Department of Education (DOE) — Blog

We recently had a case regarding a student who withdrew from a NEST program in order to attend a private special education school. For those who don't know, NEST is a specialized program within the Department of Education (DOE) that is specifically intended for children on the Autism spectrum. The classes are all integrated co-teaching classes, and the teachers ostensibly undergo some proprietary professional development. NEST has long been considered the Cadillac of public programs for children with Autism.

Special Needs Education, Education LawMarc GottliebSeptember 3, 2024NEST Program, Private Special Education School, Department of Education (DOE), Autism Spectrum, Tuition Reimbursement, Bullying

The Careful Use of Verbal Vinegar

A good deal of any legal practice involves emails — so many emails. It’s a great way to communicate, if the person you’re talking to is operating in good faith. I recently had a frustrating email exchange with someone from the DOE who may not have been above board with what they were telling me.

Special Needs Education, Education LawMarc GottliebSeptember 13, 2023Legal Practice, Department of Education (DOE)

Is OATH Too Good at Its Job?

When the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH) took over most hearings at the DOE, it promised that it would stick to timelines. We thought that was promising, but it quickly turned into a case of, “Be careful what you wish for.”

Marc GottliebJanuary 3, 2023Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH), Department of Education (DOE)

Open Letter to Mayor Adams

As Mayor Adams forges full steam ahead with his cuts to the Department of Education (DOE), some faith-based organizations have joined parents attorneys in voicing their concerns. There is currently an open, Interfaith letter being circulated for signatures that articulates what many have been thinking.

Education Law, Special Needs EducationMarc GottliebSeptember 21, 2022Department of Education (DOE), Faith-Based Organizations, Interfaith letter, Public Schools, Mayor Adams

DOE: Using Your Senses Against You

Recently, I’ve spotted a new trend at impartial hearings: The Department of Education (DOE) seems to have only one litigation strategy.

Education Law, Disability Law, Special Needs EducationMarc GottliebMay 31, 2022Impartial Hearings, Department of Education (DOE), Litigation Strategy, Disclosure of Documents, Redirect, DOE Litigation Strategy

It’s Not a Perfect System, But We’re Here to Help

Recently we've been having a lot of parents reach out without real, specific goals of what they hope to accomplish. They’re feeling general sentiments of discomfort, confusion, and rage. These feelings are often directed towards the Department of Education (DOE), their local school district, or even a specific person in their school.

Special Needs EducationJonathan GottliebNovember 16, 2020Department of Education (DOE), State Educational Agency, Special Needs Child, Public School System, Tuition ReimbursementComment

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