacation, or is I.E.P. strictly for special ... A: Robin, IEPs are only for special needs children, not kids going on vacations. You can discuss your ...
IEP for autistic child	11/12/2008
Q: Can my son have an special educator to go home at no charge if he has an IEP from his local public ... A: Maria, It depends on which state you live in. Here in California we have Regional Centers that ...
My son's school will not provide testing for possible LD	11/5/2008
Q: The teacher at my son's school suggested that I take him to the pediatrician as he has had a hard ... A: Jill, Federal Law requires that school districts assess students for special education if the ...
SPECIAL EDUCATION	10/31/2008
Q: RUNNER; MY NAME IS JESSICA MARTINEZ. I LIVE IN LAS VEGAS NEVADA. I AM 18 YEARS OLD. I DROPPED OUT OF ... A: Jessica, I applaud you for wanting to continue your education. You have two options: Contact your ...
PPT vs manifestation meeting	10/31/2008
Q: I recently requested a PPT meeting to review and revise my child's BIP, a student with an ... A: Charlyne, Just as you can request a PPT meeting at anytime, districts can ask for a manifestation ...
Testing?	10/28/2008
Q: My son is 8 years old and in the second grade. He is a good students but struggles in some areas. ... A: Karen, Based on what you stated in your question, your son should be assessed for special education ...
504	10/16/2008
Q: My son has a 504 plan for his skin condition, eczema. He now changed schools to attend High School. ... A: Marta, You can ask for a 504 Team Meeting where you present your son's doctor's note saying he no ...
504 plan/ bus transportation	10/14/2008
Q: My son has a 504 plan and is approved for an IEP that is being written. He is on the SPED bus ... A: Janice, It sounds like your son had quite a bus ride. It also seems that his actions were most ...
IDEA clarrification of my rights as a parent	10/12/2008
Q: My son has had an IEP since he was 2.5 years old. He has recently made the transition to ... A: Heather, You are correct: the law gives you the right to observe your son in school. You have to ...
IEP home school	10/8/2008
Q: My son is in 4th grade in Arizona and has been involved in the spec ed process since kinder. He has ... A: Kathy, You can withdraw your son from school to home school him at any time. You are required to ...
Mediation agreement	10/7/2008
Q: Upon a mediation agreement I was awarded a one to one aide for lunch supervision for my son. He is ... A: Patricia, The law is pretty clear about the definition of a "1 to 1 aide." They are correct that ...
Where to turn?	10/2/2008
Q: I have an 8 year old daughter in SDC classes. She has learning delays and dyspraxia. My concern is ... A: Kristine, First, you need to have someone review the Neuro Psych Evaluation performed by the ...
consult	9/28/2008
Q: My son has an IEP in NYS. He is in an integrated kindergarten class, recieves P/T twice a week and ... A: Heather, The IEP process, which is not always followed, is to develop goals and objectives first. ...
autism	9/27/2008
Q: I have two childre that have varying degrees of adhd/pdd One chikd excels academically and the other ... A: Alaina, You should submit your request for assessments in writing. You should include all areas of ...
My son does not qualify for services, yet needs them.	9/27/2008
Q: My son who is five years old, was tested last April, and qualified for Occupational and Physical ... A: Kristine, If a school requires a medical diagnosis, they must pay for it. The school is supposed to ...
speech therapy for private school	9/26/2008
Q: isn't there a law that requires the 'home school' public school to provide speech/language therapy ... A: cfreeman, Public schools are required under federal law to seek out and identify children needing ...
timelines	9/25/2008
Q: Can you please clarify timelines for students who move from district to district within the state ... A: Kris, I am not very familiar with PA law, but I know federal law which supercedes any state laws. ...
Instructional Minutes	9/24/2008
Q: There are 360 instructional minutes per day and the child is receiving services through the ... A: Debbie Perkins, The IEP Team decides how each day is structured for each special education student. ...
