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A few thoughts about the Supreme Court decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County, especially in light of the one-sided reporting about this case; namely, that the student “won” (and by implication, the school district lost). See, for example, http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-scotus-schools-disabled-20170322-story.html; http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2017/03/22/521094752/the-supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-a-special-education-student In today's headline blare, the perspective of [...]

Jacobs reviews the Supreme Court decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County and asks what will change. It's a good and brief discussion, well worth reading! In her discussion, I was happy to see that Jacobs cites my views, including my belief that the decision seems both workable and reasonable for schools and parents alike and my hope that it'll help get us back to teaching and learning, not litigating and arguing. On that point, I would add that the Supreme Court gave deference [...]

And again, as far too often in our public education system, it's all about that pendulum swing—from one extreme to another. Hopefully, the Supreme Court’s Endrew F v. Douglas County decision yesterday will bring us back to center. The case is about how much benefit or progress a school needs to provide to a child with a disability. The Supreme Court overturned the 10th circuit decision that required too little—a program that is “merely more than de minimis.” Now, the Court [...]

My new book, Special Education 2.0--Breaking Taboos to Build a NEW Education Law is still #1 in NEW Releases in Disability Law and # 4 in Sales! I hope you'll take a look at it, especially as it is now available as a paperback and on Kindle. Amazon carries both! If you're looking for bulk orders--to get that long overdue conversation going--please check out the discounts on this website. In fact, if you order more than 35 copies, shipping is FREE. Again, I am grateful for your [...]

Special Education 2.0--Breaking Taboos to Build a NEW Education Law-- is # 1 in HOT NEW RELEASES in Disability Law on Amazon... and # 6 in sales today. Thank you all for your continued support. Now, I'd also appreciate your writing a review. So far, there is one excellent review. It would be awesome to have more. In gratitude, Miriam

I just came back from a successful speaking engagement at the AASA (American Association of School Administrators) Conference in New Orleans. My conclusion? I think the times they are achanging... One administrator wrote to me, "I do think we are moving to a new level of discussion around special education." I agree. My talk, Building a NEW general and special education system for ALL students, was visionary and thought provoking, yet also practical and fun. It [...]

I attended the AASA (American Association of School Administrators) Conference in New Orleans this week. Alas, it was right after Mardi Gras! Fun city! That the annual conference of superintendents of schools. I believe there were about 2000 attendees. Why was I invited? After all, I’m a lawyer, not a superintendent. I was invited to speak about my new book, Special Education 2.0—Breaking Taboos to Build a NEW Education Law. My session went well (more on that later). This [...]

I just read the New York Times piece, “Have we Lost Sight of the Promise of Public Education.” AND, it made me realize that it’s time to bring out my piece years ago, “One Radical Idea to Fix Public Schools.” It appeared in many TABs in the Boston area and again in Education News in 2011. How so? First, the Times piece that has garnered much response, been picked up by Diane Ravitch’s Blog—and here! The piece argues that the Betsy Devos confirmation and push for vouchers and what’s [...]

I am thrilled to report that the book is now for sale.  It was published yesterday and is already on Amazon.  I just ordered my very own copy which should arrive by Saturday. Please visit Amazon.com, buy the book, Special Education 2.0--Breaking Taboos to Build a NEW Education Law. If you like what you see, please write a review at Amazon.  That will help us get on the path of systemic reform for all students.

Dear readers, friends and colleagues,  I’m very excited to let you know that…. my newest book, Special Education 2.0—Breaking Taboos to Build a NEW Education Law, will be published on February 22. Stay tuned for more information. The book will be available on Amazon (including Kindle), ed311.com,  and on my website, schoollawpro.com. Thanks for your continuing interest and support for reforming education--especially special education.   Here's the book's front cover! ....and [...]