EDUCATIONAL CONSULTING AND EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES FOR PARENTS, ATTORNEYS + SCHOOLS
Our educational consultants help parents, guardians, attorneys and public and private schools understand and navigate the world of k12 and higher education. Our consultants offer a wide range of services tailored to our clients’ specific needs.
MEET OUR CONSULTANTS AND EXPERT WITNESSES:
Liz Abdnour, Attorney (OH, MI)
Mark Weiker, Attorney (OH, MI, PA)
Ruth Pack-Adler, Attorney (OH)
Danielle Randolph, Educational Advocate (OH, MI, PA)
CONSULTING: We serve as consultants to parents and guardians to help them understand their educational options in both regular and special education. We also work directly with public and private schools to draft and implement policies that protect students and employees (such as Title IX, bullying and harassment, and student codes of conduct).
EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES: We serve as expert witnesses for parents and attorneys in order to provide legal clarity on a variety of education-related issues, including but not limited to school choice, special education, post-secondary transition and in relation to shared parenting and educational placement agreements.
Specific areas in which we can help:
Understanding k12 School Options:
Navigating the various school choice options available in Ohio can be confusing. Consultants Mark Weiker and Danielle Randolph will provide you with clear and concise explanations of the different programs, including public schools, charter ("community") schools, online schools, private ("nonpublic") schools, and homeschooling. We'll help you understand the benefits, requirements, and application processes for each option, empowering you to make well-informed choices.
Exploring Available Education Funding:
Ohio offers various funding mechanisms for both public and private schools, including the EdChoice Scholarship for participating private schools, the Jon Peterson Scholarship, the Autism Scholarship, Ohio Afterschool Child Enrichment Educational (“ACE”) Savings Program, district-placement for students with disabilities, as well as variable options for interdistrict and intradistrict open enrollment, among other options for parents and guardians to consider. We can help you understand these options in order to make an informed decision.
School Visits and Tours:
Touring a school in person is essential to gauge the atmosphere, teaching methodologies, and overall suitability for your child. We'll help arrange visits and tours to the schools on your list, allowing you to experience the learning environment firsthand. We can tour with you as well, if desired. Our consultants will also assist you in preparing the appropriate questions to ask, ensuring you gather all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Support for k12 and College Students with Disabilities:
We understand that advocating for your child's educational needs can be challenging. Our consultants can support you throughout the process, whether it is helping you select the appropriate school placement, understanding your rights, assisting in developing an IEP or securing accommodations in school or college. We are committed to ensuring that parents understand all of the funding and placement options for students -- and making sure that students receive all the support they are entitled.
Homeschooling Consulting:
Danielle Randolph, our homeschooling consultant and a homeschooling parent herself, can help you explore homeschooling as an option, including measuring the feasibility for your family and reviewing the parent notice and student assessment requirements in Ohio. Consulting can also continue as you homeschool your child(ren), so that you have access to information and resources as you go.
Ongoing Guidance:
Our relationship doesn't end once your child is enrolled in a school. We offer ongoing support and guidance, addressing any concerns or challenges that may arise in the general education or special education context. Whether you need assistance with academic support, receiving accommodations, addressing behavioral issues, or exploring extracurricular opportunities, we can be available on an ongoing basis to help your child thrive.
Expert Witness Reports:
Through expert reports and testimony, our education professionals can help the court and parties better understand issues related to educational options and school-side obligations. We can help in domestic-relations matters, special education hearings, juvenile court proceedings, or in civil litigation, among other forums.
Title IX Matters:
Mark Weiker and Liz Abdnour are available to consult with students and schools on a variety of Title IX matters. Liz Abdnour serves as a Title IX advisor, investigator and appeals hearing officer for formal investigations. Mark Weiker serves as an advisor to students and advises k12 schools on formulating and implementing Title IX policies effectively.
“...I just wanted to respond and tell you thank you for such a fantastic training experience! The training that you and Liz facilitated was incredible and by far the most effective, comprehensive, and practical Title IX training I’ve ever had in my three years as an investigator. I was so impressed by the breadth and depth of knowledge you and Liz have and how you both were able to cut through the jargon of the 2020 regulations and talk to us about real, specific ideas and best practices. I honestly have not stopped raving about what a fantastic training you facilitated on Wednesday. Thank you again, and please pass on my sincerest thanks to Liz! I genuinely appreciate you both so much. I have never felt more confident in my role, and I owe that to you and Liz. Thank you again!”
“I have had the pleasure to work with Ms. Abdnour and attend her trainings and presentations. You will learn the right questions to ask during an interview, to drafting complex analysis and making the right decision based on the evidence. Ms. Abdnour is considered an expert in the field of workplace investigations. Ms. Abdnour has the skills, experience and background for teaching you how to conduct effective Title IX and Civil Rights compliance investigations.”