Special Education Law Case Studies

David F. Bateman has a Ph.D in special education, and has worked as a state complaint investigator, mediator, due process hearing officer, and state review officer.Jenifer L. Cline has worked in special education for 25 years as a practitioner and special education administrator.

This second edition serves as the definitive foundation for targeted administrator professional learning, transforming professional development from passive 'sit-and-get' sessions into active, critical engagement with real-world case studies. By analyzing complex disputes through the competing lenses of administrators, school attorneys, and parent attorneys, the text challenges leaders to move beyond theoretical compliance toward rigorous, data-driven decision-making. It is an indispensable tool for special education directors, superintendents, and school leaders looking to develop the practical judgment and collaborative strategies required to build effective, student-centered programs for students with disabilities.

• IntroductionPart I: Foundations of FAPE and the IDEA FrameworkChapter 1: Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Virtual Learning(Curtis' Case)Chapter 2: Least Restrictive Environment and Inclusive Education(Cecil's Case)Chapter 3: Compensatory Education and Long-Term Denial of FAP(Megan's Case)Chapter 4: Tuition Reimbursement for Unilateral Private School Placement(Helen's Case)Part II: Evaluation, Identification, and Educational Decision-MakingChapter 5: Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) and Parental Rights(Chrissy's Case)Chapter 6: Extended School Year and Educational Regression(Ben's Case)Chapter 7: Disproportionate Identification Of Minority Students(Tim's Case)Part III: Programming and Instructional DisputesChapter 8: Transition Services for Post-Secondary Education(Brian's Case)Chapter 9: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Disputes(George's Case)Chapter 10: Autism and Private School Placements(J.R.'s Case)Part IV: Discipline, Behavior, and Student SafetyChapter 11: Manifestation Determination Review (MDR) And Behavioral Intervention(Kai's Case)Chapter 12: Restraint And Seclusion of Students with Disabilities(Ryan's Case)Chapter 13: Discipline of Students with Disabilities and Section 504 Violation(Steve's Case)Part V: Confidentiality, Rights, and Emerging Legal IssuesChapter 14: FERPA and Student Data Privacy(Ally's Case)Chapter 15: Covid-19 and Compensatory Services(Brooke's Case)Chapter 16: Conclusion: Lessons for School Leaders from Special Education Litigation