This booklet has been developed in hopes that it may aid in keeping communication open and focused between families and schools. Building communication between parents and the school staff through letters offers a way of keeping records of ideas, concerns, and suggestions. This booklet provides general guidelines to writing letters as well as…

Although education is in many ways a responsibility of states and localities, the U.S. federal government also has an important role to play. National laws, court rulings, and policy guidance help ensure that English Learner (EL) and immigrant-background students have equitable access to a meaningful education. It is then up to states and school…

School leaders and special educators are expected to be experts on all levels and types of special education law and services, types of disability, and aspects of academic and functional programming. With the increasing demands of the job and the ever-changing legal and educational climate, many administrators and teachers are overwhelmed, and few…

This booklet has been developed in hopes that it may aid in keeping communication open and focused between families and schools. Building communication between parents and the school staff through letters offers a way of keeping records of ideas, concerns, and suggestions. This booklet provides general guidelines to writing letters as well as…

Educational and vocational rehabilitation programs both have key roles and responsibilities in improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities. Both entities must be involved in creating opportunities for students to develop skills and knowledge to prepare for careers in the 21st Century. To help facilitate understanding and promote…

News reports illustrate controversies between parents and schools in response to student health problems. Today's school nurse is in a pivotal position for the avoidance and resolution of disputes not only by increasing awareness of student health conditions but also by having a working knowledge of legal developments under Section 504 and its…

There is no evidence that physically restraining or putting children in unsupervised seclusion in the K-12 school system provides any educational or therapeutic benefit to a child. In fact, use of either seclusion or restraints in non-emergency situations poses significant physical and psychological danger to students. Yet the first round of data…

Research shows that half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age 14. Scientists are discovering that changes in the body leading to mental illness may start much earlier, before any symptoms appear. Through greater understanding of when and how fast specific areas of children's brains develop, we are learning more about the early…

Focuses on the rights of special needs children in the schooling process. Outlines a number of laws that protect the educational rights of exceptional children, noting that, unfortunately, school systems often fail to provide all the services needed. Presents skills and strategies parents need to conduct advocacy on behalf of their children with…

This manual is designed to familiarize mediators with the mediation process and what will occur during a mediation session. Information is provided on the following topics: (1) mediation in special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; (2) advantages of mediation;…

This resource guide contains information to help parents find community early childhood programs that meet the needs of children with disabilities. The guide reviews parents' legal rights, legal entitlements that support parents' efforts to have children with disabilities included in community programs, and resources available to make community…

Intended for state and local school personnel, the handbook is designed to assist in developing notification procedures that comply with the procedural safeguards requirements of special education law and in meeting the informational needs of parents. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the due process provisions of P.L. 94-142 (the Education for…

This article discusses applications of education legislation for drug-addicted children, including the Education for All Handicapped Children Act and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which recognizes smoking and drug addiction as handicapping conditions. Suggested guidelines for parents seeking school support services under these laws…

This monograph, intended for Maine educators, presents basic information in question-and-answer format on assistive technology (AT) devices and services and the role of AT in delivering appropriate education to children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment. Questions and answers are divided into the following topics: (1)…

This document was developed to provide a comprehensive, single source of information about the rights and responsibilities of parents of handicapped children and the resources available to them. The first section focuses on why parents should be involved in their children's education and lists seven major reasons for parental participation. The…