Covers IDEA and its accompanying regulations and analyzes cases involving procedural due process, assistive technology, disciplinary sanctions, dispute resolution, antidiscrimination laws, and special services entitlement.

Legal Issues in Special Education provides teachers and school administrators with a clearly written, well-organized, and understandable guide from the perspective of the practitioner without formal legal training. Even though over 50 percent of students with disabilities are now educated in general education classes, most teachers are not required to complete coursework in special education law and can unwittingly expose themselves and their schools to liability for violating the rights of students with disabilities. This practitioner’s guide explicitly addresses the major issues and legal complexities educators inevitably face when dealing with special education legal and policy issues. Using case-based learning to synthesize important legal concepts and principles from leading special education legal cases, this text guides educators, administrators, and parents alike toward a thorough understanding of, and the ability to navigate, many of the current and pressing legal concerns in special education.

"Educators need a source that is written in an easy-to-understand format. This book offers many examples of case law that can be applied to educational settings. It is a wonderful resource that covers a range of topics pertinent to teachers and administrators." —Carol Shiffer, Assistant Principal and 504 Coordinator Quincy Public Schools, MA A concise legal desk reference to help educators protect the rights of individuals with disabilities! The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act have greatly reduced discrimination based on race, gender, and disability. To act legally and responsibly, educators need to be aware of the requirements of these laws and how to meet them. This book offers an expert review of the rights and expectations of persons with disabilities. Section 504 and the ADA provides educators with an in-depth analysis of these laws and offers recommendations for practice. Chapters cover: Testing accommodations and educational access for students with disabilities The rights of employees with disabilities Legal considerations regarding parents and the general public Background information on defenses, immunities, remedies, and the legal system One of the few resources to focus specifically on the implications of Section 504 and the ADA for public K–12 schools, private schools, and postsecondary institutions, this essential guide helps educators ensure equity for all students.