Navigating Special Education Law Like a Pro: What Every Parent & Educator Needs to Know

It's an honor to interview Pete Wright. Pete has been practicing law in the area of special education since 1978, and he and his wife are the founders of Wrightslaw. In today's episode, Pete and I chat about his own personal story and why he became involved in special education law. He also answers 9 frequently asked questions about education rights. 

1) What does the law say about the difference between a 504 and an IEP? Is one better than another?

2) Can the school refuse to provide an IEP or a Section 504 Plan to a child who is making good grades?

3) Most people know that they are able to request a new evaluation every three years. What if the school says they don't believe the student needs another evaluation? Do you have to wait 3 years before requesting another evaluation? If a parent doesn't agree with the evaluation results, does the school have to agree to an IEE?

4) What if the school isn't following the 504 or IEP consistently?

5) What if the goals, objectives, and data collection don't make any sense? Ex. unclear and data collection is confusing

6) Are children who attend private schools, religious schools, and charter schools eligible for special education and related services?

7) What do the laws say about bullying at school?

8) What does the law say about Restraint and seclusion?

9) What do the laws say about suspensions for disruptive behavior and what if the behavior is related to the child's disability? What if the school believes the behavior is not related to the child's disability but the parent does think the behavior is due to their child's disability?

Pete generously offered our listeners 15% off on Wrightslaw books. Use the coupon code "crossvine" to get 15% off. This offer ends 12/31/24. 

Click Here - https://www.wrightslaw.com/store/

Pete refers to specific statutes and page numbers in Wrightslaw: Special Education Law, 3rd Ed. Please click here and enter "crossvine" as both your username and password to access the document. 

Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist

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