Due Process Hearings and Special Education Litigation
Dr. Howie Knoff has been an expert witness—representing parents, school districts, and state education departments—in numerous due process hearings and court cases largely focused on special education law and litigation. As an expert in the Individual Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), he has testified in both federal and state court systems, providing testimony in cases involving (a) alternative school placements and manifestations; (b) corporal punishment and disproportionality; (c) state personnel development systems; (d) students with autism, severe emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, and other mental health needs; and (e) the adequacy of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and academic and behavioral intervention programs.
If you need the services of an expert or expert witness for a due process hearing or in a court case focusing on IDEA or its implementation with your child or in your school, district, or state, Howie would be happy to discuss the potential of working with you.
Agencies or Schools Using Dr. Knoff's Expert or Expert Witness Services:
Below are a number of the agencies or schools that have used Dr. Knoff as an expert or expert witness in a special education-related due process hearing or court case:
- The Arkansas Department of Education -- Special Education Unit
- The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County (FL)
- Southern Legal Counsel, Inc. (Gainesville, FL)
- Thrun, Maatsch, and Nordberg. (Lansing, MI)
- Legal Services Corporation of Alabama (Montgomery, AL)
- Montgomery County School District (AL)
- Lenox Public School District (MA)
Sample Court Cases with Dr. Knoff as an Expert Witness:
Dr. Knoff was the lead expert witness supporting two students, Chris D. and Cory R., in their case versus the Montgomery County (AL) School District. These two inter-related cases were decided in favor of the plaintiffs, and the Court's decision set the precedent that school districts must have the capacity and expertise to deliver the behavioral intervention services written into an IEP.
Click here to read a Report Citing the Case
Click
here to read a Report Citing the Case
Dr. Knoff was the lead expert witness of the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) in the case of Bradley v. the Arkansas Department of Education. The plaintiffs alleged that the ADE did not meet its mandate, under IDEA, to train personnel, on a state-wide basis, who could meet the needs of students with disabilities--particularly in the area of autism. The lower Court ruled in favor of the ADE, and cited the testimony of Dr. Knoff as contributing to its decision. The Court of Appeals affirmed the lower Court decision.
