Blog Summary: Understanding the Burlington & Carter Decisions

The Burlington (1985) and Carter (1993) Supreme Court cases are the foundation of every parent’s right to seek district-funded private special-education placements when a public school fails to provide an appropriate IEP. In Burlington, the Court ruled that parents may place their child in a private school and receive reimbursement if the district’s IEP is inappropriate and the private placement meets the child’s needs. Carter expanded this right by holding that reimbursement may be required even if the private school is not state-approved. Together, these decisions ensure that when a school district cannot provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), parents can pursue the program that truly works for their child—without being limited to district-preferred or state-approved options. Burlington and Carter empower families to advocate for meaningful progress, safety, and individualized support when the public system falls short.

New DESE Advisory: What the End of MCAS Means for Transition Planning in IEPs

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) had issued a significant advisory that impacts graduation requirements for students with IEPs. With MCAS no longer required for graduation starting with the Class of 2026, families must shift their focus to what's next: transition planning.

In this article, we break down the new DESE policy and explain how to ensure your child’s IEP includes strong, individualized transition services. We cover what transition planning really means—including instruction, related services, job skills, daily living skills, and community experiences—and how you, as a parent, can advocate for a plan that sets your child up for long-term success.

Learn why now is the time to review your child’s IEP and make sure their transition plan is truly preparing them for life after high school.

Hiring one expert for both special education advocacy and school placement ensures a unified strategy, consistent documentation, and better outcomes for your child. In this post, Maureen Brown, M.S., explains why combining these roles saves time, reduces costs, and leads to more effective IEPs and placements.