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ELC’s 2010 Agenda
Here’s the short version of what we hope to accomplish this year. For more information, see our agenda page.
- Keep Pennsylvania’s new school funding formula in place, and update it to better meet the needs of children with disabilities.
- Remove barriers to school enrollment and continuity, especially for children who live apart from their parents or are homeless.
- Improve early childhood and early intervention programs, especially for children with disabilities and others with special needs.
- Expand schoolwide positive behavior support programs, and reduce unnecessary suspensions and expulsions.
- Raise standards in our state’s alternative disciplinary schools.
- Limit the use of "seclusion," a dangerous technique currently applied to some students with disabilities.
- Ensure that state school reforms address the needs of English language learners.
- Support parent and student groups that are working to improve their schools.
- Develop new publications and training materials for parents, caseworkers, and others who work with children.
News & Action Items
- Back to School: Getting Enrolled
The Education Law Center has worked recently with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to educate school districts about enrollment policies and regulations. As the new school year begins it's important for schools and parents to understand the guidelines for enrolling a child in a public school.
Visit our Residency and Enrollment page for enrollment guides, factsheets, and videos — as well as information on what to do when you have an enrollment problem.
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State to child services provider: Compensate families
Following a month-long investigation, the Pennsylvania Department of Education recently issued its findings on a complaint against Elwyn, Inc. brought by the Education Law Center and the Disability Rights Network. Read more... - HB 704 passes PA House!
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted 173 to 25 in favor of House Bill 704, the bill on special education funding and accountability reforms. Thank you to everyone who made phone calls and signed our petition. To learn more about the legislation and next steps, go to http://reformspecialedfunding.org.
Read more news and updates from the Education Law Center on our News and Action Items page.
Publications and More Help
- New! Fairness in School Discipline in Pennsylvania: A Guide for Attorneys and Advocates Who Represent Students
- New! Getting Information About Your School: A Guide to Pennsylvania Laws on Open Meetings and Public Records
- Basics of Special Education Law Brochure for parents
- Right to Special Education Manual (2009A)
- Training Request Form.
- Browse and download ELC publications and training materials.
- Have a question about ELC services? Check our Frequently Asked Questions page for help.
- Find other agencies that can help you.
Calendar
For details on these events, visit our Calendar Page.
Thursday, August 26
The Report Committee of the Children's Work Group is holding a press conference to announce the release of its report, “Philadelphia Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness: Practical Strategies for Action." Read More...
Thursday, September 2
The Education First Compact will convene for the first meeting of the new school year, and it will feature guest speakers Lori Shorr and Sharon Tucker from the Mayor’s Office of Education. Read More...