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Post by dmom32002 on Oct 27, 2004 13:14:48 GMT -5
FIrst, Andy write a letter of complaint to the state dept of education. ABout the violations of the IEP. ALso the fact that the case conference can't or wont intervene till November, not sure the date. Try remembering the date you requested it. Also include the in good faith things they said, they would change till IEP meeting.
The aide in room. THe computer for spelling words.
Try to get anything the principal commited to in writing. Or any teacher.
donna
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Post by brookesmom on Oct 28, 2004 15:51:56 GMT -5
RESULTS FROM MY MEETING ON WEDNESDAY
Well it was my first eligiblity meeting ever and I found it to be pretty intimidating. The psychologist rattled off all of the numbers and tried to convince me that my child was well within the average range for intelligence and ability. Most of her talk was flying over my head at the time. As I read the report later last night I saw that many of the findings listed her at risk in Attention and Learning with several areas considered to be clinically significant issues. I could sense the hesitation to classify her and attempt to move to 504 accomodations. I was determined to have her classified as OHI and told them I wanted an IEP.
I came prepared and shared first my daughters strengths and then my entire list of concerns broken down by subject. I think they were surprised. The icing on the cake was her General Ed teacher who said that despite accomodations and several weeks of medication she still finds her to be low functioning in the classroom setting in comparison to the other 5th graders in the class. That was what pushed it over the edge.
We will write goals next week, but for now I feel satisfied that my daughter has FINALLY been heard!!!!!
How involved should I be in writing the goals?
Chris
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Post by Mayleng on Oct 28, 2004 16:19:48 GMT -5
Very involved. You need to know what she needs and the goals have to be measurable.
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Post by Sharon on Oct 28, 2004 17:27:54 GMT -5
g**dj*b That is sooooo wonderful!! Hopefully your child will have success in school, thanks to a mom that never gave up!! It looks like you really did your homework! I am hoping to be as prepared as you! Awesome!!
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Post by dmom32002 on Oct 28, 2004 19:52:21 GMT -5
Brookesmom And its Brooke that will benefit. Now if you want or need help with how to write goals, I'm going to suggest that you start a thread called. Goals and Objectives. And tell us what level she is at. What you would like to see accomplished. A goal can be something as simple as: DD will be prepared for class 100% of the time. Books, pencils and paper. Or complicated I;m not good at that one But a good reading or english one is DD will advance from a 1.9 to a 2.9 level. this is a one year goal. And this is technically talking Derrick. And the thing is that his goals for reading and stuff aren't ever met, for the simple reason (SEizures) So I will not hold this on the teachers. Its not fair. donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 5, 2004 16:54:34 GMT -5
This is what I recently sent to counselor and the counselor responded. I would appreciate any comments or advise. Thanks!! Dear (counselor), It was nice to see you on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd. As we discussed the Wiat-II test, you said that the result would probably be done in a couple of days. Would you let me know when it will be completed? Were you able to find out about whether Jackson Jr. High School will allow John to have a set of text books for here at home? Have the all of the teachers completed the BDIS? Is it ready for me to pick up? Has the Psych. Examiner decided when to give John his test for WISC? Also, will this be the older WISC-III or the newer WISC-IV? I would also like a copy of John's prior IEP's and records that you received from John's previous schools. I really appreciate your help and consideration you are giving to my son, John. Once we have the meeting on the 17th of November, my hope is that John will have accommodations, modifications and goals in place so that he can return to school the following day. Thank you for your time and efforts. Sincerely, (me) This is her reply: (me), I have not received the BDIS from all of the teachers. Ms. Crites said the she can give the WISC-III on Wednesday, November 10, at 9:00 a.m. The WIAT-II is not ready yet. I will be at a conference on Monday and Tuesday. We can't let John have a set of books while he is home schooled. I will send you a copy of the special education records that I have received from Perryville. I will get a draft copy of the _eval report with current _eval information to you as soon as it is ready. (counselor)
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 5, 2004 17:01:38 GMT -5
Sounds pretty good reply. Hmmm in Indiana the parent is a initial evaluation the parent is to get a copy or have it explained at least 5 days prior to the case conference meeting.
