Children all over the U.S. are sent to school with the trust and confidence that they will receive a quality education with the appropriate services for their needs. Taxpayers also expect their dollars to be allocated and spent to benefit specific areas of public service, including public education. The leadership of one California school district … Read More
Special Education Law
What to be Aware of Before Joining Social Media Support Groups
Social media platforms have evolved into information-sharing highways that can offer seemingly open access to free information. For many parents navigating difficult education rights situations, the information and empathy gained online can provide relief. Social media provides a sense of community to parents, however, there are many precautions to take into consideration when joining online … Read More
Supreme Court Rules Against Plaintiff in Disability Discrimination Case
Despite the many legal advancements over the last several decades to protect individuals with disabilities, discrimination remains a concern for many when navigating a world that doesn’t always accept differences. Discrimination can perpetuate many forms of emotional and social distress, but at what point does the law recognize emotional damages as it relates to individuals … Read More
Jennifer Chang Selected to Super Lawyers® 2022 Rising Stars List
California special education attorney Jennifer Chang has been named to the 2022 Super Lawyers® Rising Stars List. Super Lawyers is a Thomson Reuters rating service that identifies a select number of outstanding attorneys in each state as identified by their peers. The selection process for Rising Stars consists of several steps including a statewide survey … Read More
Transition Planning for Students with IEPs
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?
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 a Section 504 Plan and Does My Child Need One?
There is a multitude of reasons why a student might require additional support in a school setting. School districts nationwide are required by law to ensure equal and fair access to free education for all, and special education services are designed to accommodate all students who need additional support – including students with cognitive and … Read More
Jennifer Chang Speaking to StarVista’s Special Needs Caretaker Support Group January 2022
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
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
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