Special Education Law and Strategy 101

In this presentation, law professors Elizabeth Schiltz and Andrea Jepsen '06 J.D., who lead St. Thomas Law's Special Education Clinic, present the basic outlines of special education law, focusing on the federal and state laws and regulations governing the obligations of the states in educating children with disabilities. After laying the legal groundwork, they analyze common deficiencies in Individualized Education Programs ("IEPs” -- the blueprints that parents and schools are required to develop together to guide a child’s special education). They also provide practical tips for dealing with schools in developing and monitoring progress under a child’s IEP. This program focuses on working with a school district to (hopefully) avoid the need for the filing of complaints or litigation.