Now I'm not sure about the redo of testing but I'm guessing it has to be to parent if they request early at least 24 hours, I'm trying to find that for you.
donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 5, 2004 18:18:11 GMT -5
Donna! Thanks for helping me out here. What do you think about them denying me his textbooks to get him prepared to start back at school. When she told me verbally that we could not have them, I proceded to tell her that they would have to get him caught up on their schedule then when he comes back as I was going to do this for them. Oh well, I tried. I was homeschooling him on our schedule and when he goes back, it may be rough. What do you think?
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 5, 2004 20:21:53 GMT -5
I don't know about the books now. But I would make the helping him catch up part of the resource rooms job. Might ask for tutoring, not sure. I don't know if you have grounds But i would definately add that you get a 2nd set of books at home period.
You might call the state department of educaiton if I remember they didn't do what they were supposed to. You might have grounds for compensatory time.
donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 6, 2004 11:10:34 GMT -5
w*ve Thanks Donna! I will do that! You have been very helpful! w*ve
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Post by Sharon on Nov 10, 2004 10:35:27 GMT -5
Well, DS is taking his WISC-III right now at school. They didn't want me to hang around. I did also request the CELF-IV and the CASL tests to assess his auditory processing and his language processing skills. We'll have to se how things go. The IEP meeting is next Wednesday! I am keeping my fingers crossed!!
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 10, 2004 17:43:56 GMT -5
Sharon
Good for you, and its okay they didn't want you around. That is hard I realize but might be better in the long run.
donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 11, 2004 9:21:40 GMT -5
Well, when we were discussing the CELF and CASL tests, the counselor said she did not see the need as he scored a high 21 in the language aspect of his WIAT-II last week! Gee, that's pretty general and vague. So, I guess they can decide that he doesn't need these other two tests? I just want to get a clear picture of what is going on with him. Also, I had requested the more current tests to be given and not the older ones. They gave him the older ones anyway. Arghh!
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 11, 2004 12:42:14 GMT -5
Sharon
I am not a test type person, so you need to contact the state department of education about your options. You could also look into a advocacy program for a advocate that knows your laws.
I wish I could help with this part, but I have to trust the psychologist I deal with to help me on this.
And I've not heard of half the testing your talking.
donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 14, 2004 8:10:46 GMT -5
I realized that I never posted the Educational Concerns I had for DS that I sent to school a month ago. When I showed this to a couple of ppl Iknow, they thought it looked like he may have some Aspergers issues? Interesting. Can anyone with familiar with Aspergers relate to this:
Educational Concerns
1. John has difficulty staying focused on the teachers 2. John is easily distracted and need to sit close to the teacher 3. John is slow to get started or to switch from one thing to the next 4. John has difficulty following along and feels the teachers are moving too fast 5. John has difficulty with note taking 6. John needs extra time to complete his work 7. John has difficulty taking tests 8. John needs to learn to write down all homework assignments and tests each day in a planner and have teachers sign 9. John needs to keep his schoolwork organized 10. John needs to keep his locker organized 11. John needs to learn to ask questions or ask for help 12. John needs to remember to turn in his homework completed the night before 13. John has difficulty with writing assignments and essay questions on tests 14. John needs an extra set of text books for at home 15. John needs study guides at least two days before tests (w/ answers for parent) 16. John needs to be at classes on time 17. John needs to remember to have books and supplies for each class 18. John needs an individualized behavior intervention plan that is positive & consistent 19. John has difficulty following teachers during lectures and seems to feel lost 20. John needs weekly reports from teacher to parent 21. John needs to have resource at the end of the day instead of study hall to make sure everything is organized, assignments are written down, homework is in back pack, etc. 22. John has difficulty staying on task 23. John has difficulty with social skills 24. John has difficulty making and keeping friends 25. John interrupts people 26. John is very impulsive 27. John has a tendency to ask the same question repeatedly 28. John needs redirecting 29. John often does not listen when spoken to directly 30. John is often forgetful 31. John has difficulty ignoring teasing and gets upset 32. John gets upset if a teacher points out his difficulties in front of his peers 33. John needs a support system in place with teachers and peers 34. John needs someone in school to go to when he is feeling anxious or is having difficulty 35. John has difficulty listening to others without being distracted or interrupting 36. John needs to participate in extracurricular activities in school to further enhance his social skills, self esteem and self confidence 37. John needs to play in band (he’s been in band since 5th grade and loves to play the drums)
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Post by Sharon on Nov 17, 2004 17:54:23 GMT -5
Well, we had the meeting. I am not exactly sure how I feel right now. Kind of numb is more like it.
