Tremendous changes have occurred over the past decade in the provision of services to students with disabilities. Federal mandates continue to define requirements for a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Additionally, there has been an increase in the number of lawsuits filed against school districts regarding the provision of educational services for students with disabilities. Case studies are a helpful way to understand these difficult issues. The case studies presented here are actual students eligible for special education and related services. The case studies are represented not to tell districts and parents that this is the only way questions about special education law can be answered, but to provide likely answers along with commentary for analysis. The cases were developed to help new (and experienced) special education leaders and supervisors survive the pressures of working with students with disabilities while working to provide appropriate services and prevent litigation.

David Bateman, PhD, is a professor of special education at Shippensburg University. He is a former due process hearing officer for over 580 hearings.

Jenifer Cline, MS, is Director of Compliance for the state of Montana. She has been a director of special education for multiple districts.

Jonathan Steele, Esq, is an attorney with Steele Schneider Law Firm, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Sean Fields, Esq, is an attorney with CGA Law, York, Pennsylvania.

Preface

Introduction

1. Case One-Sarah

Private school and a free appropriate public education

2. Case Two-Josh

Extended school year eligibility

3. Case Three-Calvin

Behavioral issues

4. Case Four-Marcus

Least restrictive environment

5. Case Five-Seth

Assistive technology

6. Case Six-Colton

Identification and changing schools

7. Case Seven-Billy

IEP implementation

8. Case Eight-Cole

Communication with school

9. Case Nine-Lola

Behavioral issues

10. Case Ten-Noah

Compensatory education

11. Case Eleven-Zachary

Autism/behavioral issues

12. Case Twelve-Maven

Mediation order implementation

13. Case Thirteen-Brandon

Child Find

14. Case Fourteen-DJ

Section 504

15 Case Fifteen-Allie

Compensatory education