Transition Planning for Students with IEPs

Individualized Education Plan, Learning Disabilities, Special Education Law

Students can face difficulty deciding their next steps in life as they transition out of high school. However, for students with disabilities, that adjustment begins as early as elementary school and requires an in-depth analysis of personal interests, capabilities, and parental support to set each student up for success. As disabilities are manifested differently for … Read More

What is Alternative Placement?

Individualized Education Plan, Special Education Law

Alternative Placement is a disciplinary measure used in most public and charter schools to provide an alternative learning environment to a student who is struggling in a traditional school setting due to behavioral extremes. Through an in-depth process including observations, assessments, and district-level input, a student can be removed temporarily from their school and assigned … Read More

What Is Dyslexia?

Accommodations, Learning Disabilities

Dyslexia Defined Dyslexia is defined as an unexpected difficulty in reading in relation to a person’s higher level of intelligence. It is considered a language-processing disorder that affects how a person deciphers spoken or written language including the ability to effectively read, write, spell or comprehend text. Despite common misconceptions, this learning disability is not … Read More

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Disability Awareness, Inclusion

Disabilities are far more wide-reaching than most realize. In fact, the CDC reports that about one in four American adults and one in every six children are diagnosed with at least one disability. Visible disabilities such as those that affect mobility or require assistive devices are the most recognized, but only scratch the surface of … Read More

Jennifer Chang Speaking to StarVista’s Special Needs Caretaker Support Group January 2022

Special Education Law

Jennifer Chang, California special education rights attorney, will be speaking about school district assessments and parents’ right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at StarVista’s Child and Parent Services special needs caretaker support group Thursday, January 20, 2022, from 6:30-8 pm PT. This virtual support group is held via Zoom and tailored for parents and … Read More

Understanding California Assembly Bill 104

Special Education Law

Assembly Bill (AB) 104, a California state law that went into effect on July 1, 2021, allows a variety of educational supports to be put in place to counteract the negative effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on students’ academic success. This bill requires each California school district to develop and implement a policy that will … Read More

The Steps of an Independent Educational Evaluation

Special Education Law

Typically, public schools in the United States evaluate a student with special needs to determine the best placement and educational plan for providing that student with a free and appropriate education (FAPE). Sometimes, however, parents disagree with the school’s evaluation of their child. When this happens, parents may be entitled to request an Independent Educational … Read More