GNETS placement deemed improper; ordered relief includes co-taught classroom, ESY

This case addressed whether the continued placement of a 7-year-old special education student in GNETS was the least restrictive environment (LRE). Judge Malihi concluded the student was unnecessarily and prematurely placed in GNETS, and thus was denied a free appropriate public education (“FAPE”). Relief included an order to transition the student to a co-taught classroom and provide speech language therapy, occupational therapy, and other services, including Extended School Year.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District affirmed Judge Malihi’s decision.