Peter Wright, Wrightslaw: Special Education Law and You

Show #52 Conversation with Peter Wright, Part II

Peter Wright is a well-known attorney, specializing in special education law. He argued an important special education case, Florence County School District v. Carter, before the Supreme Court. This is particularly impressive, since Pete himself has learning disabilities, and talks openly about his struggles in school as a child.

Pete has also written many books, including From Emotions to Advocacy, Special Education Law, and No Child Left Behind.

In part II of our conversation, Pete and I talk about why we aren’t always using the best reading programs for kids with learning issues in public schools; why parents are so important in making sure kids get what they need, and why inclusion/segregation is more about the most appropriate learning environment for an individual rather than a system-wide one size fits all goal.

We have a song by Uncle Seth- Both Sides Now, followed at the end by a few minutes of “bonus” audio about parents and understanding the law.

I want to thank Cathlin, Tyson, and Michelle for their emails, questions and feedback, and encourage you to do the same!

Please email us with your feedback about shorter vs. longer shows, and any comments- ldpodcast@gmail.com, or call our voicemail line, (206) 666-2343. I’d love it if you’d consider leaving a review in iTunes for us as well.

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Show #27 The Academy in Manayunk

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Parents know one source of special education is the local public school. But if your child needs help but doesn’t qualify for services, or if you aren’t happy with the services or the progress your child is making, is there any alternative?

One of the options is to look at the growing number of private schools specializing in teaching children with language-based learning disabilities. The gold standard and original school to specialize in teaching children with learning disabilities is the Lab School of Washington, DC, started by Sally Smith. The school just recently opened a third affiliate in Philadelphia, The Academy in Manayunk. The Academy uses the Lab School Model to instruct children with language based learning disabilities on a college prep course of study, 2nd through 7 th grade. It also has a large commitment to instruct teachers, educators, parents, and the community about research-based instruction and how all groups can team together to make these children academically successful.
I know you’ll enjoy learning about the Academy from the Executive Director, Pat Roberts and Associate Director, Nancy Blair, themselves.