IEP Meeting Denied

Hi Mary-

I am glad to hear that Kitty is expected to be released on Monday! I hope she is looking forward to returning to school. In order to determine the purpose of your IEP Meeting request I would like to make sure I understand your suggestions from your email.

• Double Block math class: Kitty is in an applied Geometry class (smaller class taught by a special education teacher). This class is only offered as a double block class. The applied setting contains a smaller number of students and allows for teacher instruction and students to work on the same math skills in 180 minutes that a general education class covers in 90 minutes. I would suggest you speak with Kitty's teacher, regarding Kitty's reports to you. I understand from the Behavior Specialist, Ms. BS that she observed Kitty in this class and Kitty was on task and engaged in the learning process. Ms. BS also indicated that she will be contacting you, if she has not already done so.

{Ms. BS and I spoke. She did a version of the BASC - a behavior survey, and I think is the first and only person to actually have a good understanding of what a meltdown is and how often we see them - once or twice a day. Of course she isn't anyone who actually has much to do with Kitty. Her observations just determine if Kitty will go to the Special School. She did listen when I pointed out that observing Kitty in class, where she's working the hardest to keep it together means she won't see much.}

Ms. BS, you are welcomed to provide any feedback on this topic.

• Nurse visits: I believe this is a behavior that staff is looking at through the functional behavior assessment.

• Special Education Transportation: I completely understand that this might impact you negatively in Kitty's 'eyes', if you were to suggest. Typically, to qualify for special education transportation a student must be receiving services on a separate campus, has inefficient mobility skills, unable to communicate effectively, and/or have tendencies toward hyperactivity or aggression. This in no way is an exhaustive list, but I am unaware of any data showing that the general education bus has not been effective for Kitty. The Assistant Principal, Mr. AP may have further information regarding the bus.
  

Mr. AP, if you have information regarding Kitty that negatively impacts her ability to ride a special education bus as it relates to her educational needs, please let Mrs. Themom and I know.

• Lunch and Hallway: This might be something Ms. Case Manager could question Kitty's teachers and lunch room monitors (the APs) by sending an email to gather information about what they see in these areas.

Ms. CM - Could you gather some feedback on this? After reviewing the suggestions, it looks as though most of this might be best handled by a parent / teacher conference or contacting the case manager or specific teachers. Are there any specific areas of the IEP that an IEP committee would discuss regarding changes to the IEP that I have overlooked? Please let me know so that we may schedule an IEP meeting.

Please keep in mind that the school will request an IEP meeting to review the assessment that is currently being completed. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely, IEP Meeting Coordinator