Parents Rights

Great idea! Hope it goes over well. Couple quick things. Make sure you define Federal Law and State Law as well as local policy and procedural differences; explain to parents where they can go to find out about all.

Also, it would be a great help to show parents where there are web sites to do research on laws, rights and questions they may have regarding the process etc… (www.wrightslaw.com, www.edlaw.com are two of many, let alone many who post on this bb have great sites too!)

Tell them where to go to find full versions of FERPA and other informative locations of the laws, as they were written, and advise parents to print out copies to study and bring with to meetings if there is question about what their rights actually are.

Most important is to remind them of the initial objective, which is to find assistance for their child, not fight with the district. To be forwarned is to be well armed, but stay civil, respectful and well prepared.

Finally, it is critical to advise parents that it is ok to not sign an IEP if they disagree with it. They should not think that they can always go back and change their minds (which they can), but they will find if push comes to shove with their district at a later date, the argument that will be used against them will be “you agreed with it before, why did you change your mind…”. IF THEY DO NOT AGREE, DO NOT SIGN THE DOCUMENT. Initial off what they do agree with, but request from the district what are their options if they dispute anything or everything.

Thanks for helping parents help their children.

Andy

Hello — I think that is a great idea - I have compiled a list of e-mail addresses that might be of interest to you - I’m a parent of a child 11 yrold who is dylexic and its been very frustrating the last 10 month, trying to find out what her rights are and what my rights are and - it’s taking alot of time educating myself online and its been an interesting path for sure. I had read so much and have copied so much information . I actually have the NJ Branch President of the International Dyslexia Assoc coming to my town to speak to parents/teachers about different mutli-sensory techniques and I’m copying my list of e-mail addresses for them. Anything that can educate the parents before a IEP meeting is so helpful. E-mail me at [email protected]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IEP_guide

free guide and help

You know,this is very much what the schools,are supposed to give the parents ,but don’t. Called “procedural safeguards” under IDEA. I have to say the bigger issue is the district’s being compliant with the laws,and providing the parents with their rights,in the first place.. One thought I have and want to impress upon you. If you are making this phamplet,and plan on giving it to the district to pass on to parents,they probably won’t. THIS is what we need help doing. Have you thought about a project where you force compliance with the laws,we already know about? I hope I don’t sound sarcastic,I don’t mean to be,but when can we expect the laws we know about,are being complied with?

I am making this for myself to give to the parents of my future students. I have had first hand experiance with the system and I have also talked to many other parents about their lack of knowledge and how the school system didn’t really help them. I am making this to help aid the parent. I am just trying to make it easier for the parent. I want to give them the upper hand. To many parents just go along with what the “experts” say. They think that it must be right if the professionals say it. But parents have rights. And I want them to know what they are. Thank you for your response. I wish that the district would do more for parents but unfortunatly the don’t .

Rosanna