The most common reason for special education referrals is a child's inability to learn to read. What unique legal issues arise in the provision of special education and related services to a child with reading failure? How do hearing officers and courts weigh expert testimony about the causes of a child's reading problems? What will be the legal impact of the No Child Left Behind Act on determinations of FAPE? In this 90-minute taped audio conference, special education school attorney Melinda Baird explores these and other related issues, focusing on the upcoming changes in the IDEA reauthorization affecting reading instruction and the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act.

Ms. Baird will address the following questions, and more:

• Do all children who are reading below grade level automatically qualify for special education and related services?
• Are all children expected to read at or above grade level as evidence of FAPE?
• Does measurable progress in reading ensure the delivery of FAPE?
• What evidence is important to hearing officers and judges in a reading case?
• What type of curriculum must schools provide to students with reading disabilities?