You asked for it......this episode is alllllllllll Angela! Join us as we break down Endrew v. Douglas and what it means for FAPE.

Endrew v Douglas

The USDOE considers Endrew to be such an important case they have devoted significant resources to unpacking the decision - you can find the whole discussion here:
USDOE summary of the case.  If you are interested in a brief summary, here is what USDOE has to say today:

"On March 22, 2017 the U.S. Supreme Court (sometimes referred to as Court) issued a unanimous opinion in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District Re-1, 137 S. Ct. 988. In that case, the Court interpreted the scope of the free appropriate public education (FAPE) requirements in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Court overturned the Tenth Circuit’s decision that Endrew, a child with autism, was only entitled to an educational program that was calculated to provide “merely more than de minimis” educational benefit. In rejecting the Tenth Circuit’s reasoning, the Supreme Court determined that, “[t]o meet its substantive obligation under the IDEA, a school must offer an IEP [individualized education program] that is reasonably calculated to enable a child to make progress appropriate in light of the child’s circumstances.” The Court additionally emphasized the requirement that “every child should have the chance to meet challenging objectives.”

The Endrew F. decision is important because it informs our efforts to improve academic outcomes for children with disabilities. To this end, the U.S. Department of Education (Department) is providing parents and other stakeholders information on the issues addressed in Endrew F. and the impact of the Court’s decision on the implementation of the IDEA. Because the decision in Endrew F. clarified the scope of the IDEA’s FAPE requirements, the Department’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) is interested in receiving comments from families, teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to assist us in identifying implementation questions and best practices. If you are interested in commenting on this document or have additional questions, please send them to OSERS by email at [email protected]."

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Listen in as Angela, Robin and Abby sort through the similarities and differences between PTO and School Sponsored activities. Learn more about what needs to be accommodated and what does not based on the ADA and special education compliance requirements.

Here is a sample letter to notify your PTO of their responsibilities under the ADA.

Here is a link to the American Diabetes Association ADA Q and A which applies to other students as well.

In 2013 the Office of Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague letter that is linked here specific to participation in afterschool activities. It is linked here.

Here is a link to a Q and A related to child care centers and the ADA.

Check out this website for an organization that consults to PTOs for ADA compliance.

Happy Listening!

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The decision to move to a "functional curriculum" is fraught - for teachers, specialists, administrators and especially, for parents.  During this episode, Robin, Abby and Angela consider ways to help teams discuss moving from an academic track to a functional academic track.  Pros and Cons abound and communication can make or break a Team's trust in the process and have a major impact on Student programming.  Listen in while Angela, Robin and Abby unpack the dynamics and discussion points Teams should consider when considering the move to a functional curriculum.  Check out this resource from the Indiana Institute on Disability and Community to get a sense of the universe of curriculum choices available.

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Welcome to the back end of season 4! Join Abby, Angela and Robin as they review how to handle the most common IEP rejections. The editing program was a little wonky this week- sorry! Also Angela's ending was too good to edit :) 

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It's time for our mid-season break! But first, who loves those fun Facebook polls? We do- so get to know us a little better.  Be back in 2024!

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Tune in this week to hear Robin, Angela and Abby respond to a listener question about how to work with professional advocates.  The discussion ranges from the logistics and details of how to incorporate an advocate into the dialogue to the emotions and feelings that advocacy can raise in school staff.

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During this episode, Robin and Angela talk about how to manage severe food allergies in school.

MA DESE guidance
FAACT- 504 guidance

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Join Robin, Abby and Angela as they discuss emergency removals and the latest discipline stats from the Discipline and Behavior Blog Series from the OSEP website.

Discipline and Behavior -Blog Series
Discipline Dear Colleague Letter (2022)
5 Action Steps To Reduce exclusionary discipline
Resources (keep digging through the links!)
Valerie C Williams

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The recent events in Israel left

This week's episode is a reminder to listen to S2 Episodes 18 and 19 for tips on how to speak with students about difficult events.

Talking to students about crises
Planning ahead for emergencies

Greater Good: How to talk with your child about the war in Gaza and Israel

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