Case Study: Student with Special Needs

Case Study: Student with Special Needs
Precious D. Jacobs
Grand Canyon University
EDA 555 Legal Issues in Education
October 10, 2012

“Live life to the fullest as you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” This cliché is one that is used as a way to encourage someone to achieve and do all that he or she may want to do today as they may not have the same capabilities or abilities to do them at a later date. Last year my current school enrolled a student name Zac that many did not know at the time was diagnosed and living with Multiple Sclerosis. Although he walked on the tips of his toes, it was not alarming to any faculty or staff member that taught or held a vested
It was then discussed with the mother that her Zac did not qualify for special education services as outlined by IDEA and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEIA). As she was adamant with her request, Due Process was granted to the mother. Zac had gone through a full evaluation with the school psychologist; all necessary documentation from teachers was provided as well as medical records. When results and required document were all placed together, it was still determined that Zac did not qualify for special education services requiring an IEP. However, the mom was tenacious in her request and took her request to the department chairs of the Special Education Department and Zac now has an IEP that has him as itinerant actual services are not being provided that were not covered under the 504. I am not sure of the parent’s reasoning for wanting her child to be placed and served under special education realm of education when her child clearly did not qualify. But I am appalled that the district would agree to grant the parent such mundane, unwarranted and in my opinion an unethical IEP and require that a teacher/case manager be required to do such. Many times districts fall prey to the litigious parents and instead of fighting the battle they