These are unprecedented times for school districts, district leaders, teachers, parents, and students.  As we are forced to rethink how we educate students, it is important to remember that Federal Educational law mandates that all students receive a free and appropriate public education.  As written in the March 21, 2020 U.S. Department of Education memorandum, every […]

Read a health line article on 3 most common learning disorders. Written by Leah Campbell and posted on Healthline on 2/6/2020 with a few quotes from Monica Mandell, LMSW https://www.healthline.com/health-news/top-3-learning-disorders-what-to-do-if-you-suspect-your-child-has-them Powered byWordPress Support

  DEFINITION         English language learners, or ELL’s are students who are not able to communicate or learn in English.  ELL’s receive an education in both English and Spanish to help them learn academic English.  Although teachers instruct students in both English and Spanish, instruction is largely in English.  Students who either move to a school […]

ESY is extended school year for a student who receives special education services and needs to continue with services for the summer. What does ESY mean and who is eligible? Extended School year is usually determined during the annual review when the question of whether or not the student will lose skills, competencies or knowledge […]

What happens if a parent does not want to sign an IEP that they feel is not appropriate for their child? What are the rules of engagement? If you think that that the IEP meeting will be contentious and lead to arguments, tape record the meeting. Keep the recorder out in the open so that […]

DO NOT MISS!!!! Chance to ask questions and find out how to best help your child Upcoming workshop at the Harrison Public Library on Special Education. All of your questions about what is special education, how to initiate the process and what to expect will be answered May 7th, 2019 11 am -12 noon 2 […]

Did you know that there are approximately 6.6 million students with disabilities in schools throughout the US. And, of that 6.6 million students, only 8 % have earned enough skills to be able to read or write on grade level by 8th grade. Most experts agree that more than 80% of the 6.6 million students […]

A 504 plan comes from Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which is a disability civil rights law that prohibits public and private entitities that receive federal financial assistance to discriminate against an individual with a disability. Some examples of public entitites are hospitals, museums, higher education and, for our purpose, public schools. […]

 What is a parent teacher conference?  Is it important?  Should I be prepared?  How do I prepare?  A parent teacher conference is an opportunity to learn about how your child is doing in school and to get to know your child’s teacher.  It is an exchange of information.  Your child’s teacher will tell you all […]

According to New York State regulations, a Functional Behavior Plan is an assessment of behavior. Why is the student behaving in such a way that it interferes with a school day. The assessment looks at all factors that may affect your child during the school day such as academic, emotional or cognitive triggers. The goal […]