Special Education Law and Practice

Legal resources from Children's Law Center of Massachusetts:

Bill’s View: Ten Supreme Court Special Education Cases You Need to Know

First posting begins by reviewing the United States Supreme Court’s first special education decision, which in many ways remains the single most important judicial decision regarding special education.

Bill’s View: 1st Circuit Special Education Cases You Need to Know

an overview of all of the First Circuit special education decisions that he is aware of. At least a general knowledge of these decisions is essential to understanding not only how the First Circuit may handle a future special education dispute, but also how a Massachusetts federal district court judge or a Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) hearing officer may interpret the law in such a dispute.

The “Retrospective Testimony” Rule

Retrospective testimony refers to testimony (in a BSEA proceeding or court appeal) that certain educational services not listed in the IEP would actually have been provided to the child if he or she had attended the school district’s proposed placement. Retrospective testimony is sometimes offered by a school district to overcome deficiencies in the IEP.

Settlement Agreements in Special Education Disputes

Discuss a recent First Circuit decision in which the Court was asked to determine whether a settlement agreement relieved the school district of an obligation to perform or fund an additional evaluation sought by parent.

When is the use of Paraprofessionals appropriate?

Review a recently-revised Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Advisory on the use of paraprofessionals for individual students with disabilities.

Bill’s View: Ensuring that Independent Education Evaluations are Credible and Persuasive

Explore a few ideas that may help practitioners ensure that independent education evaluations are credible and persuasive.

Those postings are found at http://massadvocates.org

List of Lawyers who serve Special-needs families