Graduation Requirements for Students during COVID-19

Elise Harmening April 27, 2020

Governor J.B. Pritzker updated the School Code by Executive Order on April 24, 2020, modifying, in part, the requirements for High School Graduation. This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. The relevant sections include: Section 8. The following provisions of the Illinois School Code, 105 ILCS 5/1-1 et seq., requiring certain assessments and courses for twelfth grade students, are suspended: 105 ILCS 5/2-3.64a-5(c)

Education Law, Family Law, Miscellaneous
child, district, education, illinois, illinois school code, kid, parent, resource, resources, school, school code, school discipline, special education, student, teacher

IEPs vs 504: What’s the Difference?

Elise Harmening October 9, 2019

If you have a student, then you already know that there are a lot of important academic decisions that must be made, like which classes to take, which extra-curricular activities to join, and, if your student has a disability or special needs, you may be wondering which specialized education plan is right for them. When working with a school to create a special education plan, there are two documents you can choose from: an IEP

Education Law
504, advocate, child, disability, education, eligibility, IEP, illinois, illinois school code, learning, parent, school, school code, special education, student, teacher

Undocumented Student Resources

Elise Harmening August 5, 2019

A college education can unlock many doors and offer a bright, secure future to those seeking a degree. However, many undocumented students face unique challenges when applying for college and seeking financial aid. Some undocumented students may even assume that, due to their citizenship status, they are unable to attend college. However, that could not be further from the truth. There are many resources, organizations, and laws that exist for undocumented students seeking a higher education. Earning a college

Transgender Students’ Rights

Elise Harmening July 5, 2019

School can be tough; friends, homework, and pop quizzes can all be sources of stress in a student’s life, but worrying about whether a school will respect gender identity should never be one of them. Transgender students, like all students, have legal protections when it comes to their rights in school. If you have a child in your life who is transgender, familiarizing yourself with these rights can help you and your student make the most out

Resources for Autism

Elise Harmening January 25, 2019

I get questions all the time about resources for students with Autism from a patient and compassionate hairdresser to better in-home services, and of course, school suggestions. I do not have a partnership, nor am I endorsing any one of these resources, but merely offering a place to collect and disperse the information. Let me know if you have anything to add or comments about what was already listed! Autism Speaks Resource Guide–> Offers state-by-state