http://www.spedvocate.com Sat, 15 Aug 2009 16:31:08 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Summer is a great time to stock up on free publications from the USDOE.  I have ordered many times from them -- it's free and I normally receive my material within 5 days!!! Here is their website: http://edpubs.ed.gov/Default.aspx I would suggest getting the basics -- you can order a CD of IDEA '04 ... http://www.spedvocate.com/?p=74 I have just added seven sample letters that are examples of how to request different actions from your child's school district with regard to special education.  They range from requesting the initial evaluation for special education services, to requesting a Functional Behavior Assessment for students whose behavior is interfering with ... http://www.spedvocate.com/?p=70 This week, the Supreme Court ruled that: 'Federal law authorizes reimbursements for private school tuition, even when a child has never received special education services from a public school, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today.' Here is the link from Education Week: http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/06/22/36scotusspecialed.h28.html?tkn=WYWFsKmbSaxctfTEay8oeZ3tiYO7xc6omnYY Here is the direct link to the decision: http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/08-305.pdf IMO, this is a ... http://www.spedvocate.com/?p=38 Even though I have been advocating for our children for the past five years, this website is truly a new beginning for me!  I hope you will bear with me as I build it into something that will help all parents of special children.  I intend to add links so ... http://www.spedvocate.com/?p=23 For most sped parents, we breathe a sigh of relief when the last day of school rolls around.  Whether it's been a good or bad year, we all look forward to the time when we don't need to worry about IEP's, homework battles, social issues, etc.  More importantly, it's great ... http://www.spedvocate.com/?p=1