January 2024: 

The MLO Minute: “IMPORTANT UPDATE! School District of Philadelphia & State Ordered COVID-19 Meetings” 

By Kimberly Caputo, Esq., Senior Counsel – Philadelphia Region — 

We recently provided information about a significant finding by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education (PDE/BSE) which requires the School District of Philadelphia to revisit the impacts of virtual instruction from March 2020 through the summer of 2020 and continuing through the entire 2020-2021 school year for students with Individualized Education Plans (“IEPs”), and Section 504 Service Agreements.

We understand that although the School District is to be convening IEP team meetings, instead families may be presented with a completed Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) WITHOUT an IEP meeting and addressing Covid Compensatory Services (CCS).

If you are a parent/caregiver of a student with an IEP or Section 504 Service Agreement enrolled in the District, you may receive a CCS NOREP developed WITHOUT an IEP or Section 504 meeting.

If this is the case, we urge you to PAUSE and connect with an advocate, the Education Law Center or our firm to review the NOREP and your child’s individual circumstances.

We understand this can be a confusing process and there are many demands placed upon parents and caregivers.  We are here to help and partner with you on the educational journey of a student who learns differently. Click here to contact us today!