I have just attended an IEP meeting with regards to my 10 year old niece. I came away from that meeting very disappointed. I am new to this whole procedure and I need help in how an IEP should look. the IEP, the teachers had, was not specific to her needs.
it appeared to be a general IEP. does anyone have any suggestion as to how I can become educated with creating an IEP specific for her needs?
Re: learning disabled
You may also find www.wrightslaw.com and www.fetaweb.com. helpful. It is from an attorney who specializes in special ed law and his wife, who is a psychologist, wrote the book “From Emotions to Advocacy” and (www.fetaweb) is the companion website. Excellent stuff. It has been a saving grace. Remember “Knowledge is Power” . My experience has been that the school will not offer anything of great value to you, especially in the information area. Its up to you!
Re: learning disabled
It is also good to remember that even though you collect all this legal information on how an IEP should be written and have lawyers involved that
the people on the IEP team are “teachers” and had absolutely no plans on ever becoming attorneys, just working with kids to help improve their skills. I do know that it is very important to know your rights. You are the advocate for your child. Be sure and build a working relationship with your child’s teacher. That will be your best asset. The greatest team’s are people who listen to what a child really needs: if you are not getting any cooperation with the teacher or school psychologist contact their supervisor (it is always listed somewhere on the paperwork). Also, I would make a scheduled meeting to set down with the person who writes the final draft of the IEP and have them explain everything. Bring your copy and make notes and suggestions all over it. You will need to schedule an official meeting to actually make changes but it should help clear up areas of question. Also, if you feel intimidated at the meetings bring another advocate with you to the meeting. Families Together is a good place to start.
Re: learning disabled thanks to everyone
thank you for suppling me with info on IEP’s I found all the info to be very helpful. thanks again
Dear Dottie:
Get a copy of “Better IEP’s: How to Develop Legally Correct and Educationally Useful Progams” by Barbara Bateman and Mary Anne Linden.
Both have their Ph.D’s and are attorneys. I think you can order it from your local bookstore. But if not, you can get it from Sopriswest at www.sopriswest.com or by calling 1-800-819-6747.