On July 18 and 19, 2024, educators, parents, legal professionals, and advocates joined both online and in-person to participate in AW Law’s First Annual Student Rights Conference. Hosted at The Childhood League campus in Columbus, Ohio, and the Corewell Health Southfield Center in Southfield, Michigan, this two-day event was carefully structured to cover a wide range of topics, with Day 1 focusing on special education rights and Day 2 broadening the scope to general student and parental rights.
Day 1: Special Education Rights
Day 1 of the conference kicked off with a deep dive into special education, offering invaluable insights for attendees navigating the complexities of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Presentations by AW Law attorneys and advocates, as well as local related service providers, equipped attendees with strategies to effectively collaborate with school districts to ensure their children receive the support they need. Sessions like “Walkthrough Sections of the IEP” and “Negotiation Tips & IEP Team Building” offered practical guidance on understanding Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and negotiating the best possible outcomes for students with disabilities.
A highlight of Day 1 was the panel discussion featuring representatives from various special education-focused organizations. This session not only provided a platform for these organizations to share their services but also offered parents a chance to ask questions and build connections that could support their advocacy efforts in the future. The day concluded with a networking reception, where attendees made valuable connections.
Day 2: Student and Parental Education Rights
Day 2 expanded the conversation to encompass broader issues of student and parental rights. AW Law Managing Partner Mark Weiker, Esq., opened the day with a compelling session on the challenges students face in navigating school discipline. This was followed by discussions on the evolving legal landscape of parental speech, the complexities of education record laws, and strategies for addressing bullying and harassment. Each session was designed to provide attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively for their students.
The conference also tackled contemporary issues such as the impact of social media on student lives and the legal challenges that can arise from its misuse. Sessions on topics like “Swipe Right: Legal Insights for Parents in the World of Sexting + Social Media” and “Title IX Sex-Based Harassment; School Obligations” were particularly relevant given the increasing role of social media in students’ lives. The conference closed with a discussion on school choice and special education scholarships, providing attendees with information on the various educational options available in Ohio and Michigan.
Overall, the Student Rights Conference 2024 was a success, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss issues affecting students today. Attendees left equipped with knowledge and resources to help them navigate the educational landscape and advocate effectively for their children’s rights. We look forward to the Conference’s continued growth in 2025!
This summary was written by Ohio education attorney, Renee Stromski, with Abdnour Weiker, LLP. If you need assistance with an education law issue, please contact us at www.Lawyers4Students.com