Legality of an IEP	9/24/2008
Q: I am a Special Education teacher in Kentucky. I am wondering, which part of an IEP is not a legal ... A: Tai, I agree with your principal on this one. The IEP is a legally binding agreement so long as ...
Should I be concerned	9/23/2008
Q: I have a 6 yr old son in the Irish Public school system. He would be in the equivalent of grade 1 I ... A: Sharon, I really don't know about Irish education law. Here in the States, you would ask your ...
Home Instruction - Behavioral Issues - New York	9/20/2008
Q: My son (nine years old) was hospitalized for 10 days following a mental health arrest. He has ... A: Sharon, In most areas, home instruction consists of a teacher coming to your home once or twice a ...
Exiting from Special Education	9/18/2008
Q: I live in CT and am part of a group of parents with children in special ed. Recently several ... A: Susan, The decision to exit a child from special education (even to reduce the level of services) ...
IEP Timmg	9/18/2008
Q: I am considering writing a letter to have my child tested. Once I write the letter, is there a ... A: Barb, You need to write a letter to the school's principal stating that you want your child ...
Getting out of special ed	9/15/2008
Q: I will be as brief as possible. My daughter has been labeled as "special Ed" since middle school. ... A: Netta, First to correct a significant misconception: there is NO identification on diplomas saying ...
my daughter	9/2/2008
Q: My daughter has cerebral palsy,although the naked untrained eye you cannot tell. She has limited ... A: Cortnee Cornell, There are many different categories in which a child can qualify for special ...
Is this how an IEP meeting is supposed to be?	8/31/2008
Q: How is an IEP meeting supposed to be conducted? Is it where the team comes together and just read ... A: Kim, The key word is "team" in IEP Team Meeting, and you are part of this team. Going over a drat ...
my son	8/26/2008
Q: In brief my son is 15yrs old is ADHD has been or had IEP,504. What I can not understand is if they ... A: Mary, It makes no sense to try to make students that have yet to master their basic math facts try ...
Special Ed testing without parent's consent	8/24/2008
Q: My son was tested last week for special ed without my written consent, (we live in Alabma). ... A: Debbie, The school did make a big mistake and you can sue almost anyone for anything. But in some ...
Research-based methods	4/18/2008
Q: My son has high-functioning autism and is falling behind in reading. An expert recommended intensive ... A: Christine, Most case law says that the school district personnel are better equipped to select the ...
Aspergers	4/14/2008
Q: My twelve year old son has aspergers and his school doesn't seem to want to make any special ... A: Unfortunately your son's case is all to common because these kids do OK academically. For many ...
case manager	4/11/2008
Q: Tim,Can you tell me the job discription of a special education case manager?My son who is in the ... A: Ann, The case manager is supposed to oversee the special education services your son is receiving. ...
Special Education Eligibility	4/4/2008
Q: I have several related questions regarding Special Ed eligibility: 1. If discrepancies are present ... A: Kelly, Wide discrepancies indicate potential problem area. I always look at the subtest scores ...
504 plan for private school student	4/3/2008
Q: My son is a junior in a Catholic high school - my choice. He is dyslexic and has had a 504 plan ... A: Private schools, especially religious schools don't have to implement 504 Plans. You can work out ...
seizures and busing	3/31/2008
Q: My 9yr old son has seizures and ride a handicap bus. Iam required by doctors order to carry diastat ... A: Theresa, Your son's doctor should write a letter requiring that at school and on the bus there be ...
IEP team want our son in a more restrictive classroom	3/29/2008
Q: I am a parent of a 9 year old boy with a diagnosis of High functioning autism,sensory integration ... A: Maria, It is almost impossible for me the be able to answer your question about your son's placement ...
Test Interpretation/Anxiety	3/23/2008
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me the significance (if there is any) of a gap between the ... A: Ami, Some of us do better verbally and others learn best by reading. When you have a large ...
