In an age where pages of federal and state laws and regulations have great influence on school discipline and special education, it can be daunting to enter a realm where both are at issue simultaneously.
Area school administrators and teachers at a conference at Minnesota State University Thursday heard an expert on that realm talk about navigating some confusing territory.
It was part of the Midwest Regional Special Education Law Conference sponsored by MSU’s Department of Special Education, the Center for School- University Partnerships and the state Department of Education.
Jose Martín, a partner with the law firm of Richards Lindsay & Martín in Texas, focuses exclusively on disabilities issues and litigation affecting the schools. He works as a consultant for schools seeking help understanding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
One of the most common issues schools deal with, he said, is the decision to remove a student from school. This can come in one of two forms: short-term and long-term removals.
Short- term removal means a removal of a student from school for fewer than 10 days. Anything longer would be long term, which falls under a different set of rules and regulations.
The 10 days applies to each student, and Martín advises schools to use those days wisely. Why remove — or suspend for behavior reasons — a student for three days when you get the same result for two days?
“I don’t see what’s so special,” he jokingly told the group, “about that third day of watching TV and eating Oreo cookies at home.”
Also, removing a child from school — whether it’s in- school suspension or sending them home — can have negative side effects, especially if the student gets so far behind in class he can’t catch up.
“I’m failing for sure, there’s no sense in trying,” he said, taking on a possible persona of a student, “It’s cut up time.”
The conference was billed as the most comprehensive special education law conference in the Midwest, featuring nationally recognized experts.
Martín has a background in writing and journalism and has been published in magazines and journals on areas concerning the legal issues surrounding schools and special education students.
For more Free Press news go to http://www.mankatofreepress.com/
Email this article | Permanent link | Topstories news | Topstories news archives
Minnesota State
University, Mankato
Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544
© 2005-2013 Minnesota State University, Mankato. Minnesota State University, Mankato is a member of
Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system and an affirmative action/equal opportunity university.
