Special Education Newsletter - Fall 2008

I read somewhere that they have made changes to the Chapter 14 Special Education Laws in PA. Will they affect my child and his/her IEP process?

Pennsylvania revised their Special Education Chapter 14 laws effective July 1, 2008. A complete list of the regulations can be viewed at www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol38/38-26/38_26_p2.pdf

Some of the highlights:

1. Abolishes the Special Education appeals panel. All appeals must now go to the state or federal court.

2. 60 "calendar days" to complete a school evaluation or reevaluation. In the past, school districts had 60 "school days."

3. During mediation hearings to resolve a dispute , the child must remain in the current program unless the parent and district agree otherwise.

4. Evaluations can now be requested verbally (written requests are still accepted.) The district must provide a Permission to Evaluate within 10 days of the verbal request.

5. Quality services and protection of legal rights, which is an offshoot of the Gaskin's settlement, is putting a greater emphasis on inclusion.

6. Instructional Paraprofessionals and Personal Care Assistants must participate in 20 hours of staff development each year.

Consider checking out http://www.educationlawadvocates.com/ for more detailed information and legal insight on the Ch. 14 changes and much more!

Spotlight on..........Technology

Technology can be a wonderful ally for students with special needs. Many school districts are on the cutting edge of learning about technology but cost is a major factor as to whether or not it ends up in the classroom. However, due to a very competitive market, many of these devices and programs have dropped in price. Two specific examples that have piqued my interest lately are the Apple iPod and the SolidTek Digital Notebook. The iPod was once considered a glorified "walkman" which played music to the tune of $400.00 for their upscale model. They have since come way down in price and provide many other benefits including downloaded text, streaming video, audio books and more depending on the model you buy. SolidTek's Digital Notebook ($125.00) is a standard legal size pad of paper that can be written on with a regular pen. Once your notes/text is completed on the pad it can be plugged into a computer and transcribed into Microsoft Word. Technology opens up a world of possibilities for students needing assistance in all areas.


I get so anxious when school is about to start. I want to be sure that the teachers are prepared for my child but I don't want to alienate them by contacting them in August/September during the busiest time of the school year. How do I get the IEP information to them without burning bridges?


Many teachers start the school year with those same feelings of anxiety about meeting the needs of all their learners. The volume of paperwork and information that is disseminated at the start of school is completely overwhelming. I recommend that my clients draft a one page letter to their child's primary teacher the last week before school starts. In the letter I ask that they type out a brief 4 sentence paragraph describing their child's learning, social and emotional style/profile. I ask that they also include a list of 5 strengths (both academic and non-academic) and 5 needs. (It may also be helpful to include some highlights from your child's summer to help with developing writing prompts and and rapport.) Finally I ask that they complete the letter with a short paragraph validating how busy the teachers are (we often think parents do not realize this) and also asking that the teacher please contact them once the school year is underway. The letter should be mailed to the school to give it more of a formal flair. This format goes a long way to providing the information needed without alienating the staff.