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Blocking Parent Experts from School Observation is Against the Law

In 2005, Long Beach Unified denied access to a private evaluator to observe a proposed placement for a student with Autism.  Bonnie Z. Yates took the matter before the California  Court of Appeals and won the seminal and often cited Benjamin G. case, that established the right of experts to observe prior to a due process hearing. Almost 14 years …

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Adulthood Transition: Graduation and Curriculum

By Diana Maltz, Esq What is the difference between a diploma and a certificate of completion? A high school diploma certifies that your child has met state and school mandated graduation requirements.  A certificate of completion certifies that your child has completed high school, but did not meet graduation requirements. Many students with IEPs receive certificates rather than diplomas.  This …

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Adulthood Transition: An Overview

By Diana Maltz, Esq What is adulthood transition?Adulthood transition is a process by which the school district prepares a student in special education for life after high school. If your child has an IEP and is 16 years old, the District must prepare an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP). When should transition planning begin?Transition planning can begin when your child is …

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The IEP: From the Document to the Classroom

JOIN ATTORNEY BONNIE YATES, this Sunday, September 16 • 4:00 – 6:00 PM Bonnie Yates, Esq. will lead attendees through a discussion on what is possible to accomplish in the IEP process, the steps you can take to ensure that your child’s IEP is implemented, and that the agreed upon accommodations are in place and being utilized in the classroom. Ms. …

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Free Speech Rights – Student Walkouts and School Discipline UPDATE

Law Offices of Hirji & Chau support the right of students to protest. In anticipation of the April 20 school walkouts in support of gun control, we are providing free legal advice to any student or parent that wants to know what their rights are before and/or after the walkout. Call us to schedule a time to speak with an attorney. …

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New Law Protects Charter Schools Students In Admission and Discipline

By Diana Maltz, Law Clerk and Rosa K. Hirji Charter schools have earned a reputation for discouraging admissions of students with disabilities or pushing out students who may have behavioral issues or special needs. In 2016, the ACLU of Southern California released a report on How Some California Charter Schools Illegally Restrict Enrollment. Starting January 1, 2018, a new law …

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Free Speech Rights – Student Walkouts and School Discipline

Law Offices of Hirji & Chau support the right of students to protest. In anticipation of the March 14 school walkouts in support of gun control, we are providing free legal advice to any student or parent that wants to know what their rights are before and/or after the walkout. Call us to schedule a time to speak with an attorney. Here …

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Appealing a College Level Decision

By Alex Rodriguez, Law Clerk You are seeking to appeal a grade, refusal to provide disability related accommodations, dismissal or disciplinary sanction.  Your first instinct might be to march straight to the University President. Though this idea might help you blow off some steam, it will likely not get you anywhere in your appeal. Here are these six simple steps …