Wrightslaw

1. "All of this is new. I'm overwhelmed. Where do we start?"

Charles writes, "My son Daniel is 8 years old and in the second grade. He was diagnosed with learning disabilities and ADHD. He is in a self-contained reading class because he cannot read or spell."

"Although Daniel has been receiving special education services for a year and a half, his progress is minimal at best. We shared our concerns with the school and asked for additional services. We are not optimistic."

"All of this is new to us (even the Internet). A friend told us about your site - this is why I'm writing you. What information should I read to become a better advocate for Daniel?"

Charles speaks for an army of parents who are "new advocates" for their children. As you deal with the news that your child has a disability, you also enter the confusing, frustrating world of special education.

We wrote this "Wrightslaw Game Plan for New Parents" to help you sort through an overwhelming amount of information. What's important? What do you need to learn now? What can wait?

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2. Special Ed Advocacy Tutorial

This fantastic 8-part tutorial was written by Dr. Leslie Packer to help parents who want to advocate for their children.

You'll learn about the personal qualities of an advocate, basic legal rights under the IDEA and Section 504, Eligibility, Evaluations, Eligibility Meetings, Components of an IEP, Procedural Safeguards
(designed to protect your and your child's rights), and discipline issues.

The Tutorial includes sample letters and forms, a glossary of terms, and more.

Links to important resources.

Dr. Packer's site is filled with excellent information about different disabilities.

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3. Update on Teacher Lawsuit against Principal

On July 31, 1998, three teachers filed a lawsuit against their principal. After the teachers received a favorable decision from the U. S. District Court, the principal appealed to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.

On January 2, the U. S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit issued a decision in Fales v. Garst. The Court of Appeals attempted to balance the teachers' interest in freedom of speech v. their "employer's interest in promoting efficiency."

This case has generated intense interest for our subscribers. We asked the Court to send us a copy of the Complaint filed in the case. Read the Complaint for a story of ignorance, arrogance, betrayal, and revenge.

If you missed Pete's analysis of this important case, please visit our site.

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4. Free Shipping & Discounts in February Sale

If you are a parent, you represent your child's interests at the IEP meeting. You need to prepare for that IEP meeting ahead of time. If you are an advocate, educator or parent, you need to know what the law really says about special education rights and responsibilities.

If you've been planning to order WRIGHTSLAW: SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW, now is the time to act.

Harbor House Law Press is offering FREE SHIPPING on all Wrightslaw products through February 28! (No minimum order)

You can get the Deluxe Edition of WRIGHTSLAW: SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW (Retail: $39.95) for $34.95 - and save $5.00! The Deluxe Edition includes the Wrightslaw Companion CD-ROM (Value: $19.95)

Get a printer friendly copy of the February Sale

Visit our site for more details on how to order on line.

Visit our site for more details on how to order by toll-free phone, fax or mail.

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5. Subscription & Contact Information

The Special Ed Advocate is a free online newsletter about special education legal and advocacy issues, cases, tactics and strategy, and Internet resources. Subscribers receive announcements and "alerts" about new cases, events, and special offers on Wrightslaw books.

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Subscribe to The Special Ed Advocate

You can read back issues of The Special Ed Advocate in the Wrightslaw Newsletter Archives