Reject or not reject the IEP

I love being reminded that cooperation and "team effort" can really work.  This past week a client & I met with the ETL for her son's team.  The parents had rejected the IEP in part because the goals &/or objectives were vague & not measurable.  The ETL was very generous with her time, giving us 90 minutes and never making us feel like she needed to be elsewhere.  Rather, she listened to our concerns and suggestions for improving the current goals & objectives.  When we left, we had a much clearer picture of what this student would be working on this year.

A few suggestions:
*When you have concerns with a proposed IEP, DO NOT reject the entire IEP.
     Reject parts of the IEP.  Remember, you can reject what is missing from the
     IEP.
*When you reject part of the IEP, put in writing what you are rejecting & attach it
     to the rejected IEP.  Include as much detail as you can, for example:
     p. 6  PLEP B: we need to check assistive tech devices/services, & travel
     training
     p. 9  Goal 1: Communication: "Susie will improve her communication skills" is
     vague & unmeasurable.  (If you have a suggestion for the goal, write it in.)
*Before rejecting the IEP in part, you can call the ETL and inform him/her of
     your concerns.  He/she may be able to make the changes and send you a new
     proposed IEP within a day or 2 for you to sign.  This step prevents delays in
     implementing the IEP.  If the ETL is unable to make the changes, then reject
     the IEP in part and attach a description of what you want changed/included &
     request a meeting to discuss your concerns.

I hope these suggestions are helpful and please feel free to call me with any questions or concerns:
413-695-8456 or send me an email: h.e.advocacy@gmail.com

BACK TO SCHOOL!

The start of another school year, seems like just yesterday we were welcoming summer.  I have always loved the start of the new school year, whether as a student, a teacher, or a principal.  The hope and excitement of what the new year will bring, seeing old friends/colleagues again, cooler weather, new clothes... how could one not be excited to walk back through those front doors?  Unfortunately, many of you reading this post know all too well the stress and anxiety of "Back to School."  You worry that your child will struggle to make friends or be the target of bullying.  Will the teacher(s) see that special being you have the privilege of loving unconditionally?  Will the teacher(s) be willing and able to make the necessary accommodations so your child can access the curriculum?  Will you have to "fight" to get the services you know your child needs and has a legal right to?

If I may offer a few suggestions that may help:
1.  Keep the channels of communication open: via telephone, note, email etc.  Try not to assume that you know why a decision was made, ask why.  Try not to assume that you are intentionally being left out the loop, pick-up the phone or send an email asking what's going on.  Let the school know when your child didn't sleep well, or lost a beloved pet.
2.  Think positive!  Leave the past in the past.  As hard as that is to do, assume that this year is going to be a successful year for your child and communicate that through your attitude.  Try not to show or discuss your frustration in front of your child.  Children are egocentric and will assume responsibility for your frustration.  They may also assume your anger and bring it back to school with them, which, chances are will only lead to more frustration for you.
3. Bring people with you to your team meetings.  When you attend a team meeting as a parent, you are thinking with your heart and emotions, which is appropriate for the situation.  Therefore bring family &/or friends to support you, to take notes, to share their knowledge and experience of your child with the team.  Of course, always notify the school in writing whom your are bringing.  (Bringing food such as cookies, grapes, crackers or nuts also changes the tone of the meeting quickly.)  If possible, never attend a team meeting alone.
4.  Create or find a network of support for yourself.  Join your school's special education PAC... now there's a source of support & knowledge to tap into.  Consider attending workshops through organizations such as SPaN (spanmass.org) or the Federation for Children with Special Needs (fcsn.org), or join a network group specific to your child's disability.  The benefits to such networking are many, such as: knowing you are not alone, having people to talk to who have been through what you are experiencing, and free advice from people who know exactly what you are talking about and can empathize with you.

I hope this blog is helpful to someone & I especially hope that each of you has a magnificent school year.  HERE'S TO A SUCCESSFUL 2010/2011 SCHOOL YEAR!!!

WELCOME

Welcome to my blog.  I am Sandra Fitzpatrick of High Expectations Advocacy.  I hope to use this site to share information with parents of children with special needs about accessing the appropriate services for your child's unique needs in the public schools.  I will share information about special education laws, the evaluation & IEP process, research, workshops that may be of interest to you, resources, 504 plans, transition planning, person centered planning & networking, among other things.  I am looking forward to creating a site that supports parents in advocating for their children.  Please visit this site often & share it with other parents who might find it helpful.