I’m an Eastern Michigan Univeristy undergraduate student studying elementary education. I am currently taking a special education course and we are doing a project in that class about any aspect of special education that we are interested in. What interested me was the IEP process, learning disablilities, and how it effects parents and the students. For my project I am putting together a booklet geared towards parents that have children with learning disabilities. In the booklet I would like it to be filled with tips for parents that are told that their child might have a learning disability and have been told they should have their student tested. I plan to explain the IEP process in detail so that it can be easily understood, because I feel this is probably a very confusing, complicated process. I would like to include tips and statements from parents of children who have gone through this process and have been found to have or do not have a learning disability. If you would prefer to be listed as anonymous I completely understand and will comply with your wishes. I would appreciate it if you could please tell me what kind of learning disability your child has when you respond if you would like to be included in my assignment. Thank you.
~Jennifer~
sorryif confusing
Sorry if my post was confusing. What I am looking for parents or students that have gone through the IEP process and have any tips that they have for others going through this process. Or if they have any comments on what they thought of the IEP process. Thank you for any help you can give me.
~Jennifer~
Re: Doing a college research project and would like your opinion
There are so many things!
Rule number 1: “They” may be the educational experts but no one is a better expert on your child then YOU! If it doesn’t seem to fit your child, ask, ask, ask.
You are an equal member of the IEP team.
It is the schools job to educate you about the process so that the best possible decisions are made. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t be afraid to disagree, and don’t sign anything you don’t understand or agree with.
The IEP process is very legalistic. You and your child have rights. Learn what they are and use them.
Learn all you can about the process, your state laws, and the disabilities your child might have. The internet can be your friend here.
The schools have many, many things going on. Even with the best of intentions, your child is only one of many they deal with on a daily basis. YOU must be an active player in this process for you child.
Network with other parents…there are too many potholes. Use all the guides you can.
I was too passive in my first IEP meetings. I took things at face value. I didn’t find out until two years later that the school made a calculation error and my child DID qualify for services. Two critical years were lost. I’ve learned to be a better advocate because my child needs me to be a better advocate.
Good luck on your booklet, Jennifer. How do you hope to get it distributed?
Barb
Jennifer,
I’m not sure what you are asking for? Ideas on what to include? What we found most confusing? Quotes? If we know of other similar booklets so you can see what if already available?
I want to help but am unsure how. (Other than to tell you that it would be okay to post this in the parents forums if you haven’t already. This forum doesn’t get much traffic.)
Barb : )