Student Advocacy Inc

Right start program: wcyb iik contract-the right start program provides legal representation as well as advice and advocacy for students in grades k-6 whose reading proficiency is two years or more below grade level. Attorneys and advocates assisted students in obtaining the educational services to which they were legally entitled and would aid in advancing their reading and literacy development. Issues that impact learning including behavioral and school refusal were also addressed as part of the advocacy work. Accomplishments: 30 unduplicated students received legal representation as well as advice and advocacy; 93% of matters were for special education related issues; 97% of students received direct assistance from our attorneys and advocates; of the 18 matters closed during this year, 95% of students received the appropriate services to address their reading and literacy skills and/or the parent or guardian was educated to effectively advocate for their child. Ready for life program: wcyb ocfs contract-the ready for life program provides legal representation as well as advice and advocacy for 29 unduplicated students ages 14 to 21 with an individual education plan (iep)). Our attorneys and advocates ensured that students with qualifying disabilites had transition goals included in their ieps that would prepare them for further education, vocational training, integrated employment, independent living and community participation. Accomplishments: 29 unduplicated students received legal representation as well as advice and advocacy; 90% of matters were for special education related issues; 97% of students received direct assistance from our attorneys and advocates; of the 21 matters closed during this period, 100% of students received transition plans to support their post-secondary goals and/or their parent or guardian was educated to be an effective advocate for their child. One student in this group received the overcoming the odds award, in recogniton of his perseverance and commitment to his education.

Solutions not suspensions: wcyb ocfs contract-the solutions not suspension program addresses the needs of youth who are facing disciplinary action with the goal of limiting or eliminating the amount of time that a student spends out of school. Research demonstrates the harmful impact of being suspended from school: "after being suspended, a student is 20% more likely to fail; 8% more likely to drop out; and 55% more likely to become involved in the juvenile justice system." student advocacy seeks alternatives to suspensions that include restorative justice practices. Accomplishments: 63 unduplicated students received legal representation as well as advice and advocacy; 65% of matters were related to disciplinary, social, emotional and behavioral issues and 35% were related to academic and special education matters; of the 40 matters closed during this period,93% resulted in a reduction in the amount of time spent out of school and the addition of services to address the students' social, emotional, and academic needs.

Promoting school services for court involved youth program - department of probation contract; student advocacy, inc. Provided legal representation and counsel for students who have interacted with the juvenile justice system under this contract. Attorneys represented these youths to ensure that they were able to return to or remain in school, so they can reengage with their learning and receive the education resources and services to which they are legally entitled. Student advocacy, inc. Promotes restorative justice practices as an alternative to disciplinary action. Accomplishments: 63 unduplicated students received legal representation and counsel; 64% received direct representation while the others received consultation;60% of matters were related to disciplinary, social, emotional and behavioral issues and 40% were related to academic and special education matters; of the 49 matters closed,96% received services that enabled them to return to school and engage with their learning and/or the parent or guardian was educated to effectively advocate for their child. Project best start-multiple contracts-project best start, student advocacy, inc. Provideds legal representation as well as advice and advocacy for students in grades k-6 who struggle with their reading and literacy development due to disabilities and other challenges. Our goal is to help students access the services appropriate for their learning needs and to which they are legally entitled to in school based upon their diagnosis and their individual education program (iep). Accomplishments: 58 unduplicated students received legal representation as well as advice and advocacy; 92% of matters were for special education related issues ; 97% of students worked directly with our attorneys and advocates; of the 45 matters closed during this period, 100% received the appropriate services to address their reading and literacy needs and /or the parent or guardian was educated to effectivley advocate for their child. Office of people with developmental disabilities (opwdd)-student advocacy, inc. Provided advice, counsel or representaion for students who qualify for opwdd. The goal is to help students with developmental disabilities receive the support they are legally entitled to in school so they can make progress with their learning and ultimately make a smooth transition from school to adult life . Goals are tailored to each child's individual needs and are developed collaboratively by a team including the parents, educators, other relevant professionals including our attorneys and advocates. Accomplisshments:46 unduplicated students received legal representation as well as advice and counsel; 95% of students received direct assistance from our attorneys and advocates; 92% of matters were for special education related matters; of the 33 matters closed during this period, 94% of students received the appropriate services tailored to their individual needs and /or the parent or guardian was educated to effectively advocate for their child.