Course Information

738 20 A - Special Education Advocacy

Professor: Ruth Colker
Credits: 3
Semester: 2009 Winter
Second Writing? Yes
Seminar? No
Professional Responsibility? No

This three credit course primarily covers the law of special education as provided in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”). Students interested in learning about the Americans with Disabilities Act should take The Law of Disability Discrimination.

This course will be taught in conjunction with an attorney who practices special education law with Columbus Legal Aid, as well as in conjunction with professors in various allied health professions who specialize in assisting children with disabilities.

A primary emphasis of the class will be to teach students about the process under which students are identified as disabled and provided with Individualized Education Plans (“IEPs”). After receiving training on the IDEA and negotiation, students will be teamed with parents who are seeking assistance in developing adequate IEPs for their children. Students will not be engaged in the practice of law and will not need a third-year practice certificate to work with parents. The teams will consist of both law students and nonlaw students who have expertise in special education.

Enrollment in the class will be limited to twelve law students and eight nonlaw students who are engaging in graduate work related to special education. The course will count towards one credit of the Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution.

The final grade for this course will be based primarily on the student’s participation at an IEP meeting and a take-home final examination (which can be taken as part of a team).

This class will only meet two hours per week but students will be required to attend a Saturday training session which is likely to be held on February 7, 2009. They will also be required to attend an IEP meeting at some time during the semester.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.