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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 10, 2003 8:46:49 GMT -5
I realized (way too late) that my son's school is not implementing his I.E.P. properly. So, I've set up a meeting for this Thursday. Two examples are, he is supposed to have some tests read orally and modified grades/work. It doesn't specifically state HOW it is to be modified. So, that left a big ole black hole for the teachers. One teacher told me (he has 5) she gives him one extra day on his assignments. Another told me she reads most of her tests orally to the whole class. That's the extent of their modification. I've made a list of things that I will bring up at the meeting:
---What is each teacher doing specifically to modify Zach's work?
---Where does he sit in class? (He does better when he is near the teacher)
---How many children in each class have an I.E.P.? (The teachers claim they dont' have time to work with my son)
These are just a few things, and I've also requested to have a set of books to keep here at home because he often brings home his assignment, but the wrong book or no books at all. I would really appreciate suggestions from those of you parents who have children in I.E.P.'s. I'm most interested in ways to modify his work/grades. It's obvious that unless I make suggestions, the school is going to get by with doing the least they have to.
Dulcey ^..^
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 9:13:10 GMT -5
I realized (way too late) that my son's school is not implementing his I.E.P. properly. So, I've set up a meeting for this Thursday. Two examples are, he is supposed to have some tests read orally and modified grades/work. It doesn't specifically state HOW it is to be modified. So, that left a big ole black hole for the teachers. One teacher told me (he has 5) she gives him one extra day on his assignments. Another told me she reads most of her tests orally to the whole class. That's the extent of their modification. I've made a list of things that I will bring up at the meeting: ---What is each teacher doing specifically to modify Zach's work? ---Where does he sit in class? (He does better when he is near the teacher) ---How many children in each class have an I.E.P.? (The teachers claim they dont' have time to work with my son) These are just a few things, and I've also requested to have a set of books to keep here at home because he often brings home his assignment, but the wrong book or no books at all. I would really appreciate suggestions from those of you parents who have children in I.E.P.'s. I'm most interested in ways to modify his work/grades. It's obvious that unless I make suggestions, the school is going to get by with doing the least they have to. Dulcey ^..^ Dulcey, first I want to caution you on using the words modify in his IEP, if you modify his curriculum in anyway he will not get a High School Diploma when he graduates. What I think you mean/want is ACCOMODATIONS. Ie. To be read to on tests, to be given extra time for tests, to have preferential seating, to have an extra set of textbooks at home. Has he been evaluated for any LDs? Also, the excuse that they don't have time to work with your son on his IEP is B.S.  , it doesn't matter how many kids they have with IEP. And if you can get this being said on tape, they will lose a due process hearing. If his IEP is not being implemented properly, they are liable because under the IDEA law they have to implement it. I would write a note to them to say you will be taping the meeting and document everything, every request you make, and if they reject any request, ask them to write to you their rejection and their reasons for the rejection. Not knowing specifically what your child needs, I cannot tell you what to ask for in terms of accomodations. But I would suggest that you go to www.schwablearning.org/message_boards/index.asp?and post there for advice on what should be added in his IEP. Lots of moms there with great experience and knowledge about the IEPs, 504, legal rights etc. Also checkout www.wrightslaw.com and www.reedmartin.com to learn about your child's rights, your rights etc, so the school knows you are a knowledgeable mom and you mean business. Good Luck,  |
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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 10, 2003 10:16:21 GMT -5
Mayleng,
Hmmm....His work was modified last school year at the suggestion of the I.E.P. personnel. He was in the fourth grade, he is in the 5th grade now, Junior High School. So now he won't get a diploma?? How come I wasn't told that, I wonder......You asked if he's been evaluated for LD'S. I know he has taken tests, I thought that's how they determined he needed an I.E.P. Do these tests also evaluate for LD's? He has been in an I.E.P. for almost four years now, I can't remember everything we did before. I have copies of everything, and I've been reading through them to refresh my memory. Oh boy, I hope I'm as prepared as I planned to be for this meeting....
