The Law Office of Lillian E. Wong
A Massachusetts Special Education Attorney

Massachusetts' Inter-District School Choice Program allows a parent to enroll his or her child in a school district that is not the child's home district.  You do not need approval from your home district.

Only certain districts accept school choice.  Find which districts are accepting new enrollments here.

If more students apply for school choice than there are spaces available, the district will hold a lottery.  A sibling of a child currently attending school in another district under school choice will receive preference in the admission's lottery.

Once your child is accepted into another district under school choice, he or she is entitled to attend the district's school until high school graduation.  You do not need to reapply each year.

Transportation is NOT provided for students attending another school district under this program.

School choice is also available under the Federal No Child Left Behind law.

If you need help with school choice in Massachusetts, contact education attorney Lillian E. Wong today.

When it comes to School vs. Parent  legal disputes, it's not a fair fight.  Schools budget for education legal services,  parents do not.  Schools have attorneys on retainer, parents do not.  Schools are ALWAYS represented by lawyers at due process proceedings.  Most parents find it extremely difficult to afford representation. 

Are you interested in how much your school district is paying their attorneys for special education representation?  It's all there in your school committee budget.  The budget also contains information about the number of students in out of district placements, how much the school is spending on assistive technology, and a lot of other interesting information.

If you are looking for a special education help in Massachusetts, contact Boston area lawyer Lillian E. Wong today.
 

Under IDEA, your child is entitled to:

A "Free Appropriate Public Education" (FAPE) in the "Least Restrictive Environment" (LRE).

An initial eligibility evaluation and thereafter, a yearly reevaluation.

An independent evaluation at public expense if you disagree with the school district's evaluation.

A written individualized education program (IEP).

An education as close to home as possible and in the school he or she would attend if not disabled.

Support services, called "related services," such as a one-on-one instructional aide, speech-language pathology, psychological services, physical and occupational therapy, therapeutic recreation, transportation, and school nurse services.

Assistive technology such as a communication system, computer, or spell-checker.

Placement in a private school at public expense if the public school cannot provide a "free appropriate public education."

A transition plan and services.

If you need help advocating for your child's educational rights contact Boston area special education lawyer Lillian E. Wong today.

This is the third part of an eight-part series, "Top Flaws of IEP/504s and What You can Do About Them"

The Problem
My expert thinks my child needs a certain accommodations and services, but the school disagrees.  Isn't the expert more qualified than the school?


What You Can Do
Just because the expert has more experiences or qualifications than school officials, doesn't mean that the expert's recommendations must be followed.  The law doesn't require the school to implement expert recommendations, but the IEP/504 team must "consider" them.  How can you turn consideration into implementation?  Provide the team with the expert's report ahead of time.    This allows everyone to read the recommendations before the meeting.  If at all possible, have the expert attend the IEP/504 meeting.  If actual attendance won't work, request that the expert participate by phone.   Either way, it is essential to allow experts to explain their recommendations to the team and to answer any questions the team might have.

If you need help advocating for your child's educational rights contact Boston area special education lawyer Lillian E. Wong today.

Special education law is comprised of federal and state statutes, regulations, and case law. 

Statutes
The most important statute is the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).  Other relevant federal statutes include Section 504 of the Individuals with Disabilities Act and No Child Left Behind.  In Massachusetts, Chapter 71:B of the General Laws governs. 

Regulations
Federal and state educational agencies publish their interpretations of the statutes in regulations. 

Case Law
Case law is created when state and federal judges interpret statutes and apply them to individual controversies creating precedent.

If you have questions about special education in Massachusetts, contact Boston area lawyer Lillian E. Wong today.

This is the second part of an eight-part series, "Top Flaws of IEP/504s and What You can Do About Them"


The Problem 

No matter what I ask for in IEP meetings, the school says no.  Sometimes I'm told what I'm asking for violates school policy.  Other times the school says I don't understand my child's needs.   How do I respond?

What You Can Do

Begin by explaining the reason for your request and why the status quo is not working.  Use examples.  Offer written documentation.  Try to persuade the team that your request is something your child needs, not simply something you want.     The law requires the school to meet your child's needs, but does not require the school to provide the ideal education.    If you are told that your request violates law or policy, politely ask for a written copy of that portion of the law and policy.  Sometimes school officials confuse "what is always done" with the law.  If the school is able to provide you with a copy of the law or policy, review it, and see if there is some reason why it should not apply to your child.   

If you need help advocating for your child's IEP and 504 rights, contact Boston area special education advocate Lillian E. Wong today.

This is the first part of an eight-part series, "Top Flaws of IEP/504s and What You can Do About Them"


The Problem
I don't see the point of attending IEP/504 meetings.  I barely get a chance to talk and when I do, I'm ignored. How can I get the school to listen to me?


What You Can Do
Always remember that as a parent you are an essential member of your child's IEP/504 team.  While the school is not required to implement every request you have, they are required to listen and consider your input.  One of the best ways to become an active member of the team is to ask questions.  After you ask a question, listen and analyze the answer.  Ask follow-up questions.  If you are nervous about talking in the meeting, type up your concerns an ahead of time and distribute the document at the start of the meeting.   If after the meeting you still feel ignored, send the team a follow-up letter documenting any remaining requests, questions, or suggestions.  

If you need a special education advocate in Massachusetts, contact Boston area attorney Lillian E. Wong today.