The trial of John Odgren, a child with Asperger's syndrome who was found guilty of first-degree murder, has been all over the headlines.
Summer is Coming - Are You Ready?
Massachusetts's New Anti-Bullying Law
Governor Patrick signed an extensive anti-bullying law yesterday, prohibiting physical, emotional, and online taunting and mandating training for faculty and students. It also requires school staff to notify parents about incidents and harassment under the umbrella of bullying behavior.
Q&A: Child with ADHD Treated Unfairly by Classroom Teacher
I feel like my child is being treated unfairly by his 2nd grade teacher what more can I do? I have made it clear to the principal and teacher that I'm not happy with the situation. I have asked for a classroom change, sat in class with my son and I am at a point where I just have to tell him to grin and bare it. He is ADHD and has had no efforts by the teacher to facilitate his needs.
Special Education Compliance - How Does Your District Measure Up?
Every six years the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education investigates Districts' compliance with education regulations, including federal and state special education law. Districts receive ""Commendable," "Implemented" (meaning at least substantially implemented), "Partially Implemented," "Not Implemented" (meaning at least substantially not implemented), and "Not Applicable" ratings for each compliance criterion.
Parenting Magazine's Advice on Paying for Private School Placement
I recently came across this article in my copy of Parenting magazine. While I applaud the magazine for addressing learning disabilities, I was disappointed with the advice. In the article, a mother of a child with learning disabilities asked the magazine financial expert, "My son has been diagnosed with learning disorders. A special school could help him -- but it costs $7,000 a year. That's about what we have budgeted for savings and chipping away at our debt. Should we do it?" While the expert did indicate that public funding for the school may be available, that was not the main focus of her answer.
Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder
Check out this great New York times article and video about APD and Rosie O'Donnell's personal experience with her son's disorder. It is inspiring to hear that with proper diagnosis and intervention children with this challenge can make such amazing progress.
Boston Globe Article on Early-Childhood Mental Health Services
Yesterday's Boston Globe Sunday Magazine had a very interesting article about early-childhood mental health and treatment. To read the entire article click here.
My comments:
Early intervention programs for learning disabilities have been proven effective scientifically, which saves taxpayers money. I believe the same will be proven true for emotionally disturbed children.
Hearing Decision - Child Entitled to Return to General Education Setting
Case summary: School district indefinitely suspended Student with a disability, alleging Student had inappropriately touched others, attempting to give them "wedgies." School proposed a substantially separate placement. Attorney Wong, on behalf of Parents, argued for Student's return to the general education setting with a comprehensive behavior plan in place. Hearing Officer agreed with Parents that the general education classroom was the least restrictive environment and ordered that Student be allowed to return to his regular education classroom.
Mediation is not Mandatory!
've spoken to many parents who believe that mediation is mandatory in Massachusetts. This is not the case. Mediation is voluntary. If the school requests mediation, parents can decline. Similarly, parents can invite the school to mediation and the school can refuse to participate. Participation in a due process hearing is mandatory. This is one way mediation differs from a due process hearing.