Understanding Special Education Programs in California Public Schools

Accommodations, Children with Special Needs, Inclusion, Individualized Education Plan, Special Education Law
Understanding Special Education Programs in California Public Schools

Outdated misconceptions of special education have led to a cultural reluctance to embrace educational intervention strategies, often associating services with intellectual limitations. The reality is that special education programs are increasingly important solutions for many children in California public schools. Embracing special education for students with disabilities and other learning needs can help children succeed … Read More

Appeals Court Upholds Due Process Hearing Decision in IDEA Violation Case

Accommodations, Children with Special Needs, Equal Opportunity, Individualized Education Plan, Special Education Law
Appeals Court Upholds Due Process Hearing Decision in IDEA Violation Case

A 2024 decision by Judge Otis D. Wright, II, of the Ninth Circuit Court affirmed that the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) did violate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and denied A.O., a child with profound hearing loss in both ears who uses cochlear implants, a free, appropriate public education in the … Read More

Judge Finds CA School District in Violation of Disability Rights Laws

Children with Special Needs, Special Education Law
Judge Finds CA School District in Violation of Disability Rights Laws

On October 13, 2023, Federal Court Judge Jesus Bernal found that the Moreno Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) campus security program violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. This ruling will hold MVUSD accountable for systemic discrimination displayed against students with disabilities and require district leaders to meet … Read More

Jennifer Chang Discusses Access to Education on Absolute Trust Talk

Children with Special Needs, Individualized Education Plan, Special Education Law
Jennifer Chang Discusses Access to Education on Absolute Trust Talk

Education Rights Attorney Jennifer Chang joined Kristen Howe on Absolute Trust Talk on April 6, 2023, to share her expertise and provide insight for parents who may be seeking additional educational support for their children. In a world where everything is complicated by legal nuances, the Absolute Trust Counsel provides a communications program, to introduce … Read More

Recognizing a Lack of 1:1 Services During Special Education Teacher Shortages

Children with Special Needs, Individualized Education Plan, Special Education Law
Recognizing a Lack of 1:1 Services During Special Education Teacher Shortages

Special education aides are essential to the academic learning path of students with disabilities who require one-on-one assistance during their school day. Trained to administer the goals and objectives of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP), these aides offer an invaluable service to the school community. Across the nation, shortages of professionals in education are … Read More

Department of Education Provides Resources to Reduce Discriminatory Discipline in Schools

Accommodations, Children with Special Needs, Special Education Law
Department of Education Provides Resources to Reduce Discriminatory Discipline in Schools

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights published a list of new resources to help districts and schools support students with disabilities and avoid discriminatory use of discipline. In the school setting, manifesting disabilities are often overlooked as an underlying cause for behavior problems, leading to discrimination in the absence of student advocacy. … Read More