He does not qualify for an IEP. They would not even look at his list of educational concerns. They did not even bring them out at all. When questioned about it, they told me that since all of his scores on all of his tests are in the "average range", then they will not consider the list of concerns because there is not a learning diability noted on his tests. While he does have ADHD, he still does not qualify. They said he just needs to try harder. He needs to write down his assignments, complete them and remember to turn them in on time. He needs to take responsibility for everything himself.
Now, I am thinking, okay, he has ADHD and we are to make him responsible just like all of the other kids without a disability? Wow! They say just because he has ADHD, he should be able to do everything. He just needs to work harder.
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Post by d on Nov 17, 2004 22:33:55 GMT -5
Ohgosh - they can qualify him under OHI Other Health Impaired with documented support that the ADHD affects his education - e.g., his ability to learn whereas output is more 504ish. Regardless of 504 or IEP classification, the decisions are supposed to made based on the individual needs of the child. Also, OHI doesn't mean a child has to have LD, the classification requirements are different. And "average" performance is BS if that is not consistent with his potential. I'm well onto an obsessive rant for you. Hang tight. Numb may be good thing for you right now.
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Post by Sharon on Nov 18, 2004 6:11:33 GMT -5
When they suggested that perhaps he needs to stay after school to get some help with his homework, I couldn't believe my ears! DS's stepmom piped up that this mother, each and every single day, cleans out his backpack, helps him organize his papers, makes him sit down to do his homework every night and makes sure he has everything ready to go for the next day! She does her part and she does it very well!! Wow! I needed that! It got shrugged off. They said he needs a "special folder" to put all homework in along with his assignment sheet and important papers for parents. They said it would help him to keep it all together. I told them I have been doing this since Kindergarten and he is now in 8th grade! He doesn't remember to use it. That got shrugged off too! They said perhaps I need to have better communications with the teachers. I told them I have e-mails to show where I have been doing my part with the communication, but it wasn't working! Only two teachers would reply and he did well in those classes. They also said that with his "average range" he should be making A's and B's in classes and sense he does well on his tests in classes, we don't see where there is a problem. I said he was FLUNKING 4 classes!! He was also FLUNKING his tests!! They didn't have much to say about that either! They said he did well on the tests though. I said that was because he was by himself and not in a classroom! They kept saying he needs to try harder! When we left that meeting, my DS said to me, but Mom, I have been trying really hard! I just broke my heart. I spent last night in disbelief, shock, numb, to name a few. I think the only I can do now is go to the Psych Dr, whom validates all of my DS's Ed. Concerns, and have him go to bat for DS. Thanks for putting up with my venting here. You all have been my life support through all of this and I can't thank you enough! h*g
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Post by Mayleng on Nov 18, 2004 7:38:09 GMT -5
The question you should have asked them was "WHAT ARE THEY GOING TO DO TO HELP YOUR SON", since you have been doing your part and your son is trying. What program does the school have in place to help your son? Put the responsibility back on them.
