Special Ed

I’m not in Mass so I can’t give you specific help.

THe best people to answer this would be people who homeschool special kids in your state (or better yet in your district). That they’ll work wihtkids in private school is a good sign but not a definite yes. Some states are pretty hard core — you are either in the schools, or on your own.

Home School LEgal Defense Assoc. might seem like an obvious place to go for advice, but their tactic is generally to stay away from the schools and go it on your own (having to do wiht their own philosophies about schools in general). So I’d get a different opinion. Actually I’d get a few opinions anyway — sounds strange since we’re talkng legalities but you really can get totally different interpretations of how things are done so you have to poke around ‘til you find it in writing.

http://www.gomilpitas.com/homeschooling/regional/Region.htm

has lots of information about support groups and legal stuff.

I’m in MA. The state laws in general treat homeschooling the same as private school. That being said, you would still have to check with your district. I was recently told by the director of sped in our district that they no longer provide services for homeschoolers (they used to.) I think this is a cost cutting measure and there were some exceptions like speach and O.T. Good thing I don’t want services from them or I would be rip roaring mad! I think school districts try to do alot of stuff that does not really go according to the intention of the laws and even some stuff that is downright against the law! If I felt strongly about it I would have argued with her. Instead I just gave her an, “Oh really?” with raised eyebrows.

I’m in MA. The state laws in general treat homeschooling the same as private school. That being said, you would still have to check with your district. I was recently told by the director of sped in our district that they no longer provide services for homeschoolers (they used to.) I think this is a cost cutting measure and there were some exceptions like speach and O.T. Good thing I don’t want services from them or I would be rip roaring mad! I think school districts try to do alot of stuff that does not really go according to the intention of the laws and even some stuff that is downright against the law! If I felt strongly about it I would have argued with her. Instead I just gave her an, “Oh, really?” with raised eyebrows.

Where can I find any laws pertaining to this?? We have had tons of trouble with the school district, it tooks us an entire year to get an IEP!! I would love to see if there is anything in writing that I can look at!!

Here is a link to the MA sped laws and regulations. I didn’t look through them and don’t know if you will find what you want.

http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr28/

You also might try giving the state dept. of ed. a call. Perhaps someone there can help you.

My younger son is receiving speech services from the PS —BUT what services is your child receiving? If it is OT, PT, speech services than yes, the ps must service the child. If it is reading help, math help–then no, that’s educational special services and those would not be continued.

The school cannot decide not to service hs’ed kids since they are considered in the same catagory as private schooled kids. I’m sure many ps are trying to pull the wool over parents eyes but if you know the law then it’s to your benefit.

carole