KCL Law Blog
The Schoolyard Lawyer: School Discipline for Students Not Yet Eligible for Special Education
When a regular education student violates the school handbook, the school can discipline that student according to the policies and procedures set forth in the handbook. When the discipline involves a special education student, however, the IDEA requires the school to follow certain additional procedures when disciplining that student. Those procedures are discussed in a previous blog entry called The Schoolyard Lawyer: School Discipline and Special Education Students.
Employee Misclassification in Massachusetts
For those businesses that utilize independent contractors as part of their business model, employee misclassification has become a major issue. It is one that is taking on increasing importance within the United States, as well as here in Massachusetts.
The Schoolyard Lawyer: A Summary of Massachusetts Special Education Statistics at the BSEA
The Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA) released its Special Education statistics for fiscal year 2011 (July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011). A summary of the statistics is as follows:
The Schoolyard Lawyer: New Guidelines for Pediatricians Diagnosing Children with ADHD
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released new guidelines for diagnosing and treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Instead of diagnosing the condition in children aged 6 – 12, as previously required, the new guidelines require pediatricians to diagnose children starting at age 4 up to age 18.
If you would like to read the full article on Boston.com, click here.
The Schoolyard Lawyer: Standard of Proof in School Suspension/Expulsion Hearings
When a student is suspended or expelled from school, there are certain procedures that the school must follow in order to protect the student’s due process rights. The student will be allowed to have a suspension/expulsion hearing (in most circumstances) where he/she has a right to be represented by counsel, can present the facts, and can question witnesses. This is all set forth in Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 71 on Public Schools.
The Schoolyard Lawyer: An App Meant to Prevent Bullying
Cyber-bullying not only happens on the internet through social media websites or chat 
rooms, but it also happens through cell phones, either in the form of text messages or phone calls. There is now an App meant to protect children from cyber-bullying through text messages.
Attorney Andra Hutchins Will Speak on Student Privacy Issues October 4, 2011
KCL's partner Andra Hutchins will speak on student privacy issues at an upcoming seminar put on by the National Business Institute.
Partner Andrew Hyams Appointed Chairperson of the Business Law and Employment Law Practice Group
Congratulations to Partner Andrew Hyams who was recently appointed Chairperson of the Business Law and Employment Law Practice Group at KCL!
Partner Andrew Hyams Testified on the Proposed Board of Registration of Medicine Regulations
On September 21, 2011, partner Andrew Hyams testified on the proposed Board of Registration of Medicine Regulations. He testified that the Board's proposed amendments would undermine physician licensure rights in several respects.
To read his testimony, click here.