Dulcey ^..^
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 10:24:45 GMT -5
Mayleng, Hmmm....His work was modified last school year at the suggestion of the I.E.P. personnel. He was in the fourth grade, he is in the 5th grade now, Junior High School. So now he won't get a diploma?? How come I wasn't told that, I wonder......You asked if he's been evaluated for LD'S. I know he has taken tests, I thought that's how they determined he needed an I.E.P. Do these tests also evaluate for LD's? He has been in an I.E.P. for almost four years now, I can't remember everything we did before. I have copies of everything, and I've been reading through them to refresh my memory. Oh boy, I hope I'm as prepared as I planned to be for this meeting.... Dulcey ^..^ Do you remember on what basis he was given the IEP? If they gave him an IEP, he should have had evaluations done. Unless he got it under Other Health Impair for the ADHD. His IEP should tell you if he was classified as Specific Learning Disabilit or OHI. Since he has had an IEP for 4 years, they should re-evaluate him every 3 years. Ask them in writing for an re-evaluation for a Learning Disability. Go to www.concordspedpac.org and check out the various evaluations etc, they even have sample letters, and will tell you all you need to know about IEP etc. Also clarify with them that his IEP is not a MODIFICATION of his CURRICULUM but just accomodations. People use these words interchangeably and it is not interchangeable when it comes to the curriculum. Check his IEP, they should mention any MODIFICATION to the curriculum. This means he is not learning what the rest of his peers are learning. |
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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 10, 2003 10:35:51 GMT -5
Under Supplementary Aids, Services/Program Modifications, they wrote:
Modify grades and work
Small Group
Tests read as needed
Under Special Education Services they wrote:
Math SEE
English SEE
Spelling SEE
Handwriting SEE
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 13:49:31 GMT -5
Under Supplementary Aids, Services/Program Modifications, they wrote: Modify grades and work Small Group Tests read as needed Under Special Education Services they wrote: Math SEE English SEE Spelling SEE Handwriting SEE Let me go check with my school psych friend and see if they indeed modified his curriculum. But you should check with them just to be sure. |
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Post by drewsmom on Nov 10, 2003 14:00:13 GMT -5
I really need to look at my son's IEP also!!! He is in some small group and some "team taught" classes. I WAS told that he could not be in small group and get a diploma, that he would get a "certificate of completion". We are working now on getting him in all team taught. He does have a mild learning disability, but does well with help. He will have to have "accomadations". Do the count decreasing the amount of work, having more time, having test read to them, taking standardized tests in smaller groups accomidations or modifications? I'm confused!
Deb
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 15:44:40 GMT -5
I really need to look at my son's IEP also!!! He is in some small group and some "team taught" classes. I WAS told that he could not be in small group and get a diploma, that he would get a "certificate of completion". We are working now on getting him in all team taught. He does have a mild learning disability, but does well with help. He will have to have "accomadations". Do the count decreasing the amount of work, having more time, having test read to them, taking standardized tests in smaller groups accomidations or modifications? I'm confused! Deb Deb if they say "certificate of completion" it is not a full diploma. It would be difficult for him to get into college without the diploma. If he is taking standardized tests, and nothing in his curriculum is changed than he should get a regular diploma. But I would double check with your school. Accomodations are different, like extra time, preferential sitting, resource room help, tests that can be read to, but if it is a reading test, then he should be doing the reading. |
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 15:51:59 GMT -5
Under Supplementary Aids, Services/Program Modifications, they wrote: Modify grades and work Small Group Tests read as needed Under Special Education Services they wrote: Math SEE English SEE Spelling SEE Handwriting SEE OK, Dulcey This is what my school psych friend says. quote: As far as "modify grades and work"--yes, that means the curriculum is modified. I would get specific clarification as to what that means. How are grades modified and how is work modified and for what classes? I'm assuming this child is already in hs. If modification does that mean he doesn't get a hs diploma later on? Good question--every state is different. He may just get a certificate of attendance. She will need to get this information from the high school or the state board of education. "Small group"--for what? when? what will happen in this small group? "Tests read as needed"--for every class? will this be documented when it is read and when it isn't? I personally don't care for the "as needed". I am much more specific when identifying kids needs. They should document when he needs it and when he doesn't. Or give him the opportunity for re-tests if the grade is lower than a C. "SEE"--really I have no idea, but I have a guess: Special Education Environment??? I would get that cleared up as well. Also, if they don't have time to implement the IEP, then how much time do they have for a due process hearing? Does this parent have someone to attend this IEP with her? I certainly hope so. Something just ain't right! Unquote YOu should find an advocate to attend the IEP meeting with you if you can, they know what is the law and what is BS. |
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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 10, 2003 16:00:03 GMT -5
Mayleng --- How/Where do I get an advocate?? Someone else suggested that.
