Reisman Carolla Gran

Education Law

We Are Available to Speak

Reisman Carolla Gran attorneys are available to speak to your organization or constituents on a wide variety of relevant disability topics. Regular topics include:

Current issues in Special Education
Preparing for your child's IEP meeting
What to do if you disagree with your school district
Advocating for and protecting your child’s rights under state and federal law to obtain extended school year services (ESY)
Obtaining reimbursement for private school placements
Discipline issues

There is no charge for speaking services. Contact the law offices now to schedule an event for your group.

Education Law

The attorneys at Reisman Carolla Gran are personally and professionally experienced with the special education process. We provide consultation and guidance regarding the legal rights of children with disabilites, requirements in connection with the development of an Individualized Education Program, and legal options when parents cannot come to an agreement with a school district. With over thirty combined years of litigation experience, we can, if necessary, pursue available remedies in administrative due process as well as in federal and state court.

Frequently Asked Questions

My school district is trying to expel my son. Can I prevent this if I agree to have him classified for special education?

It depends. All students, whether or not they are classified for special education, have rights against being disciplined unfairly. However, students with disabilities have far more protection against unfair discipline than non-disabled students. Consenting to classification may give you a better chance of preventing expulsion. Keep in mind that as a general rule, the fact that a student has been classified for special education is confidential information that the school district cannot disclose to other students or colleges.
Is it appropriate for the school district to come to an IEP meeting with the IEP already written?

Generally, no. All decisions regarding a student with a disability, such as what services the student requires and what placement the student will attend, must be made by the IEP team including the parents at an IEP meeting. It may be permissible for the District to prepare a "draft" IEP prior to the meeting to facilitate discussion, but only if all of the decisions regarding the final IEP are actually made by the full IEP team, including the parents, at the IEP meeting.
Are school districts responsible for providing social skills training?

Yes, if the student requires this due to a disability. Many disabilities, such as Asperger's Syndrome and Attention Deficit Disorder, impair students' abilities to act appropriately in social situations. For these students, the school district might have to provide more intensive services to teach social skills. For example, the school may have to provide a social skills group or counseling with a psychologist or social worker.
My school district told me that it does not have to provide any services if I do not sign the IEP. Is this true?

It depends. Parental consent is required only for the initial IEP. Even then the district cannot refuse to provide services indefinitely. The district must seek administrative approval of the IEP. After the first IEP, the school district must continue to provide services whether or not the IEP is signed. If you do not sign the IEP, the school district must wait fifteen days before providing the services described in the IEP. If the fifteen days go by and you have not requested mediation or a due process hearing, the school district can begin providing the services described in the new IEP.
If I anticipate a problem with my school district or some other agency providing services, should I see a lawyer before or after the problem materializes?

It's a good idea to meet with or talk to an attorney first. We find it helpful to review the case early and advise the client about the law. This is preferable to having to change a position taken which was not legally advisable.