Even though special education law is covered in most teacher and administrative certification programs, it is an area that is continually evolving. The results of the 2017 U.S. Supreme Court case "Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District" will have a lasting impact on the future of special education guidelines; the outcomes of this…

A federal court awarded attorney fees in a P.L. 94-142 case on the basis of violation of a handicapped student's due process rights, and the U.S. Surpeme Court will review another P.L. 94-142 case that could have an impact on special education budgets. (DCS)

The 4th Circuit's decision in "Hartman v Loudoun County Board of Education," involving the placement of an 11-year-old autistic child, teaches important lessons about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: mainstreaming is a strong preference, not an unyielding requirement; and if educators make active and careful efforts to…

In deciding "Honig v. Doe" the United States Supreme Court held that the unilateral exclusion of a handicapped student for conduct caused by the student's disability, for a period in excess of 10 school days, constitutes a prohibited change of placement. Identifies and discusses seven unanswered questions regarding disciplining…

The Supreme Court ruled that school officials could not make a unilateral decision to keep a special education student out of school for more than 10 days. However, it gives officials an opportunity to reach lawful agreements with the student's parents or with a court to change the child's placement. (MLF)

When the Supreme Court decided that the Constitution requires public school principals to follow procedural due process in suspension and expulsion cases, the Justices recognized a link between procedural due process and the fairness of effective discipline. This report reviews the constitutional due process required when public school officials…

To best deal with the issue of law enforcement officers in the school, educators should establish a written policy. Two previous issues of this journal offered a model policy. In light of intervening legal and educational developments, a revised 1994 model is offered. Local education officials are prohibited from sharing student records with law…

This paper reviews federal and state court interpretations of federal and state laws concerning the responsibilities of local school districts in providing free and appropriate education for handicapped children. Particular attention is paid to the building principal's responsibility in carrying out the mandated policies at the operational level,…

Sixth in a series providing a scope treatment of case law on a wide range of public school issues, this monograph reviews selected federal and state decisions handed down between June 30, 1982 and June 30, 1983. School board issues covered include at-large election, open meeting laws, and authority to close schools, reduce slaries, interpret…