Just when you think your student discipline process is a slam dunk, someone throws a buzzer-beater at the very last second! Jeremy and Erin discuss the laws surrounding student discipline when a child has not yet been found eligible for an MDR or the district had no prior knowledge that the child has a disability but the parents argue otherwise. The discussion includes a 2023 case from the Sixth Circuit in Ohio that found the district had acted reasonably in conducting special education services after the expulsion. They discuss practical tips, including ensuring your hearing officer is educated and informed on the special education process and thoroughly documenting the request, discussion and decision, that will help you and your team take home the “Good Sportsmanship Award”.

You can also listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Look for new episodes on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

It’s a great day when parents and the District are in agreement! Jeremy and Erin follow-up on a conference call where the team wants to be sure the use of a shortened day is compliant with all the special education laws and regulations including FAPE, LRE, and 504. They discuss the importance of making sure everyone at the table has a shared understanding of the child’s disability that is driving the need for a shortened day. The discussion also includes a formal complaint investigation from Indiana where the District’s decision to shorten the school day based on the student’s behavior was determined to be appropriate.

You can also listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Look for new episodes on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Erin and Jeremy make a stop at the intersection of threat assessments and special education considerations. They discuss the importance of the Special Education team and the Threat Assessment team coming together to consider the role a student’s disability may play in a potential threat. Otherwise, districts may violate special education laws and face costly discrimination claims. They share a case from Virginia that highlights what can happen when a District’s threat assessment speeds past the IEP and Special Education team, and the importance of training, training, training! 

You can also listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Look for new episodes on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

In this episode, Jeremy and Erin tackle the virtual meeting roadblocks that can cause your team to detour when trying to navigate good parent participation and adherence to the guidelines. They share the details of a recent case from Indiana where a parent used the virtual meeting platform to hinder specific district staff from participating. They share several suggestions to help keep the technology user-friendly and maintain a productive meeting for all involved so everyone “CAN HEAR YOU NOW!” 

You can also listen here or wherever you get your podcasts. Look for new episodes on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.