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Post by d on Nov 18, 2004 8:37:43 GMT -5
OK Sharon you do have the right to *ask* for an independent evaluation at district expense.
I'm not sure how to cover yourself legally to secure the IEE (dmom is needed!!!!) but the following comes to mind...
Do you have a copy of every single piece of paper in this process? For example, the CSE referral form which should list the reasons for his referral to special ed. Did they give you the test names and scores in wiritng? Also, please tell me you didn't sign your agreement that your ds does not need school help.
Consider submitting a letter from your private pscyhologist with all of ds' school concerns (not dictates for the school - they don't like that - but objective functioning observations with broad suggestions) and how it affects him otherwise like frustration, self esteem, etc.
Have your pscyhologist look at the school test scores for his/her opinion & interpretation. Also, ask if the RIGHT tests were conducted and if they support the documented reasons for his CSE referral. If you can get copies of the full tests, were current versions used and were appropriate protocols followed (requesting this will put the school on the defensive AND unless your private pscyh is knowledgable about them).
The school has to put this decision in writing and state the reasons. Look for it in the mail.
If there is anything amiss in the areas above and you have that paper trail, it strengthens your position to get the IEE.
Give your son a hug for trying so hard. I *know* how hard he is trying. His stepmom sounds pretty cool too - she came with you! and you are both working together for the best interests of your ds!
I can so relate to where you are right now. We just requested a CST to start the CSE process to get dd reclassified. She is trying too hard in middle school and it is hurting her mental health. Last Wed. I had to have a drink after the school psych called to tell me that the CST was against CSE testing dd. His reasons were 1) the teachers feel she is redoing classwork as homework b/c no one does 3-5 hours a night 2) she only failed one test (um more like SIX+ chapter tests) 3) she is not failing any overall subjects and 4) could he offer my dd pscyhological counseling b/c she obviously has overachievement issues. I told him since I am usually side by side with dd during these 3-5 hours I have not seen where she is re-doing classwork so if he insists that is true, I NEED FIVE SPECIFIC DOCUMENTED EXAMPLES. And I prefer the school focus their efforts on helping her school difficulties like why she has to try so hard to keep up as opposed to counseling her to accept not trying so hard. They've since asked for our consent to test her. I don't know if I'll make it through the next month.
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Post by LurkNoMore on Nov 18, 2004 9:40:24 GMT -5
Wow, d and Sharon...just wanted to send a h*g your way! I can't believe your kids' schools are being so apathetic to your kids' needs! C doesn't have learning disablilities (only ADHD...need an eye-rolling smilie). He started K under a 504 plan b/c he had OT and PT delays. By first grade, they had classified him as SpecEd under the OHI...up until last year, his grades and test scores were always good. It makes me so angry to hear stories like this...time to get out the pointy hat ladies! s*rry s*s*d m*d
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 18, 2004 11:45:39 GMT -5
First Sharon
I'm hoping you wrote all this down, have a idea who said it. I would write it all out. Every single word you can remember, unless we are lucky and you took a tape recorder.
First, I would send a copy of your letter, requesting that they add it to his IEE meeting notes, send it certified. Exactly how you wrote it above, with the exception of trying to put names to the items. Also record some of your emails, by having those attached too, if by some chance you have the ones that didn't respond and he was flunking include them. IF he took his test by self, have him try and explain exactly where and how, in which classes.
Then you send this the following Superintendent of schools Department of education 504 coordinator Civil Rights office Special education department that handles the evaluation
Okay another letter, requesting a Independent Evaluation, with the reasons like.
They did the wisc 2 even though we requested the wisc 3 or 4, the other test you requested that they wouldn't give a reason for not doing. THe fact that you asked for the evaluation, anything else you requested early and all. Didn't get a bit of htis stuff.
I would send this also to all parties.
