Dyslexia: Frequently Asked Quesions 1.  What is dyslexia?  Dyslexia is a common learning disorder affecting as many as 80 percent of California students with learning disabilities in special education.  According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia is a language-based specific learning disability (a neurodevelopmental disorder that hinders the ability to learn or use certain academic skills.) and generally refers to a cluster of symptoms resulting in difficulty with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as

Important Notice to Parents  Important notice to Parents in the Berkeley Unified School District The California Department of Education’s (CDE) Verification Review (VR) of the Berkeley Unified School District’s special education system is scheduled for April 6th-10th.  CDE staff will be in the district reviewing policies, procedures, student records, conducting interviews, and gathering further information to evaluate the district’s compliance with state and federal special education laws.  CDE has confirmed that part of its review is based on complaints, comments and concerns that parents bring

TOGETHER. SHAPING THE FUTURE.  You’re a Grandparent.   You need to know this. Jean Murrell Adams, Senior Managing Attorney ADAMS ESQ, a Special Education Law Firm You’ve reached grandparent status.  If you don’t have a grandchild with a disability, you probably know someone who does.  You may volunteer at your local school or simply be the “go to” person in your neighborhood, church or on-line.  You may be raising your grandchild or live miles away from him.  In any case, you will probably hear the question

Si ustedprefiere la hoja informative en espanolporfavor de comunicarsea oaklandadmin@adamsesq.com  Some psychologists say the most important human emotion is trust. As infants, we learn to trust our parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents and other caregivers. As children, we build trusting relationships with friends, religious leaders and our teachers. As adults, these “social contracts”, based on mutual respect and understanding, support our relationships and every day expectations. We trust our cell phone provider to ensure service-as long as we pay the bill. We trust our first-responders

Below is a reprint of a recent press release by COPAA.  It contains a good legal analysis of the importance of “stay put” . In its amicus brief, filed July 28, the special education administrators and the school boards association argue that the appeals court ruling puts a financial burden on districts, and disrupts the collaborative framework for resolving disputes that is written into special education law. They assert that under this decision, parents have an incentive to draw out their cases as long as possible, rather than

Legal Alert: According to a recent blog post on the JDSupra website, nearly 14 years after President Bush signed the IDEA Improvement Act of 2004, California’s special education regulations have been updated and became effective July 1, 2014. The revisions align what the California Department of Education ("CDE") has referred to as "old, out-of-date regulations" with existing state statutes and federal statutes and regulations. Key Change: Updated Eligibility Criteria in Section 3030 Autism The new regulation deletes the term "autistic-like behaviors" and adds the term

 Hector F. v. El Centro Elementary Sch. Dist. (CA4/1 D064035 6/24/14)  California’s public schools must protect students from discrimination and harassment engendered by race, gender, sexual orientation or disability.  In particular, Education Code section 32282 requires that public schools develop and implement comprehensive school safety plans which include a discrimination and harassment policy.  These include, "to the extent that resources are available . . . policies and procedures aimed at the prevention of bullying."  (Ed. Code, § 32282, subd.(f).) Hector F. is the father of three children.  While Hector’s

Legal Alert Nearly 14 years after President Bush signed the IDEA Improvement Act of 2004, special education regulations found in the California Code of Regulations, title 5, sections 3001-3088, have been updated and became effective July 1, 2014. The revisions align what the California Department of Education ("CDE") has referred to as "old, out-of-date regulations" with existing state statutes and federal statutes and regulations. The new regulations were finalized after a period of public comment and the holding of a public hearing on July 8,

Threatened with charges of wiretapping: Here’s a case that makes you wonder. A special education high school student recorded a bullying incident and the school district threatened with charges of criminal wiretapping. According to a recent report in the Daily Caller, school administrators agreed to reduce the sentence, and March 19 the student, from South Fayette High School in McDonald, Pa., was charged with disorderly conduct. The student and his mother, Shea Love, testified in front of District Judge Maureen McGraw-Desmet that he had been