School board members encounter a range of challenging issues as they provide oversight and strategic guidance for the school districts they represent. Some of the most daunting challenges can involve the education of students with disabilities. All children eligible for special education must be provided with a free and appropriate public…

Over 6.5 million children receive special education services each year in the U.S. As this number continues to rise, child and school psychologists are increasingly called upon to evaluate children and to recommend accommodations to meet the child's educational needs. But the process of evaluating children can be challenging, as it is often…

This handbook was developed to support parents of children with disabilities in understanding the Federal and State requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). It provides information that promotes working with the school district to help provide appropriate services to children, while informing parents of their…

This manual is designed for those working with conduct boards composed of students and/or faculty. This manual serves two purposes: (1) To provide the Adviser and/or trainer(s) with guidelines, philosophy, and information so as to better structure your conduct board program (or to create one); and (2) To serve as an actual model for a manual for a…

Argues the importance of thorough preparation for arbitration hearings and provides some guidelines for conducting such preparation. (IRT)

Explained for the parks and recreation professional in this article are the steps involved in transforming an idea into a law. The legislative process discussed involves: developing the idea, selecting a sponsor, lobbying for support from administering agencies, testifying before the committee, and contacting members of Congress once the bill gets…

This article reviews issues related to communication modality and placement of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, discusses reasons that school districts end up in due process hearings, and cites pertinent court cases. It offers suggestions to help educators provide effective testimony and concludes by highlighting possible positive…

Offers guidelines for educators who are invited to testify before lawmakers, whether a committee of Congress, a state legislature, or a local zoning board. Includes advice on pretestimony strategy, presenting the testimony, and follow-up. (WD)

This document presents federal legislation (H.R. 3757) outlawing possession and use of firearms on school premises. Testimony for the "Gun-free School Zones Act of 1990" is offered in the form of discussion and prepared statements by panel members Edward P. Kovacic, Chief of Police, Cleveland, Ohio; Barbara Lautman, Director of the…

The Illinois School Code requires hearing officers in student expulsion or suspension review cases to provide the school board with a written summary of the evidence heard. While no particular form is required for the summary, this document presents a sample hearing report that can serve as a model for those preparing reports. The…

Describes the process for hearing complaints filed under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. For related articles, see pages 21 and 22 in the same issue. (WD)

Provides a set of 10 rules, with some explanations of how and why they work, that a school district uses in school board hearings. The rules help each side organize its case, save time and embarrassment, and ensure a fair hearing for everyone. (MLF)

The report, presented to the Planning and Policy Committee of the Illinois State Board of Education, summarizes public comment (public hearings, letters, briefings, and research reports) concerning a preliminary report of instructional mandates for handicapped children in Illinois. Eight major issues are considered in terms of preliminary report…

Suggests ways for ensuring that teacher evaluation methods used by principals when dismissing teachers will stand up to the challenges posed by hearings: Did the principal try to help the teacher improve? Were evaluation criteria relevant? Was the decision to terminate arbitrary or capricious? Was the evaluation process confidential? (PGD)

Specific recommendations are offered regarding due process hearings involving parents and school officials in matters of special education. Among the issues addressed are establishment of a central depository for all material after the conclusion of a hearing, need for access to counsel, and need for a resource for resolution of problem areas. (SB)