Representing Children and Families in Massachusetts in
Education, Special Education, and School Law Issues,
Personal Injury Representation, and Criminal Law
242 Wareham Road
Marion , MA 02738
ph: 508-748-2362
fax: 508-748-6836
mwturner
IDEA, 504, ADA,
Special Education encompasses services to those children, through high school, who require specially designed instruction and services due to a disability, no matter the type, to make effective progress toward their full potential in the areas of:
1) Academic education which can include vocational and life skills;
2) Development of social skills
3) Emotional dysfunction
The goal of Massachusetts Education, per
MGLc 69 section 1, is:
to educate all children to their full potential
Question
1) What is your child's potential?
2) Is the school system providing an education so he/she will achieve it?
If you can not answer these questions then he/she is probably not getting a proper education.
The law requires that public schools provide:
1) services and accommodations that will allow a child, with a disability, to attend and learn in the least restrictice placement,
2) were he/she can make efective progress based on the unique needs of the child.
These accommodations can take many forms, such as providing tutors or making private school placements.
Some children may need extra time to take required tests or materials to be enlarged so they can be read.
Because each child's unique needs are different, his or her need for special services will differ. Schools are required to make every reasonable effort to accommodate a child's needs.
Is your child making effective progress?
Do you know what his or her expeded progress is?
If you can not answer these question call us.
508-748-2362
In order to receive special education services a child must qualify. This is done via a "special education evaluation" performed by qualified school personal in the areas of suspected disability and then a meeting to see if there is a disability and if it effecting reasonable progress academically, socially and emotionally. If the childs needs cannot be met through various "accommodations" under the schools various programs or a "504 accommodation plan" then the child qualifies for an Individual Education Plan or IEP pursuant to federal and state law.
Evaluations can be confusing, do not be afraid to ask questions like
1) What grade level is my child function at in math, reading, writing, or spelling? If they give you and evasive answer or do not answer then the information is not good.
When you go to team meeting due you fell bullied, and afraid to ask questions?
Is you child being moved from grade to grade and not learning? Do you know how much you child should learn in a year?
Is your child massing the MCAS test but having trouble reading writing or in math?
We can help you understand your and your child's rights to and appropriate education so he or she can make effective progress based on the child's unique abilities.
Call us 508-748-2362
Copyright 2012 Michael W Turner Attorney at Law. All rights reserved.
242 Wareham Road
Marion , MA 02738
ph: 508-748-2362
fax: 508-748-6836
mwturner