Folks:
When the IEP session is scheduled, if you have had bad experiences before, you should definately bring an advocate from a local LD group or get yourself a law school student who is just trying to get some practice in trying a case to go with you to advise you of your kid’s rights if you are not too sure about sheling out $300.00 an hour for a full attorney yet. The schols are very tricky about taking advantage of the parents ignorance or the kid’s vulnerability. You have to protect yourself against the school trying to cheapen your child’s education. I had a friend who was LD in school, and he did not have a lawyer or advocate… The school took him to the cleaners” ! Years later, he got a look at his “Permanant Record, and saw a bunch of negative marks in it. Saying he was emotionally disturbed and etc. It took him many years to get over it, and he is still mad ! He thought these folks cared about him… I guess human nature can be evil in those matters. Anyway, make sure you got your bases covered. Ask questions, interogate and if necessary : get good advice about alternatives which the school district must foot the bill.
Re: LD, Schools and the IEP
Put the request in writing. Include the date and send it return receipt registered mail. Keep a copy. CC the sped director, principal, school psychologist and anyone else you can think of.
Perhaps you could also get help from the psychologist, teacher or case manager from the private school. If they could provide information that would help define the problem and what your son needs I would think that would help.
I am not the best on the laws but I do know they have to evaluate him if you request it. I think the time period is 12 weeks from the actual receipt of the request but I could be wrong.
Socks is the one who knows the laws the best.
Re: LD, Schools and the IEP
All you need is one referral. If there is a discrepancy between his ability and academic performance then the teachers should have referred him. Push them. You have a legit concern and without an eval they cannot say he doesn’t qualify. No teacher or other school personnel can make that determination on their own accord. Legally you have the option to have an eval done outside the school and if he qualifies, the school in most cases will pay for the eval or do one of their own. Call you state dept and get the booklet that defines your rights in regard to your child and the necessary eval criteria. Sometimes just putting a bug in their ear, at the state level will result in a phone call or visit to the county school in question. Be relentless…..
Re: LD, Schools and the IEP
I am going to embark on this stage today and I am a bit apprehensive as to what to expect. Gabby’s school has been supportive so far but I know the Board of Ed will be my challenge.
I want to wish you all the best. I wish there was more I could help you with. When I get more info on all this IEP I can pass it on to you. Leave me your email address. This forum is still a bit confusing to me.
My son is in High School and I’m struggling to get an eval for him. He is ADHD w/learning disabilities. He has been in a private school for LD for the past three years and doesn’t not have a current IEP or testing info. The HS phycologist says he must be in a regular ed classroom untill he fails, shows problems then they will consider helping him but not testing and I must wait a full grading period before anything happens. I did press on and got a 504 meeting for accomadations but that has done little.He is failing and wasting time in the math and science class, he needs resource now. He is sad and frustrated to go to class each day. Any advice?