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

Undocumented Student Resources

A college education can unlock many doors and offer a bright, secure future to those seeking a degree. However, many undocumented students face unique challenges when applying for college and seeking financial aid. Some undocumented students may even assume that, due to their citizenship status, they are unable to attend college. However, that could not be further from the truth. There are many resources, organizations, and laws that exist for undocumented students seeking a higher education. Earning a college

Transgender Students’ Rights

School can be tough; friends, homework, and pop quizzes can all be sources of stress in a student’s life, but worrying about whether a school will respect gender identity should never be one of them. Transgender students, like all students, have legal protections when it comes to their rights in school. If you have a child in your life who is transgender, familiarizing yourself with these rights can help you and your student make the most out

DCFS Indicated

Now what? This is not a substitute for legal advice. This is legal information. This does not create an attorney-client relationship. This can be an extremely emotional and tense time.  It is important to keep the emotions separate and do your best to think clearly at this moment. There are strict deadlines and timelines for folks who want to appeal the decision by DCFS. If you go beyond those strict deadlines, you will likely be

Suspensions: Quick Guide

There are a few facts everyone should know about suspensions–spread the good news!  There are many “unofficial” or “undocumented” suspensions that districts may employ without your knowledge. Calling home: If the school calls you to pick up your child for a behavior issue, this is technically a suspension.  There are a limited number of times/days a student can be suspended under the Illinois School Code–keep track. “Go to the office”: One of the most common