On June 11, 2021, Kendra Yoch and Amy Dickerson hosted the sixth session of Franczek’s Educational Equity Webinar Series. This session focused on issues of disproportionality in special education and methods of increasing equity and inclusion for students with disabilities.
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August 2019
Latest from Special Education Law Insights - Page 4
Mental Health and Behavioral Health Days – Are Your Child Find Senses Tingling?
On May 30, 2021, SB1577 passed both houses and, if signed by the Governor, will amend the School Code to reflect that the mental or behavioral health of a student is a “valid cause” for absence from school. Currently, valid
Two New Bills Offer Extended Special Education Services to Transition Students
Just hours before the conclusion of the spring legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly passed two bills that will significantly impact students who receive services until age 22.
The first, HB40, impacts students who turn 22 during the school year by allowing
Illinois Legislature Passes Bill Further Restricting Time Out and Physical Restraint
On May 30, 2021, the Illinois legislature passed HB219, which will further restrict the use of time out and physical restraint in Illinois schools. The legislation will take effect upon signature by Governor Pritzker. You may recall that similar bills have
New OCR Q&A Reiterates Guidance, Promises Additional Guidance on Compensatory Services to Come
On May 13, 2021, the Department of Education Office for Civil Rights published a Q&A on Civil Rights and School Reopening in the COVID-19 Environment. The document is aimed at “helping schools reopen safely and in ways that support
COVID 19-Handbook V.2: What are the Implications for Special Education?
The Department of Education recently issued Volume 2 of its COVID-19 Handbook. The handbook offers suggestions for creating safe and healthy learning environments, addressing lost instructional time, and supporting educator and staff stability and well-being. Throughout the guidance, the
New IDEA Funding in the American Rescue Plan Act
The American Rescue Plan Act signed by President Biden at the end of last week includes almost $130 billion in education funding. The vast majority of that money will be distributed to school districts based on the Title I formula.
OCR Decision Highlights Common Child Find Red Flags
A recent OCR decision out of Wyoming is a reminder to school districts of their Child Find obligations—including during remote instruction. In Teton County School District, Wyoming, OCR found in favor of the school district who responded to a doctor’s
Proposed Amendments to Special Education Rules Have Two Curious Provisions
ISBE has proposed amendments to the current rules regarding special education. These amendments generally track recent changes in the School Code, including
- PA 101-0643: Changes related to RTI and MTSS, providing written materials 3 school days prior to IEP
New Rules for Qualified Interpreters in Effect
ISBE has adopted new rules to support parent participation in IEP meetings by requiring districts to arrange for and fund “qualified interpreters” for parents whose native language is other than English. We have heard concern from many clients that they