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 huge win for parents, given that in this particular case, the parents twice requested an evaluation for sped services, and twice their child was denied eligibility.  I am sincerely hoping that this case will convince districts to fully evaluate and carefully review the evidence before deciding eligibility for sped.   In addition, if districts would begin to use their sped funding for supporting proven, research-based reading programs, it would be a great start to saving money on out-of-district placements and those very high district attorney’s fees.  Here’s hoping!

Diana

spedvocate@gmail.com