Last week, the Pennsylvania Legislature recognized November 29, 2025 as the 50th anniversary of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, known as the IDEA, with House Resolution 370. Meant to ensure children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education, the IDEA and its predecessor laws changed the game for special education students and their IEP teams. On … [Read more...] about 50th Anniversary of the IDEA: Golden Milestone for Special Education
IDEA
Graduation Requirements Under the IDEA
Graduation represents a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey, but for students with disabilities, it also marks an important juncture in their special education services. The IEP team plays a critical role in planning and ensuring students meet graduation requirements while addressing their unique needs under the IDEA. When Can A Student Graduate? Students with … [Read more...] about Graduation Requirements Under the IDEA
What Your Special Education Team Should Know About Extended School Year Services
Consideration of a student’s eligibility for Extended School Year Services (“ESY”) is integral to the provision of FAPE. School districts should be mindful of the timelines associated with the determination of ESY eligibility so that the IEP team is afforded ample time to analyze a student’s individual needs. What Is ESY? Extended School Year services (ESY) are services that are provided to … [Read more...] about What Your Special Education Team Should Know About Extended School Year Services
Three New Federal Cases Impact Special Education Evaluation Procedures
Three recent federal cases have given new meaning to the procedure in which Hearing Officers and Courts must evaluate Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims. On June 4, 2024, the Third Circuit addressed this issue with two cases: B.S.M. v. Upper Darby School District and Le … [Read more...] about Three New Federal Cases Impact Special Education Evaluation Procedures
Significant Third Circuit Victory Secured for Children With Disabilities
In a recent decision, B.S.M. v. Upper Darby School District, the Third Circuit ruled that the rights of children with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 are distinct from their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A school’s Child Find obligations may require evaluation under Section 504 even if a student was evaluated and … [Read more...] about Significant Third Circuit Victory Secured for Children With Disabilities
Applying IDEA and Section 504 in the Time of COVID
Recently, PDE’s Bureau of Special Education (BSE) issued guidance which states, “LEAs should work to ensure that a student receiving special education services is continuing to be provided with FAPE, as appropriate and reasonable for each student’s circumstances. Educational and related services and supports may need to be adjusted accordingly.” Services to be provided to students identified as … [Read more...] about Applying IDEA and Section 504 in the Time of COVID
