Suzanne M. Gall, LLC-Oregon Special Education Attorney

08/12/2020

Now that it looks like Oregon schools will be starting the school year online, here are some tips for making the transition.

The move to online classes is happening at many colleges due to the Coronavirus. Although this may work for social distancing measures, it creates issues for those with learning disabilities. Often, this move to online classes is a very sudden one with little time to prepare. Confusion occurs about....

07/29/2020

Portland Public Schools announced plans for Fall 2020:

Portland cases need to decline before schools can open for in-person learning.

07/16/2020

Now is the the time to explore how technology can facilitate social interactions, foster independence, and engage in small group instruction for students with disabilitites. A little creativity and letting go of the way things used to be can enable meaningful access to education--not just the academics, but also the social emotional piece that can sometimes be forgotten.

"Schools cannot provide access to students by putting together makeshift distance learning plans that are simply compliant with guidelines without thoughtful consideration for how each student’s needs are being met," says the mother of a special-needs student.

07/16/2020

Over 50 organizations nationwide have partnered to provided resources and tools to help ensure the inclusion of students with disabilities as districts make plans to reopen schools. Although this site is specifically targeted to provide resources and planning support to school administrators as they prioritize inclusion and equity in the planning process for reopening, it is also helpful to help understand the issues districts should be working through as the school year approaches.

STUDENT AGENCY: How can we engage students in an ever-changing world by providing opportunities to grow as lifelong learners, original thinkers, and collaborators on tough challenges?

07/15/2020

Here is a list of tentative re-opening plans by school district. As of now, the majority of districts plan to offer families a choice: online or a hybrid version of return to school.

With the coronavirus pandemic still impacting Oregon and Washington, many school districts say it hasn't been easy coming up with a plan on how to safely get students back in the classroom in the fall. Some are coming up with several options for students and Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said on Monday, Ju...

07/13/2020

In the current environment, many students with disabilities are not receiving appropriate supports and instruction. Compensatory education is the remedy in these instances. The purpose is to put the child where he or she would have been if the school district properly delivered services and instruction. Here is a statement from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA) on compensatory education in response to school districts' argument against providing such instruction. Suzanne M. Gall, LLC can help your family approach the school to address the challenges your child is having with distance learning.

07/13/2020

Has your child been diagnosed with or do you suspect your child might have ADD or ADHD? If so, this article may resonate with you. My office can help you navigate the process of getting appropriate supports in place to set your child up for success.

“My teacher is so mean. She doesn’t like me.” If your child has ADHD, you know that “mean teachers” are rarely cruel on purpose. But sometimes their lack of knowledge and training on ADHD means that they have expectations — and comments — that are wholly inappropriate and/or unhelpful ...

07/12/2020

PPS has announced a tentative back to school plan.

Portland Public Schools shared a tentative plan for what the fall term could look like on Saturday. The 2020-21 school year will start on September 2.

07/11/2020

Beaverton School District's announcement on reopening.

Parents are getting a clearer picture of how some schools and districts hope to bring students back this fall. Beaverton School District said they will have a comprehensive plan soon. Right now, that's based on two paths: students can return to classes in-person, or attend them online. Those going b...

06/23/2020

Yesterday, OSEP released further guidance on how restrictions affect the due process hearing process. This reaffirms IDEA procedural safeguards are alive and well. I expect additional information will be provided as schools figure out what the fall will look like.

06/16/2020

Below is a link to a webinar sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers if you have an extra hour and are interested in what state leaders are being told about how to support families and school districts with policies and best practices in response to COVID-19.

06/14/2020

The education landscape will change for all students. This podcast from The Daily captures the enormity of this change for one teacher. It's worth a listen.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/12/podcasts/the-daily/teaching-coronavirus.html

Protecting the rights of students with disabilities is this firm's mission. If you have questions about whether your school district is providing appropriate supports, services and instruction for your child, please reach out: 503.974.6526 or [email protected].

A teacher in Columbus, Ohio, on the crisis in education and what comes next.