Fighting for Students with Special Needs

Ensuring that every student receives a quality education is one of my top priorities.  To further this goal, I have introduced House Bill 1189 that will ensure that students with disabilities receive an individualized education plan (IEP) that is adequate and promotes learning and skills development.  H.B. 1189 would place the burden of proof on schools districts in special education due process hearings.  Under current law, students and parents bear the burden of proving that the IEP developed by the school district is inadequate.  It is patently unfair to ask parents to bear the burden of proof through an unfamiliar legal process, when many parents cannot afford an attorney, against an entire school district and its lawyers who are experts on the subject.   This is especially true for Maryland's most financially vulnerable students and their parents.  Please join me and the Maryland Coalition for Special Education Rights and Burden of Proof in asking members of the legislature to support HB 1189 and the companion Senate Bill 779.  Please email or write your senators and delegates today and ask them to support these bills.  READ MORE.