Course description: In this course we will conduct an in-depth study of the laws and regulations that govern special education and related areas of education law. The course will focus on key concepts of special education law, emphasizing the relationship between legal and practical considerations that come up in the classroom and school administration. We will look at the formal statutes and regulations that govern special education, but put most of our emphasis on how these laws are implemented in the real world, by looking at legal decisions, case studies and practical scenarios.

Course goals and objectives: Participants will: ? Increase their knowledge and understanding of special education law; ? Gain greater understanding of how and when to respond to legal disputes; ? Apply laws and regulations to practical classroom situations; ? Appreciate the breadth and limits of the law and how it affects students, parents, and education professionals. Course policies and expectations: The course will be taught in a lecture/discussion format, and full class participation is expected. You are encouraged to bring your own experiences to the discussions. Daily attendance is expected except in emergency situations. There will be daily readings, which you will be expected to incorporate into class discussions. If you need any accommodation for a disability or other special circumstance, please feel free to consult with the instructor. Course materials: All course materials will be available on-line. Course material listings with web addresses are attached. Course materials will include the texts of the federal special education laws (IDEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), selections from the federal regulations implementing these laws; the Vermont special education and related regulations; selected federal court decisions and Vermont Due Process hearing decisions.

Course requirements and evaluations: You will be expected to complete the following assignments: ? Class participation and discussion, for 40% of the final grade ? Project: Each person will research a specific area of special education law, and will present this information in a written summary and in a presentation to the class, for 30% of the final grade ? Final Exam: There will be an essay exam on the final class day, for 30% of the final grade Course topics: 6/17 Introductions; Overview of Special Education History and Laws 6/18 The US legal system and its Relation to Special Education 6/19 Child Find and Disability Determinations 6/20 Eligibility and Evaluations 6/24 FAPE 6/25 IEPs, Specialized Instruction and Related Services 6/26 LRE and Placement 6/27 Behavior and Discipline 7/1 Section 504 7/2 Teams and Parental Rights 7/3 Early Intervention and EEE 7/4 No class 7/8 Dispute Resolution 7/9 Special Education Financing and Other Support Systems 7/10 Presentations 7/11 Presentations Final Exam To be scheduled