Public School services for private school kids	3/18/2008
Q: My children (private school students) have been receiving speech therapy at an Upland, CA public ... A: Melinda, School districts and LEAs are required to provide special education services to students ...
private Christian school and IEP	3/15/2008
Q: I plan to send my son to a private Christian school next year. Our LEA has informed me that they ... A: Molly, I don't know what law your LEA is reading, but it is not the federal law. The law says that ...
special ed substitutes	3/13/2008
Q: My child attends a small school in Texas. The special ed teacher is often absent. I complained and ... A: Some states require special ed credentialed teacher for substitutes and some do not. You can check ...
IEP question	3/9/2008
Q: My son has an IEP and is 3.5 years old in preschool's school readiness program -- he needs a ... A: Meg, You did not mention having a lawyer in your initial question. I encourage you to use the lawyer ...
IEP Evaluation	3/7/2008
Q: I have an almost 4 yr. old son whom is being evaluted for an IEP. We had an independent OT eval. ... A: Kellie, Based on what you stated, your son qualifies for OT services. The social/emotional area does ...
IEP question	3/7/2008
Q: My son has an IEP and is 3.5 years old in preschool's school readiness program -- he needs a ... A: Meg, When a parent requests in writing an evaluation of their child for areas of potential special ...
IEP for selective mutism	2/10/2008
Q: My 11 yr old son has social anxiety disorder (SAD) and selective mutism (SM). He is currently ... A: Lisa, I have found that some school districts don't understand the law regarding exiting a student ...
504 Accommodation	2/3/2008
Q: I work with disabled students at a community college in California. Several students have the ... A: Lisa, I think it is wrong, but the legalities are questionable. My suggestion is to have the 504 ...
special education	2/1/2008
Q: I have a daughter who is in special education and is in fifth grade.This is her first year and she ... A: Anna, It can be very difficult to get disability for a child. My clients often have to file for ...
IEP Public / Private school help CA	1/24/2008
Q: "Hello, This year I moved my 6th grade girl to a private Catholic school (home parish) in CA. Other ... A: Sahar, It sounds to me that your son should continue to receive speech and language services for his ...
Transferring a 504 plan to a new school	1/24/2008
Q: My 13 year old son has an existing 504 plan for ODD. I recently moved to another school district ... A: Robert, You need to contact your new school district's person in charge of 504 Plans and request in ...
504 plan	1/3/2008
Q: I am the mother of a gifted LD daughter who is in the fifth grade. She is doing well academically ... A: Meg, Your daughter could receive benefit from the right resources program -- one designed to help ...
Child does not qualify for sp.ed	12/17/2007
Q: Runner: First of all, thank you for your time and information. You are providing a wonderful ... A: Diana, Keep up the good work. It is very challenging and time consuming to help special needs kids ...
Child does not qualify for sp.ed	12/16/2007
Q: Runner: First of all, thank you for your time and information. You are providing a wonderful ... A: Diana, It sounds to me that you are doing the right things for your son in spite of your local ...
intellectually disabled adults	11/27/2007
Q: What skills do these intellectually disabled adults need to work on? and what can help them to ... A: The special education system is designed to first identify students that may need help because of ...
Incomplete/inaccurate IEP	11/16/2007
Q: I have a 7 year old son who was born with a birth defect that has caused problems with gross and ... A: Connnie, I assume that your son's school performed an APE assessments before placing him on "watch ...
Please help the weary parents	11/10/2007
Q: My daughter, 6, is in grade one. I have always thought she was a special child but she completely ... A: Melanie, There could be many reasons why your daughter likes to be silly. It could be ADD/ADHD or it ...
What accommodations can my child receive?	11/7/2007
Q: My 14 y/o son has Asperger's, ADHD, ODD, social anxiety disorder, depression, and tic disorder. ... A: Tanya, I have represented a number of clients with similar challenges to what your son has. It is ...
Placement	11/5/2007
Q: I have a child in a Life Skills class. I am completely dis-satisfied with the way the program is ... A: Cyndi, Placement is difficult to fight in special education. I assume that you agree that your child ...