My email is dmom32002@yahoo.com or droberts1@walla.com
donna
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Post by brookesmom on Nov 18, 2004 16:21:41 GMT -5
Sharon,
I am so upset about your meeting. I heard the same things in Brooke's meeting about how she was average ability and maybe some accomodations would help. I said the same things about her flunking her classes and tests and I did not see how that was acceptable because we already had accomodations in place. General Ed teacher agreed with me and that is what it took to get the OHI classification.
I agree that you need to request a private evaluation and fight them every step of the way. NOBODY knows your son better than you! You are a great mom and you have the support and prayers of everyone here. Stay strong.
Chris
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Post by brookesmom on Nov 19, 2004 6:26:06 GMT -5
Sharon
Here is the written recommendation from Brooke's IEP.
"As per the Illinois Department of Education guidelines, Brooke qualifies for special education services as a student with an Other Health Impairment due to her medical diagnosis of ADD. Although Brooke demonstrates solid academic skills in testing situations she has difficulty carrying over her knowledge and skills in the classroom setting. She has been earning poor grades , D's and F's due to poor test scores and difficulty completing her assignments as directed. Social work will be provided as a related service in order to help build Brooke's self-advocacy skills."
They did listen to my list of concerns but it really was the testimony of the teacher that made all of the difference. Is there a teacher who will stand with you on this? Don't give up, if Brooke can qualify so can your son. Let us know what you are going to do.
Chris
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Post by Sharon on Nov 19, 2004 10:13:08 GMT -5
Thanks Brooksmom. The letter pretty much sums it all up doesn't it? Right to the point at exactly how it really is. His math teacher did come ot the meeting and she was the ONLY one that did the behavior report in a way that was consistant to how his behavior actually was. She also said he was not learning! During the meeting she suggested that when he comes back next semester, to change his schedule to put math in the morning when he is more alert as oppose to the afternoon. She also suggested that all of the harder classes be in the mornings. I really appreciated her as she was the only one that seemed to understand and knew that the ADHD did affect his schoolling. Thanks for this idea. I think you have something there. Perhaps between that teacher and our pscychologist, we may get something accomplish here. All of you guys rock with your suggestions and ideas. Yes, I did sign the paper! It was horrible at the time as I was made ot feel like a horrible mom and not making my son take care of his responsibilities. I felt intimidated! I knew better before going in the meeting and I think my sanity went right out the window at the moment the paper got passed around! PLEASE DO NOT SIGN THE PAPER AT THE MEETING OR YOU WILL REGRET IT THE NEXT DAY WHEN YOU'VE HAD TIME TO THINK IT ALL OVER!!
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 19, 2004 10:31:42 GMT -5
Sharon
Send them a letter, stating I wasn't of the right mind when I signed the papers. I disagree with what I signed.
Stating all things that you disagree about also how intimidated they made you feel. Also after you have sent this, keeping a copy.
Then I want you to go request to see his file with the papers stating he doesn't qualify, this should be attached. If not make them attach it while you are there. Keeping a copy at all times.
If you are filing for a independent evaluation, give all the reason's and file this too. In writing
donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 19, 2004 10:40:15 GMT -5
g**d*ne
Wow! Alright. I will do that! Thanks so much!
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Post by dmom32002 on Nov 19, 2004 10:44:07 GMT -5
ITs called a dessending opinion, sorry I can't spell it. But you might call the state dept of education, and ask if this is correct way to file this. Explaining the situation. Each state is different.
ALso make sure that a Independent evaluation, encludes the diagnosis for Other Health Impairment, if your state has it. Ask the state depart. If they don't have this title they might have one that works the same, I've forgotten the other one.
donna
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Post by Sharon on Nov 19, 2004 13:35:59 GMT -5
Donna, My son's psychologist did agree to my list of educational concerns and said that all of these issues are related to his ADHD. He also sent a report to the school stated his dx of ADHD and that it does cause educational difficulties. Now my question is: Although I did sign the paper agreeing to their decision due to the pressure, can I "unsign" the paper at this point?
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