Post by Mayleng on Oct 28, 2003 20:52:26 GMT -5
Parent's Ten Commandments of IEPs
1. Thou shalt remember in all things the child is the only true stakeholder in the IEP process, and the parent is the only IEP team member with a vested interest in the outcome of the free public education that he/she ultimately receives.
2. Thou shalt not accept the opinion of school staff on educational law or regulations as accurate or factual.
3. Thou shalt not rely on school assessments alone, but obtain a private evaluation.
4. Thou shalt not sign the IEP in the IEP meeting, but review it carefully in the comfort of thy own home.
5. Thou shalt tape record IEP meetings, lest nothing be overlooked or misunderstood.
6. Thou shalt send a letter of thy own understanding after each meeting or phone call and keep copious records.
7. Thou shalt put all requests in writing.
8. Thou shalt require that anything refused by school/district be put into writing, or thou shalt document it for them.
9. Thou shalt not allow thy child to take the blame for any program failures, and never give up the quest for services they need to become independent.
10. Thou shalt share thy experience with other parents and help them advocate effectively for services that meet the unique educational needs of the child, and avoid the pitfalls of the system.