Child with selective mustism and social anxiety disorder needing accomodations and services	10/28/2007
Q: My son who is 6 years old and in the first grade has selective mutism and social anxiety disorder. ... A: Ed, You have done your homework. This is what I do for my clients: make sure the school district ...
Teacher pushing back on 504 plan	10/22/2007
Q: My son attends school at a private Christian school in CA. He was diagnosed with Dyslexia by a ... A: Katherine, The public schools are required under the law to provide the special education services ...
13 months and speech development	10/20/2007
Q: I work in early intervention and work with a little boy who is 13 months with gross motor issues. ... A: Jen, Usually at this boy's age children are babbling and imitating some sounds. I think the boy ...
Dismissal	10/19/2007
Q: If after the IEP Team reviews a reevaluation and decides that the student continues to need services ... A: Jean, You are correct. Just meeting goals and objectives does not justify exiting a student from ...
Dismissal	10/18/2007
Q: If after the IEP Team reviews a reevaluation and decides that the student continues to need services ... A: Jean, The law requires that a student be exited from special education only after achieving his ...
16 yr. old son	10/13/2007
Q: My son has an I.E.P, learning disability, superior I.Q., ADD, and is now truant from school because ... A: Kathy, My heart goes out to you. Since you son seems to have an addiction to drugs, his school can ...
A question about special ed student with access to above grade level curriculum	10/12/2007
Q: Tim, I have a 6-year-old son with asd diagnosis. He is currently in Kindergarten. Due to a 4-5 ... A: June, Your son's school is wrong. The entire concept of special education is to develop an IEP that ...
least restrictive environment	10/1/2007
Q: My question is: Does my son have to remain on a high school setting because of his age, 16. If for ... A: I am not very familiar with Texas education law, but in many states, there is a complaint procedure ...
Special Education; Writing a Reevaluation Report	9/29/2007
Q: I have a student who just came to me that I would like to dismiss from special education. Her ... A: Maryann, The law requires that a student be assessed before being discharged from special education. ...
speech therapy and IEP	9/12/2007
Q: My son, now age 3.5 has been receiving speech therapy for expressive delay since age 20 months. He ... A: Joanne, It sounds to me like your district is not treating you well. You should definitely call for ...
Help for 3rd grade son falling behind	9/7/2007
Q: My son is 8 and in 3rd grade. He attends a charter virtual online school in WI. I do all the ... A: Michelle, It sounds to me like you are getting the run around. As a parent you can request an ...
sped placement question	9/6/2007
Q: Our county has two self contained MOID (moderate intellectual disability) classrooms - one of them ... A: Nicole, You are correct that a parent can't demand a specific teacher, but you can challenge the ...
IEP	8/25/2007
Q: MY SON WHO IS 5 JUST STARTED KINDERGARTEN THIS YEAR ON 8-10-07. THE SCHOOL SENT ME A LETTER STATING ... A: I disagree with your concern about your son being "being labeled as a Special Education child." All ...
cannot answer this....can you?	8/21/2007
Q: Tim, I got this question from someone and I am unable to answer it as it is too legally based for ... A: This series of questions need to be addressed by a lawyer that practices in both Federal and State ...
Expulsion/Placement/Setting/Location	8/11/2007
Q: Sir, We are in a dilemma concerning the expulsion of our 12 year old son with an IEP. He made a ... A: You are right! The school district needs to crack the law books and case law. The IEP Team ...
classroom environment	7/12/2007
Q: Legally what size must a classroom be before it is considered an instructional room for special ... A: There is no set size for special education classes. It is up to the school district to determine ...
classroom environment	7/12/2007
Q: Legally what size must a classroom be before it is considered an instructional room for special ... A: There is no provision of the federal law governing class size for special education classes. Some ...
ADD	6/22/2007
Q: Tim, what careers or jobs can young people with ADD pursue and have success? Any particular ... A: I know many successful people have ADD (I have a mild case). The founder of Jet Blue has serious ADD ...

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