Ableist Language

As a special educator, it is crucial to be aware of and avoid using ableist language when interacting with students, colleagues, and families. Ableist language can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforce discriminatory attitudes, and create a negative and exclusionary environment. Here are some warnings and guidelines to consider: Remember, using inclusive […]

Top Ten Tips for Parents

1. Know Your Rights: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that guarantees a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) for students with disabilities. It is important for parents and educators to understand the rights and protections IDEA provides. 2. Understand the Evaluation Process: IDEA requires that […]

New Supreme Court Case

Acheson Hotels, LLC v. Laufer U.S. Supreme Court announced it will hear a case involving the Americans with Disabilities Act in the case of Acheson Hotels, LLC v. Laufer. There is interest in this case as it might resolve the question of whether individuals who serve as “tester” plaintiffs have standing to bring […]

Disciplining Students with Disabilities

School district officials respond to challenging and disruptive behavior in a variety of ways and determining the appropriate response to students’ problem behavior is a difficult and complex issue. This becomes especially true when a student has a disability. Different rules and regulations apply to disciplining students with disabilities under […]

Online Special Education Law Resources

Researching Special Education Law Online Mitchell L. Yell, Ph.D. With the availability of online resources, today’s administrators and teachers can become more legally literate about special education laws, policies, and procedures.  Moreover, they should be better able to identify legal issues and applicable laws or legal standards and apply relevant […]

OSEP and OCR Policy Guidance on Disciplining Students

The essential obligation of special educators is to collaboratively develop an individualized program of special education and related services for eligible students with disabilities that confers a free appropriate public education (FAPE). When a student with disabilities exhibits serious problem behavior, providing a FAPE often means including behavioral programming in […]

Free Virtual Webinar from the Progress Center

The OSEP-funded Progress Center (promotingprogress.org) is hosting a free virtual program titled “Prepping for PROGRESS! Adding New Tools to Your Backpack (Toolbox) for the Start of School.” The purpose of the event is to assist teachers who are looking for resources and strategies to help prepare educators to promote progress […]