LAW 363 - Special Educ Law & Advocacy

Special Education Law & Advocacy Special education litigation is exploding, resulting in three decisions from the U. S. Supreme Court in three years. Students in this multi-disciplinary course will learn about federal statutes and regulations governing the education of children with disabilities, their historical basis, evolution, and expected future developments. This course will focus on the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the No Child Left Behind Act, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. Students will learn about the disabilities, from visible physical handicaps like cerebral palsy, to “hidden handicaps” autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. Students will learn to use data from psycho-educational evaluations to determine a child’s unique needs, and whether the child is progressing and receiving a free, appropriate public education. This 3 credit course will be graded, with the grade determined through an examination at the end of the semester. Pre-requisite (or concurrent requisite in spring 2009) for Special Education Advocacy Clinic.