Special education: Public schools pressed to pay for private schooling -- chicagotribune.com:
"Parents of students with special needs have the right to seek reimbursement from their districts for private school tuition, even if they did not first try their public school's special education programs, according to the recent ruling.
'This is an extremely important decision,' said Matthew Cohen, a Chicago attorney who specializes in disability law. 'It makes it clear that school districts ... may be held legally liable for placements that the parents make on their own.'
The practical effect on districts is unclear. Some educators fear the ruling will strain already cash-strapped districts and pit parents against one another as they clash over scarce resources. But it's unlikely parents will flock to private schools because they have to pay the cost, then seek reimbursement."
"Parents of students with special needs have the right to seek reimbursement from their districts for private school tuition, even if they did not first try their public school's special education programs, according to the recent ruling.
'This is an extremely important decision,' said Matthew Cohen, a Chicago attorney who specializes in disability law. 'It makes it clear that school districts ... may be held legally liable for placements that the parents make on their own.'
The practical effect on districts is unclear. Some educators fear the ruling will strain already cash-strapped districts and pit parents against one another as they clash over scarce resources. But it's unlikely parents will flock to private schools because they have to pay the cost, then seek reimbursement."