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Access to an independent educational evaluation (IEE) and observation in school are central to a parent’s ability to meaningfully participate in their child’s school program. Further, an accurate evaluation is the cornerstone to the IDEA, ensuring that the Student’s functional and academic deficits are identified, and setting the stage for appropriate goals and objectives and appropriate special education and related services.

Dear Connecticut Constituent: Please sign this petition asking the Connecticut State Department of Education to amend the special education regulations regarding acceptable IEE criteria and observation criteria: https://goo.gl/forms/br5ZPATHggDQtlWu2 Access to an IEE and observation in school are central to a parent’s ability to advocate for a child’s needs in school.

Today the U.S. Supreme Court granted review in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE-1 a case about the level of education benefit a special education student must receive for a school district to provide an appropriate education under federal special education law.

By Andrew FeinsteinFeatured in the Hartford Courant on September 10, 2016, Judge Thomas Moukawsher issued a monumental ruling Wednesday in the case of Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding v. Rell, finding that Connecticut’s system of funding education is irrational and unconstitutional.

The following post is the fist of a series of reflections and interview responses given by successful young adults with varying disabilities who have direct experience with the Connecticut Special Education system. Our interviewer and writer is Katie Feinstein, daughter of Attorney Feinstein, who is also a successful young adult living with disabilities.

Over the years virtual learning and online schools have increased across the country. On August 5th the U.S. Departments of Education issued guidance to states and school districts regarding their responsibilities for students with disabilities attending public virtual schools.

Editor’s Note: In this post, parent advocate and former LCSW Susan Morton shares some common pitfalls encountered in the world of special education advocacy. While this short article is written for a professional audience, parents who are striving to be the best advocates they can be for their own children will also benefit from these tips.

Within the next few years, Congress is like to consider reauthorizing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Of course, the IDEA is not an expiring authorization and there is not really a need to reauthorize it.

The Second Circuit issued a decision in the case L.O ex rel. K.T. v. N.Y.C. Dep’t of Educ. and REVERSED and REMANDED the case for further proceedings. Our very own Andrew Feinstein filed an amicus brief on behalf of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates and argued the amicus position in support of the parent on March 10, 2016.

Written by Melanie Dunn: I am answering this question here because it is a question asked by the large majority of parents who call us. The answer is short and simple, yet complicated, and no one is happy to hear it: “You start by getting an expert to evaluate your child and recommend the placement you want.”