Product Description

Recent updates:

• Update: May 2024

  Dear Subscriber:

  Thank you for updating your library with the tenth edition of Special Education Law in Massachusetts. This latest version of the book brings updated resources within your immediate reach—for fast, accurate, and practical answers to your questions.

  Highlights from the many developments addressed in this edition include

  • a recent Supreme Court decision ruling that students need not exhaust their remedies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in order to pursue Section 504 or Americans with Disabilities Act remedies that are not allowed under the IDEA;

  • expanded guidance on the use of mediation and resolution meetings to resolve disputes at the Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA);

  • an updated BSEA standing order outlining the current procedures for electronic filing, including provisions for service on other parties and specific requirements for lengthy documents and hearing exhibits;

  • the treatment of personally identifiable information in BSEA proceedings;

  • the requirements of the BSEA "five-day rule" authorizing the exclusion of evidence that has not been disclosed in a timely manner;

  • notice requirements for parents seeking reimbursement for unilateral placements;

  • an amendment to Massachusetts Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15A mandating the retention of "files relating to the representation of a minor";

  • school districts' requests for indemnification in connection with settlement agreements regarding minor children;

  • updated references to Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and federal resources for special education practitioners and parents; and

  • requested waivers of compensatory services during a pandemic or other emergency disrupting educational services.

  We trust you will find this latest version of Special Education Law in Massachusetts an invaluable resource for your busy practice.

  Very truly yours,

  MCLE Press

Table of Contents

Chapter 01 expand

An Overview of Special Education Law

Buy Chapter

Daniel W. Ahearn, Esq.,

Checklist 1.1

- Special Education Eligibility Checklist Buy Form

Checklist 1.2

- Checklist for Examining the Independent Evaluation Option Buy Form

Checklist 1.3

- Services and Placements Checklist Buy Form

Checklist 1.4

- Checklist for Special Education Hearings Buy Form

Exhibit 1A

- IDEA Discipline Outline Buy Form

Chapter 02 expand

Practice Before the Bureau of Special Education Appeals

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Sara P. Berman, Esq., Bureau of Special Education Appeals, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Alina Kantor Nir, Esq., Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Checklist 2.1

- Checklist of the Basic Elements of a BSEA Expedited Hearing Schedule Buy Form

Exhibit 2A

- IEP Rejection/Nonresponse Packet and BSEA Mediation Options Buy Form

Exhibit 2B

- Hearing Rules for Special Education Appeals Buy Form

Exhibit 2C

- BSEA Standing Orders Buy Form

Exhibit 2D

- Hearing Request Form Buy Form

Exhibit 2E

- Notice of Hearing—Parent Inititated Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2F

- Notice of Hearing—School Inititiated Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2G

- Notice of Accelerated Hearing—Parent Initiated Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2H

- Notice of Accelerated Hearing—School Initiated Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2I

- Notice of Expedited Hearing—Parent Initiated Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2J

- Notice of Expedited Hearing—School Initiated Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2K

- LEA Notice of Hearing Buy Form

Exhibit 2L

- Advancement/Postponement Request Form Buy Form

Exhibit 2M

- Statement on the Effect of BSEA Decision and Rights of Appeal Buy Form

Chapter 03 expand

Advocating on Behalf of Students and Parents

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Robert K. Crabtree, Esq.,
Eileen M. Hagerty, Esq., Kotin, Crabtree & Strong LLP

Checklist 3.1

- Checklist of Questions for Initial Review of Client’s Records Buy Form

Exhibit 3A

- Sample SPED Intake Form Buy Form

Exhibit 3B

- Feedback from BSEA Hearing Officers Buy Form

Chapter 04 expand

Advocating on Behalf of School Districts

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Rebecca L. Bouchard, Esq., Chicopee Public Schools

Checklist 4.1

- Specific Areas of Need to Be Considered in Developing IEPs for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder Buy Form

Exhibit 4A

- Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2014-1: DSM-5 Changes and the Impact on Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Buy Form

Exhibit 4B

- Technical Assistance Advisory SPED 2007-1: Autism Spectrum Disorder Buy Form

Exhibit 4C

- Transition Planning Form (TPF) Buy Form

Exhibit 4D

- Chart Showing Options for Disciplining Children with Disabilities Buy Form

Exhibit 4E

- Chart Showing Requirements for “Removals” Under 1999 IDEA Regulations Buy Form

DEI Commentator(s)

Author(s)