News From Omaha Conference: Education Reform on Republican List of Priorities But Not a Top Priority

I have been really enjoying the excellent Tri-State Special Education Law Conference in Omaha. I'll have more reports in the coming posts.

But I did want to impart some important news. At the session on what is happening in Washington, Nancy Reder, Deputy Director of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education, reported that Representative Klein, the new Chairman of the House of Representatives HELP Committee has announced his priorities. Jobs is the issue at the top of the list. Education Reform is on the list but is much further down.

Among the subcomponents under education reform are: restoring local control, parent involvement, teacher effectiveness, and protecting taxpayers.

We will keep an eye on these developments as they unfold.
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You Be the Judge Part I - The "Answer"

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OK we have had many excellent emails and comments regarding you be the judge.  Frankly, I am convinced that the readers of this blog belong on the federal judiciary more than the current occupants of that bench.  We might be better served.

Concerning the answer given by the court, remember first of all that special education law is closer to metaphysics than it is to contract law.  Right answers are not to be found.  Ambiguity rules the day. 

The facts from this hypo were from the case of Thompson R2-J Sch Dist v. Luke P by Jeff & Julie P  540 F.3d 1143 (Tenth Cir. 8/29/2008).  There the court ruled that so long as the student made academic progress at school, the school district was not responsible for the student generalizing his skills to other environments under the Rowley FAPE standard.  

Here is the entire opinion.

So what do you think of the court opinion?  What do you think of the series you be the judge?

 We value your feedback.

Related articles

• You Be The Judge - Part I (specialeducationlawblog.blogspot.com)
• Big Changes to §504: Do They Affect Special Education - Part IV (specialeducationlawblog.blogspot.com)
• History of FAPE (brighthub.com)
• Free and Appropriate Education? (leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk)

Gerls Rock Tour Continues in Omaha

The final stop on my 2010 special education law tour will be Thursday and Friday at the Tri-State Conference in Omaha. I look forward to meeting blog readers and seeing old friends from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.

Please find me and say hello if you are in the neighborhood.

By the way- who else could make special education law rock? My powers are beyond your comprehension!
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Hint for You Be The Judge - Part I

Do these facts remind you of any reported decision?

The answers so far have been terrific. They really show the intelligence and the great SpEd instincts of the readers of this blog.

More soon.
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