Understanding the Basics of Special Education Law

Presenter Information

• Tim Schwarz, Law Office of Tim SchwarzFollow

Brief Biography

Tim Schwarz began representing parents of children with special needs by founding the Law Office of Tim Schwarz in 2012. Before that, he worked at the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals Staff Attorneys’ Office. Primarily, Mr. Schwarz assists families advocate for appropriate special education plans from the public schools. He graduated from Emory Law School after attending the University of Chicago as an undergraduate. Mr. Schwarz is a member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates. He also writes the Georgia Special Education Law Blog.

Highest Degree of Presenter(s)

Tim Schwarz - Juris Doctor

Presentation Abstract

An experienced special education attorney will explain the basic concepts of special education law, including:

- The difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan

- The IDEA eligibility categories

- The process of evaluating, re-evaluating, and obtaining independent evaluations

- The steps in writing an IEP

- How to identify and create good goals

- Legal principles like "Least Restrictive Environment", "Childfind", and “Manifestation”

- The difference between the “best” plan and the “appropriate” plan

- How to judge whether a plan is legally compliant

Copyright

This work is archived and distributed under the repository's Standard Copyright and Reuse License (opens in new tab). End users may copy, store, and distribute this work without restriction. For all other uses, permission must be obtained from the copyright owners or their authorized agents.

Recommended Citation

Schwarz, Tim, "Understanding the Basics of Special Education Law" (2014). Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference. 43.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gapbs/2014/2014/43