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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 10, 2003 16:07:28 GMT -5
I should have made this all one reply.......Okay, my son is in the 5th grade, he's 10. If they modify his cirriculum now, will that affect him in HS? And yes, SEE means special education environment. Good point Mayleng, about no time for my son, then I guess no time for a hearing! I'll make sure I make that point if need be. The I.E.P. meeting is scheduled for Thursday, but I may notify them that I want it next week instead. I really want to be prepared for this. Besides my notes on the questions I mentioned earlier, I will also bring a tape recorder so there are no misunderstandings. But I really need an advocate, someone that knows this stuff well. How do I do that?
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 16:30:03 GMT -5
I should have made this all one reply.......Okay, my son is in the 5th grade, he's 10. If they modify his cirriculum now, will that affect him in HS? And yes, SEE means special education environment. Good point Mayleng, about no time for my son, then I guess no time for a hearing! I'll make sure I make that point if need be. The I.E.P. meeting is scheduled for Thursday, but I may notify them that I want it next week instead. I really want to be prepared for this. Besides my notes on the questions I mentioned earlier, I will also bring a tape recorder so there are no misunderstandings. But I really need an advocate, someone that knows this stuff well. How do I do that? Do you have a local Dyslexia Society or Parent support group? They would have a list of local Advocates. Ask the school to give you a copy of your Procedural Safeguards and which should contacts for local support /advocacy groups. Ok go to this site: www.wrightslaw.com/info/advo.referrals.htmTry their link to COPAA. and they should have directory of local Advocates or you can email them and ask them. Meantime, I am checking with my friend to see if modified curriculum in the elementary and middle school would impact HS diploma or only in High School. I will get back to you as soon as I get a response. |
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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 10, 2003 17:19:04 GMT -5
I've looked on several of the suggested websites, and either I'm missing it, or it just doesn't say -- Is there a time limit to an I.E.P. meeting? Or should I say a specified length of time that is appropriate. All I've ever been given in the past for meetings is 30 min. That really isn't enough time for the one coming up; I have many issues to address.
Dulcey ^..^
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 19:04:08 GMT -5
I've looked on several of the suggested websites, and either I'm missing it, or it just doesn't say -- Is there a time limit to an I.E.P. meeting? Or should I say a specified length of time that is appropriate. All I've ever been given in the past for meetings is 30 min. That really isn't enough time for the one coming up; I have many issues to address. Dulcey ^..^ Tell them that you are would like them to put aside a longer time for the meeting as you have many concerns and issues. You are not limited to 30 minutes. Go to this link and page down till you see a list of Lawyers and Advocacy and check out who is in your area. If not check your local phone directory for a Dyslexia Society, Assoc or some Support for LDs or ADHD. www.yellowpagesforkids.com/help/legal.advocacy.htmOr The International Dyslexia Assoc. has a referal list. You can call them at 1-800-ABCD123, and leave a recorded request |
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 10, 2003 22:14:19 GMT -5
Dulcey and Drewsmom,
Here is the response about modified curriculum.
quote:
Well, technically a modified curriculum in middle school will not impact getting a high school diploma per se, but it may impact the type of classes this child will take once he gets to high school, which may ultimately impact getting the diploma. If he has a reading disability (which is my guess, at this point) this will impact classes at all levels. At this level, accommodations and adaptations become much more important in accessing the general education curriculum. Eg., books on tape--especially if comprehension skills are at grade level. A transition plan should be developed during his 8th grade annual review to document future plans--vocational school, college, etc. Then classes at the high school level are chosen accordingly. Hope this clarifies things vs. confusing you even more. High school is a beast of a different color!!
Unquote
So, you want to make sure that you do not have a modified Curriculum going into High School. If they start of with a Modified Curriculum in middle School, as my friend said, it will impact what he can take in High School. So be careful there.
I hope this clears it up for you both.
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Post by drewsmom on Nov 11, 2003 7:30:09 GMT -5
They told me that as long as Drew was in all "inclusion" or "team taught" classes by the end of Middle School that we would be ok. He's in the 6th grade - first year of middle school. I've REALLY got to get on this and research some more. His "modifications" are that he gets a study guide before the test and if need be, more time. Although he hasn't used this one. The math is what worries me about him. That is not his forte!
Thanks for all the help!!!!
