Tag Archives: Eligibility determinations

Mass Exiting

Published on October 11, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

Once a student has been identified as being eligible for special education and related services under the IDEA, they remain so until and unless they 1) graduate from high school, 2) “age out” of eligibility, or 3) are determined to be no longer eligible.  This last scenario is commonly referred to as being “exited” from [...]

I’m Not Buying It

Published on August 30, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

When I talk to parents whose children are in middle or high school who have not yet been identified for special education services, most of the time they will tell me that they have had concerns for years.  Many times, there are also teachers or other educators in the school district who have shared similar [...]

When Drugs and Special Education Mix

Published on July 30, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

Many studies show that students with learning and other disabilities are at greater risk for using drugs and alcohol than their non-disabled peers.   Sadly, this doesn’t surprise me much.  The drop-out rate for students with special education needs is higher, as well, and we are all concerned about the “school to prison pipeline” for students [...]

Top 5 Tips for Reviewing School Evaluations, Tip 3

Published on July 20, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

I am by no means a psychiatrist, psychologist, school psychologist, special education teacher, or related service provider.  I am not licensed or trained in administering any of the test typically given to students with disabilities in our public schools.  However, over the many years I have been representing children with special education needs in my [...]

“Actually, All of Our Kids Have Low Math Scores”

Published on July 13, 2009 by Jennifer Laviano

As a parents’ special education attorney in Connecticut, I hear outrageous statements that parents are told by their school districts on an almost daily basis.  But, sometimes, I am told something that passes the realm of outrageous, and crosses into ridiculous. Such statements mislead or misrepresent the school’s legal obligations, and always in a way [...]