Well, I just came from an IEP meeting with my child 4yrs (pre-k), I’m angry, frustrated, and for some reason feel like I’ve been deceited. First of all, my child was evaluated one day after she started taking ritlen and it was noted in her evaluation report that she was not on any medication. Can you get accuarte test results? The report had no recognition of her being diagnosed of ADHD; it only mentioned that she had behavioral problems, but was intentional. At the meeting they told me that she knew what she was doing and that her behavior (hitting other students, not being able to sit still, not following directions, not finishing her assignments, becoming easily side tracked, suspenstion off of bus,etc.) is intentional. They said she did not qualify for special ed. because her IQ 101, Battelle Developmental score 65, Adaptive skills scored 84 (in low average range). They suggested a behavioral plan for the bus and during class, which is just to reward her for following the rules. The principle said that if she still got in trouble she would get the same disciplinary action as any normal child. This bothers me, I think that 45 days off the bus is too much for behavior that falls under her disability. I asked if they would allow my older son to sit with her, the principle said no other kids can sit in the front of the bus because of safety reasons. I asked if they could have an aid to ride with her, they said no. No aid is offered on a regular ed bus. So, I’m confused, I had the impression that any steps necessary to help the child be in an environment with regular children should be tried. They said that the special ed bus is another alternative, but I hate for that happen. I want her to have a fair opportunity.
I tried to be calm and not argue with them,but when they said she was doing the things she’s doing intentionally and not recognizing ADHD behavior, really made me hot. I have raised two children already and their is a significant difference between them and her. I never had any trouble with them at all and I raised shyan the same way. She is not biologically mine, but I have had her since she was 6 months old. At what point do you distinguish negative behavior, opposition, and stubborness from intentional to ADHD? And should she be punished for it?
Re: IEP results what do you do when you don't like them
Thanks for responding, I am on the verge of cracking up,I have let this bother me so much that I can’t even sleep at night. To top it off, I just got a phone call from my daugther’s teacher, she has been hitting, bitting, pulling hair, and lord only knows what else, she said I will have to pick her up everytime it happens from now on. I attend college, my schedule is tight my work is overwhelming, my nerves are about shot. I explained to the teacher that I tried during the IEP meeting to get them to come up with something that my daughter could benefit from, but they would not even recognize her having ADHD. She said they don’t have anything for children with behavior problems,all they had was a program for intervention for the developmentally delayed and my daughter does not qualify. I don’t know what to do except not answer my phone. help
Re: IEP results what do you do when you don't like them
defintely don’t answer your phone. You want to start documenting this.
1. They must either find a behavior program,or start one if this is what she needs.
This is your daughters right.
you should probably write a letter,nicely letting them know that you are aware of her rights and do not accept their answers.
email me I will help you write one.
do you have a formal diagnosis from a medical doctor stating this child has ADHD? If so,I would send a copy of this report and a formal request that the school institute a 504 plan. I would send this in writing,and possibly copy the letter to someone in administration at your county school district. Such as the special education director. What the school is saying,is based on their criteria they are saying she is not learning disabled. She is still diagnosed ADHD ,and this is a covered disablitiy under 504. Under 504 they must accomodate her. It of course burns you up for a bunch of so called professionals to actually say that she intentionally does these things and at 4years old it is within her power to control herself.
My first thought would be,show me your data,in your testing,in your report that states or proves her behavior is intentional and within her power to control.
If there is no scores or data,testing whether or not she in fact has no issues with ADHD,then how can they state this?
You have a report stating she does,and she in fact is in need of medication to help her control her behavior,then they had better show she doesn’t. Which they can’t,because a school psychologist is not qualified to make this determination.
With all this said,and if you remain concerned about whether she has a learning disability,you can also do a few other things instead.
1. You have the right to request an independent evaluation at the school districts expense,if you do not feel they have reached the right conclusions or did the appropriate tests. This is a parental safeguard,you may request this,the only way the school can refuse your request is to take you to court,period. They would have to prove their results are correct,and that this 4 year old intentionally behaves this way,and she doesn’t need assistance beyond a reward system?Hah,not likely any judge would agree with this district. Besides this,it is way more expensive to file against you in court then to go ahead and provide you with this eval. An independent evaluator is someone who has no relationship with the school district.
2. You could write the principal,asking for clarification on what was said at this meeting. State,according to your report it states she does in fact have ADHD,the school states she doesn’t? What data do they have stating this? You feel they do not have this and would like to formally request they reconsider a 504 plan.
hope some of these suggestions help.