Category Archives: Special Education / School Law

Illinois School Discipline Reform Law: Effective September, 2016

Posted on October 28, 2015 by Micki Moran

Discipline Reform:   Governor Rauner signed into law dramatic reforms in school discipline. The intent of the law is to use suspensions and expulsions as a last resort. Illinois has one of the widest disparities between black and white students … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Current Events, Juvenile Law, School Discipline, Special Education / School Law | Tagged , | Comments Off on Illinois School Discipline Reform Law: Effective September, 2016

Special Education: Tips for a Good Start to the School Year

Posted on September 29, 2015 by Micki Moran

Schedule a meeting within 30 days of the start of school to check in with the team. (Brief-less than one hour if things seem to be on track) Prepare a proposed Agenda prior to the meeting and circulate it to … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Autism, IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law | Comments Off on Special Education: Tips for a Good Start to the School Year

Summer

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Micki Moran

For many families, summer is the time to double up on therapies and “catch-up” in preparation for the next school year. I am certainly reluctant to add to the parent “to-do” list, however, as a special  needs attorney, I suggest … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Autism, IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law | Tagged | Comments Off on Summer

Advocating for your Child with Autism: Perspectives from 20 Years of Practice

Posted on April 29, 2015 by Micki Moran

This year will mark my 20th year of practice in the special education area. The preschool age students I represented years ago, to secure evidence based interventions, are now young adults entering the adult disability system. The numbers continue to … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Autism, IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law | Tagged , | Comments Off on Advocating for your Child with Autism: Perspectives from 20 Years of Practice

IEP Warrior

Posted on May 7, 2014 by Micki Moran

Getting What You Want: Strategies that Work I have been an attorney for 30 years and have been a special education attorney for 18 years. While my goal is to work to resolve issues without going to court or a … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Autism, IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law | Tagged | Comments Off on IEP Warrior

Transition Planning for Students with Mental Health Issues

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Micki Moran

Transition services must begin at age 14.5 in Illinois. Transition planning is an integral part of the student’s IEP. The IEP team develops the transition plan. Student must participate and be invited to any transition planning meeting. The IEP team … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Autism, IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law, Transition Planning | Tagged | Comments Off on Transition Planning for Students with Mental Health Issues

What are the Common Core Standards and its Relationship to Students with Disabilities?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Micki Moran

The Common Core Standards articulate rigorous grade-level expectations in the areas of mathematics and language arts. The standards identify the knowledge and skills students need in order to be successful in college and careers. Promoting a culture of high expectations … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Special Education / School Law, Uncategorized | Tagged | Comments Off on What are the Common Core Standards and its Relationship to Students with Disabilities?

Starting the School Year off Right

Posted on August 8, 2013 by Micki Moran

Ten Ideas for Making a Successful Start: For students with complicated needs, or in transition (e.g. new school), agree to meet a month after school starts to assess how things are going. This should be a short meeting of less … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Autism, IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law | Comments Off on Starting the School Year off Right

Special Education Law: Residency

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Micki Moran

B. [9.3] of The Illinois School Code: Residency Considerations Residency standards for special education students are established in Article 14 of the School Code. These standards govern “in all cases where special education services and facilities are provided.” 105 ILCS … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in Divorce & Custody, Special Education / School Law | Tagged | Comments Off on Special Education Law: Residency

Special Education: On Recording an IEP Meeting

Posted on August 2, 2013 by Micki Moran

A common question in my office relates to whether parents should record IEP meetings or other meetings with the school district. My answer is almost always an unconditional no. I realize that other attorneys may give different advice on this … Continue reading →

Share on Facebook
Posted in IEP Meetings, Special Education / School Law | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Special Education: On Recording an IEP Meeting