Section Four teaches you about special education law.
Scales As the parent of a child with a disability, you need to learn how to do legal research. If the school says, “The law says we cannot do what you ask us to do,” you need to research the issue independently. After you read the statute, the regulation, and a case or two, you will know what the law says the school can and should do. Knowledge gives you power.
To understand a legal issue, you should study three types of law:
* Statutory law
* Regulatory law
* Judicial decisions, also known as case law
Read the statute first. Next, read the federal regulation and your state regulation. The regulation usually expands on the statute. Then, read cases that interpret your issue. After you read the statute, regulations, and cases, you will understand the law about your issue.
Do not rely on legal advice provided by school personnel or articles written by others.
You must read the law. In the beginning, this is more difficult than having the law interpreted for you. As you read, the law will begin to fit together in your mind. When you know how the law is organized, you can find sections or regulations that are relevant to your situation.
