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Nolo's IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities » (Fourth Edition)

Book cover image of Nolo's IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities by Lawrence Siegel

Authors: Lawrence Siegel
ISBN-13: 9781413309393, ISBN-10: 1413309399
Format: Paperback
Publisher: NOLO
Date Published: April 2009
Edition: Fourth Edition

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Author Biography: Lawrence Siegel

Lawrence Siegel has been a Special Education Attorney and Advocate since 1979, and has represented children with disabilities extensively in IEPs, due process, complaints, legal action and before legislative and policy bodies. Mr. Siegel has lectured and consulted with advocacy and parent groups throughout the country and is a member of the California Advisory Commission on Special Education. He has written special education legislation that has been adopted in several states and is the author of Least Restrictive Environment: The Paradox of Inclusion (LRP Publications, 1994). Mr. Siegel is the founder and Director of the National Deaf Education Project which works to ensure that the fundamental communication needs of deaf and hard of hearing children are part of the educational system. In 2004-5 he was appointed to an endowed chair at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. for his work as an advocate special education. He lives in Fairfax, California, with his wife Gail and two daughters, Catie and Elisabeth.

Book Synopsis

Create an individualized education plan (IEP) and secure the education your child deserves!

Children with learning disabilities have different needs than other kids in special education -- let Nolo's IEP Guide: Learning Disabilities help you make sure those needs are met.

This one-of-a-kind book walks you through the Individual Education Program process, providing all the instructions, suggestions, resources and forms you'll need to understand the special-education system.

Executive Director Learning Disabilities Association of America - Jane Browning

"An extremely detailed, comprehensive explication of every aspect of the IEP process for students with learning disabilities."

Table of Contents

1Introduction to Special Education for Children With Learning Disabilities
A.What Is Special Education?2
B.Special Education and Learning Disabilities4
C.Being Your Child's Advocate5
D.Using This Book5
E.Icons Used Throughout7
F.Getting Help From Others7
2Your Child's Rights Under the IDEA
A.What IDEA Requires2
B.Individualized Education Program12
C.State Special Education Laws15
D.Working With Your School District16
3What Is a Learning Disability?
A.Legal Definitions2
B.Scientific and Professional Definitions3
C.Does Your Child Have a Learning Disability?5
D.Learning Disabilities and the IEP Process9
4Getting Started
A.First Steps2
B.Obtain Your Child's School Records7
C.Start an IEP Binder13
D.Keep Track of Deadlines17
5Developing Your Child's IEP Blueprint
A.Begin at the End: Define Your Child's Needs3
B.Preparing an IEP Blueprint3
C.Other Sources of Information for the Blueprint10
D.What's Next?10
6Assessments
A.When Assessments Are First Done3
B.The Assessment Plan4
C.Evaluating the Assessment Tests7
D.Approving, Rejecting, or Changing the Assessment Plan12
E.Reviewing the Assessment Report17
7Eligibility
A.Eligibility Definitions3
B.Eligibility Standards for Children With Learning Disabilities6
C.Preparing for the IEP Eligibility Meeting13
D.Attending the Eligibility Meeting14
E.Joint IEP Eligibility/Program Meeting15
F.If Your Child Is Not Found Eligible for Special Education16
8Gathering Information and Evidence
A.Analyze the School District's Information2
B.Chart Your Child's Progress5
C.Explore Available School Programs7
D.Find Out About Related Services11
E.Compare Your Blueprint With the Existing Program and Services11
F.Generate Additional Supporting Information14
G.Independent Assessments15
9Goals and Objectives
A.Areas Covered by Goals and Objectives3
B.Developing Goals and Objectives3
C.When to Draft Goals and Objectives5
D.Writing Effective Goals and Objectives5
10Preparing for the IEP Meeting
A.Schedule the IEP Meeting2
B.The IEP Meeting Agenda3
C.Organize Your Materials3
D.Draft Your Child's IEP Program7
E.Who Will Attend the IEP Meeting9
F.Final Preparation Concerns17
11The IEP Meeting
A.Getting Started3
B.Simple Rules for a Successful IEP Meeting4
C.Become Familiar With Your School's IEP Form9
D.Writing the IEP Plan10
E.Sign the IEP Document16
F.Parent Addendum Page18
12Resolving IEP Disputes Through Due Process
A.Before Due Process: Informal Negotiations4
B.Typical Due Process Disputes6
C.When to Pursue Due Process8
D.Your Child's Status During Due Process9
E.Using a Lawyer During Due Process9
F.How to Request Due Process10
G.Preparing for Due Process11
H.Mediation Specifics13
I.Fair Hearing18
J.Fair Hearing Decision and Appeals29
13Filing a Complaint
A.When to File a Complaint2
B.Where to File a Complaint3
C.What to Include in a Complaint4
D.What Happens When You File a Complaint5
14Lawyers and Legal Research
A.How a Lawyer Can Help2
B.Do You Need an Attorney?2
C.Finding an Attorney3
D.How Attorneys Are Paid8
E.Resolving Problems With a Lawyer11
F.Doing Your Own Legal Research11
G.Online Legal Research16
15Parent Organizations
A.Join a Parent Organization2
B.Form a Parent Organization3
Appendices
1Special Education Law and Regulations
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act & Key Sections2
IDEA Regulations (Key Sections)18
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Key Regulations)52
2Federal and State Departments of Education
Federal Department of Education Offices2
State Department of Education Offices4
3Support Groups, Advocacy Organizations, and Other Resources
General Resources on Special Education2
Parent Training and Information Centers4
Legal Resources on Special Education12
Resources on Learning Disabilities and ADD/ADHD13
Bibliography17
4Sample IEP Form
5Tear-Out Forms
Index

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