Special Education Law Blog

Unusual Pattern of Gains and Failures in NCLB Test Scores

In Maryland there has been an unusual spike in test scores among public school students. Some of the increases are so high that questions are being raised as to whether the scores are valid. In particular an expert in  education policy stated:

" I think most people are trying to do the right thing," said Jack Jennings, president of the Center on Education Policy. "But the pressure to get results is enormous, and some people fail. Some people sin."

Apparently, Denver and Texas have also experienced remarkable reversals in test scores in its schools. Huntsville, Alabama elementary schools are showing incredible gains over last year as well, even though some of its high schools are still lagging. Bragging rights in Alabama go to  Birmingham where the majority of schools met most of their  NCLB goals. However, Springfield, Missouri fell short on its NCLB testing but that is ok with the superintendent because it was the students with special needs who fell short. However, state-wide in Minnesota more schools were not making the NCLB grade. This latest bit of information only makes the other state's data even more suspect since Minnesota is historically a state that invests a lot in education and achieves excellent results. Similarly Massachusetts and Pittsburgh schools are lagging on NCLB standardized. testing. The standard answer at least in Pittsburgh is that we generally are doing fine but it was those special education students that pulled us down.

Long Island, N.Y. Service Dog Case Finally Gets to Court

After quite some time the issue of the legality of the service dog a Long Island, N.Y. school district finally came to court before the Federal Court. The court heard  presentations of both sides and will make a ruling at a future date. From the news accounts it did not sound like either side took the high road in argumentation which unfortunately has been one of the hallmarks of this case.

Candidates Long on Rhetoric and Short on Details

Here is the latest summary from the candidates of their respective positions. They have sharpened their differences on vouchers (Obama-con and McCain-pro) but with precious little that relates to IDEIA or particulars on NCLB. The candidates could take a cue from some urban education leaders who are clearly calling for greater accountability under NCLB; no ambiguity there.

Savage Losing Big Advertisers

Home Depot and the insurance company AFLAC (the duck people) have pulled their ads from the Savage Nation radio program in protest over his comments last week regarding children with autism. If a few more major advertisers take a similar stand perhaps it will mean Michael Savage will be looking for a new job that requires his kind of finesse; perhaps there is an open seat at an IEP meeting near you.

NCLB Reauthorization

Here is the latest on NCLB reauthorization. Not surprsingly the NEA, teacher's union, would prefer to have the accountability in the Act relaxed. I am hoping for a private righ of action but I suspect that I will continue to have to just hope. I do not expect a new NCLB until after the election.

Nod to my friend, Sandy Alperstein for sending this link to my attention.

Broadcast Syndicate Supports Savage

The broadcast syndicate for Michael Savage's radio show has rejected pleas to fire or censure him accepting his flimsy excuse that he meant no offense.  The only way Michael Savage will go off the air is if enough people vote with their radio dials and turn off this unfortunate excuse for a radio commentator.

You Know You’ve Been a Parent of a Child with Special Needs Too Long When (Part I)…by Lori Miller Fox

As freeing as summer can seem while you’re anxiously anticipating its arrival, once into its unstructured midst, a parent can grow weary. The seemingly endless days, followed by the typical sleep-deprived nights, even if interrupted by a smattering of day camp or summer school, can make three months feel like three years. Please don’t misunderstand me, I’m not saying we should all long for the stressful start of the school year; I’m merely granting permission to acknowledge the battle fatigue of the summer. So to all those parents who feel a little “fatigued,” I offer the following validation:

Illinois Autism Insurance Bill Signed into Law

Today the pending Illinois House bill  4125 was signed into law to provide additional speech services to children with autism.

Announcing the National Forum on Disability Issues, featuring the 2008 Presidential Candidates/Surrogates

Here is the chance to finally have the candidates directly answer the questions that effect people with disabilities. Our issues generally are ignored or subsumed in other issues so now lets participate and have the candidate's flesh out their positions, at this decision-making time.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), a national disability nonprofit, organized this event along with over 80 sponsoring national, state, and local disability organizations. The non-partisan forum commemorates the 18th anniversary of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and addresses the issues most important to the disability community in the current electoral cycle.

 

Congressional Autism Caucus Blasts Savage Attack on Children with Autism

 

Washington, D.C. – July 18, 2008 – U.S.   Representatives Mike Doyle (PA-14), Chris Smith (NJ-4),   today criticized syndicated talk show host Michael Savage for his recent   comments disparaging families with autistic children and questioning cases of   autism spectrum disorders as frauds.