Graduation Requirements for Students during COVID-19

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)

IEPs vs 504: What’s the Difference?

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

Resources for Autism

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

Quick Guide-Education Law Updates

This is NOT an exhaustive list nor legal advice. This is round 2 of the series! If you are looking for more new laws, check out the previous post on family law HERE. If you have questions about how these laws may impact you and your family, feel free to reach out to Harmening Law! Overlap: There are a few things that are really important for families to know, and overlap with my last post.  Those include