Deb
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 11, 2003 10:20:39 GMT -5
They told me that as long as Drew was in all "inclusion" or "team taught" classes by the end of Middle School that we would be ok. He's in the 6th grade - first year of middle school. I've REALLY got to get on this and research some more. His "modifications" are that he gets a study guide before the test and if need be, more time. Although he hasn't used this one. The math is what worries me about him. That is not his forte! Thanks for all the help!!!!Deb Deb, just keep an eye and be on the ball on this. Make absolutely sure that by the time he gets to High School NO WHERE in his IEp does it say Modified. Just Accomodations. |
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Post by ikisskittiesonlips on Nov 11, 2003 10:30:09 GMT -5
Mayleng -- I certainly thank you for all the help and the recommended websites, I'm learning so much. I called the West Virginia Special Education Dept., (it was recommended for advocacy), but the person that could help me had already left for the day. As today is a holiday, I will have to try again tomorrow. I had mentioned to you about the 30 min. time frame, and I believe they only give me that much time is because that is when their planning periods are. They always schedule the meetings for 2:30 p.m. and school is over at 3. Maybe I will suggest that if they can't give me more than 30 min. in the day, I'd be happy to meet them all at the school one evening during the week. Betcha they'll find more time then! I doubt any of them want to come back at night. We live in a very rural area, and some of the teachers have to come a long way to get to the school. So, if they refuse me more time in the day, that's what I'll suggest. Thanks again.
Dulcey ^..^
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 11, 2003 10:43:55 GMT -5
Mayleng -- I certainly thank you for all the help and the recommended websites, I'm learning so much. I called the West Virginia Special Education Dept., (it was recommended for advocacy), but the person that could help me had already left for the day. As today is a holiday, I will have to try again tomorrow. I had mentioned to you about the 30 min. time frame, and I believe they only give me that much time is because that is when their planning periods are. They always schedule the meetings for 2:30 p.m. and school is over at 3. Maybe I will suggest that if they can't give me more than 30 min. in the day, I'd be happy to meet them all at the school one evening during the week. Betcha they'll find more time then! I doubt any of them want to come back at night. We live in a very rural area, and some of the teachers have to come a long way to get to the school. So, if they refuse me more time in the day, that's what I'll suggest. Thanks again. Dulcey ^..^ Dulcey, I am very proud of you. You are learning to "play the game". Glad to be able to help and good luck. Also another tip, don't lose your temper, always remain calm, and ask what "THEY" are going to do to help your son. You have to be the ADULT at the meeting. Don't forget to tape and inform them that you will be taping the meeting. When you write to them, always write a letter that is simple and to the point, so that even a stranger who knows nothing about the case, will understand and be on your side. Although no one wants to go to a due process hearing, we all must start off being prepared, rather than sorry later. If you are thorough and professional in your dealings with the school, they will know also not to mess around with you. Because you are now a Knowledgeable MOM who knows Special Ed. Good Luck |
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Post by drewsmom on Nov 11, 2003 11:03:19 GMT -5
Dulcey- I had to go to mediation when my son was going into Kindergarten. Like you said, they gave us a very short time at the IEP (and he hadn't even been at the school!) and I had brought his preschool teachers, one who has a special ed degree saying that he needed to be in a regular classroom. Had all my ducks in a row. At the end of the meeting, the "supervisor" said "It is the IEP committee's recommendation that he be placed in a special ed kindergarten." HELLO. Did you hear anything anyone was saying. I just asked who I needed to get in touch with. I had taped the meeting and kept documentation. The mediator laughed! Said they didn't have a case. They admitted later that they didn't think I would push it. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT!?!?!
Good luck! And thanks again Mayleng
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Post by irishbutterfly on Nov 14, 2003 9:03:24 GMT -5
If you are going to tape your meeting you have to let them know in writing. I just had my sons IEP meeting and was looked at the website Mayleng suggested www.concordspedpac.org before I went. I got alot of helpful information off of this site. I also checked out the schwablearning.org. The moms there are very helpful. My meetings last as long as I need them too. I have never been given a time limit and they never seem like they are trying to get me in and out of there. If you feel like you need more time to prepare dont hesitate to change the day of your meeting. You need to feel comfortable when you go in so that you can get answers to the questions you have and so that you can be a strong advocate for your child. |
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, it doesn't matter how many kids they have with IEP. And if you can get this being said on tape, they will lose a due process hearing. If his IEP is not being implemented properly, they are liable because under the IDEA law they have to implement it. I would write a note to them to say you will be taping the meeting and document everything, every request you make, and if they reject any request, ask them to write to you their rejection and their reasons for the rejection. Not knowing specifically what your child needs, I cannot tell you what to ask for in terms of accomodations.