EDUCATION LAW CENTER FILES SPECIAL EDUCATION AMICUS BRIEF IN THIRD CIRCUIT

The Education Law Center, along with the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates ("COPAA"), filed an amicus brief in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in A.G. v. Wissahickon School District. The brief addresses the critical need for providing children with disabilities an education in the least restrictive environment ("LRE"), as mandated by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The brief cites the extensive empirical research which demonstrates that an inclusive education promotes independence and self-sufficiency for students with disabilities, and results in myriad social and academic gains for students with disabilities, as well as for their peers who do not have disabilities.

NJ CHARTERS: WORTHY OF THE HYPE?

Dr. Bruce Baker of Rutgers University analyzes the performance of NJ charter schools. While some do well, charters overall are ranked among the lowest, performing far below suburban and middle class public schools, and at levels comparable to schools in the poorest districts. As the State moves to fast track charter expansion, Dr. Baker's commentary is a Must Read. See Analysis ....

STATE TURNS ITS BACK ON RURAL SCHOOL CHILDREN

In Court-ordered needs assessments of 16 rural school districts, NJ Education Commissioner Davy concluded that the districts must rely on the new state aid formula, even though the Legislature failed to fund the formula in 2009-10. The Commissioner also rejected the districts' urgent plea for relief, telling the districts to await the outcome of future school consolidation studies. Read More ....

URBAN SUPERINTENDENTS SEEK CHANGES IN NEW SRA GUIDELINES

New Jersey’s Urban School Superintendents have asked the Department of Education (NJDOE) to revise new guidelines for the Special Review Assessment (SRA) for the 2009-10 school year. The guidelines could have a major impact on NJ’s graduation and dropout rates. Read More ....

TIME TO RESTORE, EXPAND, ABBOTT REFORMS

In the face of mounting evidence of student progress in New Jersey's high needs public schools, it's time for State education officials to move quickly to restore and expand the landmark Abbott reforms. Read More ....

UPCOMING VINELAND WORKSHOP TO PROMOTE PARENT INVOLVEMENT

On October 19, Lauren Hill, director of ELC's Camden Initiative, will speak to Vineland parents at the Dana Barse School there about the importance of parent involvement in education. Representing ELC and the Our Children/Our Schools Campaign, Hill will also discuss current education issues. Read Flyer and Registration Info ....

EDUCATION LAW CENTER TO CO-SPONSOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TRAINING FOR PRO BONO ATTORNEYS

The Education Law Center is co-sponsoring a full-day "Children’s Special Education Advocacy Training" for pro bono attorneys on Monday, November 2, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., at the New Jersey Law Center in New Brunswick off Ryders Lane. Read More and See Brochure ....

STATE MUST INTERVENE TO ELIMINATE JERSEY CITY PRE-K WAIT LIST

ELC is calling on NJ Education Commissioner Lucille Davy to immediately respond to a report that over 100 three- and four-year old children in Jersey City are waiting to be enrolled in the district’s Abbott preschool program. Read More ....

ELC BOARD CHAIR AND SENIOR ATTORNEY FEATURED IN SPECIAL EDUCATION LAW SEMINAR

The New Jersey Institute for Continuing Legal Education ("ICLE") has again tapped ELC’s expertise in special education law for its upcoming annual seminar on the latest developments in regulations and case law affecting special education. Read More ....

ELC LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE INITIATIVE TO ADVANCE QUALITY EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN IN FOSTER CARE

Education Law Center has launched a Foster Care Initiative to provide special education representation for children in New Jersey’s foster care system. Lauren S. Michaels, ELC attorney and Greenberg Traurig Equal Justice Works Fellow, will spearhead the initiative focusing on direct representation, advocacy training, and systemic reform. Read More ....

ADVOCATES CALL FOR SCHOOL FUNDING EQUITY IN RACE TO THE TOP INITIATIVE

The federal Race to the Top Fund reform initiative will not achieve its objectives of improving high needs districts and schools, and the educational performance of the nation’s low income students, without requiring states to provide adequate and equitable school funding. Read More ....

URBAN YOUTH RESEARCHERS REPORT ON NEW GRADUATION STANDARDS

On Aug. 22, the Urban Youth Research Initiative, including teams of youth researchers from Newark, Paterson, and Jersey City, released the findings of a statewide survey on New Jersey’s new high school graduation requirements. The survey found strong support for high standards for all students, but concern about the capacity of schools and districts to deliver the standards successfully and strong opposition to using new end-of-course exams to deny diplomas to students who otherwise meet graduation requirements. Read More ....