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

As a parent, you may think your child needs a specific service or program.  Perhaps your belief is founded on some research you did on the internet or a conversation you had with a friend.  But how can you convince the school to implement these changes on your child's IEP?  If the school agrees with you, that's great.  But if the school begins to question your request or flat-out refuses to provide this service or program you need a plan.

First, remember that special education is all about meeting the unique needs of your child.  You must prove with evaluations, statistics, or statements from experts that your child will receive an educational benefit from the proposed service or program.   You must also be able to argue that without this service or program your child will not receive an appropriate education.  Avoid arguing your this program is "best" for your child, since the U.S. Supreme Court held in Rowley that the school is not required to provide your child with the "best"  education possible.