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For those who like to hear the issues, here's audio! Enjoy!   http://choicemedia.tv/2013/06/10/reforms-proposed-for-special-ed-conflicts/

I''l be speaking at LegalForce Book Flip this Wednesday, June 12 at 6 PM. The topic will be Special Education Law---An Introduction to the Basics. It should be lively and fun. Here's the sign up. http://legalforce42.eventbrite.com/    

As loyal readers know, the AASA (American Association of School Administrators) recently wrote a report on reforming special education due process.   I believe they did a great public services in doing so--bringing this issue forward.  It's generated some controversy and discussion. It's been amazing to see the AASA cite our Massachusetts dispute resolution option--based on a jointly selected consultant--SpedEx, as a model going forward!   We in Massachusetts have had success with SpedEx [...]

http://www.aasaconnect.com/index.php?bid=20&BlogCategoryID=0&BlogEntryID=571&FormID=300

Go Massachusetts!  It's great to see that our innovative reform, SpedEx, has gone national! http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/05/08/30iep.h32.html SpedEx is an alternate dispute resolution model for parents and schools. It provides them with a jointly selected consultant who will assist them in resolving their dispute about the child's IEP (Individualized Education Program). SpedEx is child focused, trust-building, free-to-the-parties, and so far, a successful innovation! Please read [...]

If you read down to the bottom, you'll see me quoted about SpedEx andthe fact that no one is happy with the current system. This is a lawsuit to watch. http://www.mercurynews.com/education/ci_23161202/special-education-california-parents-lawsuit-could-force-expansion

In October 2011, CADRE sponsored it's 5th National Symposium on Dispute Resolution in Special Education. I was invited to present about SpeEx.  Since SpedEx has become so timely and national (see my last few blogs), I am happy to provide my material and this video. Enjoy! http://www.directionservice.org/cadre/freedmanvid.cfm In the intervening years, SpedEx has continued to be successful and grow (though it is still a pilot program) in Massachusetts.  For those of us who have been [...]

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2013/04/school_leader_group_proposes_c.html?print=1 I hope you have a chance to read this blog in Education Week. It summarizes the American Association of School Administrators recommendations to fix special education due process.  The AASA recommends four dispute resolution processes, including a consultancy model--and the end of due process hearings. Amazingly, Ed Week reports that the AASA cites our Massachusetts reform effort--SpedEx--as its [...]

In the long saga of education reform, with all its talk, writing, and action, special education has been largely absent. It stayed on the back burner. Reformers seemed afraid to touch it. Until now. The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) just issued an important, ground breaking, and controversial report, Rethinking Special Education Due Process.  http://www.aasa.org/headlinecontent.aspx?id=27966&showcontent=1 The AASA, the national organization of general and [...]

Here's a video, a few moments long.... of the children's school crossing signs exhibit at the Boston Children's Museum. Boston Children's Museum exhibit of international road signs. I hope you enjoy it. The video, made by Warren Zapol, cuts into the middle of my discussion about how this collection came to be. You'll see glimpses of many school crossing signs from around the world. It was a wonderful exhibit and I thank the Children's Museum for it. Boston Children's Museum exhibit [...]