Case Study #1 - A parent of a child who has autism has demanded that the school utilize a specific program designed for students with autism. The program is expensive and involves specific training. The school has already selected a different program for your students. You know that usually the courts have allowed the schools to decide on methodological approaches, but this student has unique challenges. You know that time was taken to properly design the IEP but you are not sure that the curriculum choice is appropriate.

Questions to Answer:

• Do you think the IEP for the student was reasonably calculated and, if not, what revisions would you suggest?
• Does your school provide 'maximum benefit' or 'educational benefit'? (NCLB = maximum benefit; IDEA/IDEIA = educational benefit.)
• On the issue of student transfer of knowledge to other settings, are the courts undecided?
• Decision to Make: What would you do?