Blog

Sept. 2, 2016

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.

Aug. 11, 2016

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.

Aug. 9, 2016

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.

June 28, 2016

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.

June 8, 2016

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.

April 15, 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.”

Feb. 29, 2016

Editor’s Note: Susan Morton is an educational advocate in our office with a clinical social work background and experience with mental health and developmental disabilities. Please read on for her inaugural post on our new blog, on the topic of using caution in discussing confidential student or family information.

Feb. 26, 2016

No, I’m serious. Not AT the meeting. I mean, get a great night’s sleep the night before your meeting to review your child’s IEP (the “PPT meeting,” here in Connecticut, and the IEP team meeting for the rest of you).

Feb. 25, 2016

Each year, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) administers the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) to a statistically valid sample of elementary and secondary school students throughout the country. The NAEP is a paper and pencil test in math, reading, science, writing, and other subjects.

Feb. 23, 2016

If you are new to the world of special education law it is hard to know where to begin. The procedures are confusing, the language is alphabet soup, and school districts are not forthcoming about parent’s rights and options.